The pomegranate is one of the superfood fruits. It contains a lot of nutrients and many antioxidants. Although the seeds taste sweet, the sugar content is low. Your dog can also benefit from the health benefits of pomegranate.
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat pomegranates?
Yes, your dog can eat pomegranate. The fruit is very healthy for the dog. It contains numerous vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Compared to other fruit seeds, pomegranate seeds do not contain any hydrocyanic acid. Your fur nose can eat them without hesitation. Pomegranates are not toxic to your dog.
Pomegranates in the finished feed
More and more types of dry or wet food on the market now contain pomegranate.
Manufacturers usually advertise that the fruit contains a high proportion of ellagic acid. This is said to be good for the protection of cells, the cardiovascular system and the immune system.
Due to the fact that pomegranates are more expensive than domestic fruit, the pomegranates are usually only found in the middle price segment and in premium dog food brands.
There’s even one manufacturer that includes the superfruit in every one of their foods.
However, there is no need to change the diet for your dog to benefit from the health benefits. It is sufficient to simply add the pomegranate seeds to the purchased dog food or barf. Your darling can eat the small red seeds raw, but they should be ripe.
Reading tip: Be sure to read our Can Dogs Eat Cherries article to find out if dogs are safe to eat this fruit.
This is why pomegranates are healthy for your dog
Pomegranates are very healthy for dogs and have a high nutrient density. They contain the vitamins like vitamin B, C and folic acid. The minerals iron, phosphorus, potassium and calcium are also present in large quantities. In addition, the pomegranate contains trace elements, essential fatty acids and has an antioxidant effect.
What is special about the power fruit is that it contains a lot of polyphenols and ellagic acid.
Polyphenols are supposed to protect your fur nose from free radicals. They can also support good blood clotting. They should also have an anti-inflammatory effect and regulate blood pressure.
The valuable polyphenols of the pomegranate are even used in medical tumor treatment.
Ellagic acid is said to have numerous health benefits. Among other things, this should protect the cells and have a positive effect on cancer.
Pomegranates also contain a lot of fiber and therefore have a good effect on digestion. They are also said to be good for preventing diarrhea.
Are the seeds in pomegranates poisonous?
Dogs are not allowed to eat conventional fruit stones. These include, for example, cherry or apricot kernels. These can contain hydrocyanic acid, which is very toxic to dogs. If the dog eats large amounts of it, it can lead to death.
However, this danger does not exist with pomegranate seeds because they do not contain any hydrocyanic acid. Your dog can eat them too. So you don’t have to laboriously remove the pulp from the seeds.
In the production of animal feed, as a rule, only the kernels are used. Therefore, the pomegranate seeds are not toxic for your furry friend.
Good to know:
Your four-legged friend can eat the pomegranate seeds without hesitation.
Note, however, that the red juice from the pulp can cause stains. Therefore, your dog should not eat pomegranates on a carpet or sensitive floor.
Can dogs eat pomegranates whole?
No, your dog should not eat the hard shell and white flesh that is between the pits. It tastes bitter and can be difficult for your furry friend to digest. Therefore, your dog should not eat pomegranates whole.
You should also make sure that you only feed pomegranates when they are ripe. If the kernels are brownish and soft, then they are bad and not suitable for eating. The same applies if the kernels smell bad.
Reading tip: You can’t miss finding out if dogs can eat figs! Click here to read our exciting article on Can Dogs Eat Figs?
How many pomegranate seeds can my dog eat?
Even if your furry friend likes to eat pomegranate seeds, you shouldn’t feed them too many of them. Just like with us humans, too much can lead to stomach upsets such as abdominal pain.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat pomegranates?
Yes, your dog can eat pomegranates without hesitation. The kernels contain a lot of vitamins, minerals, trace elements and have an antioxidant effect. What is special about the fruit is the high content of polyphenols and ellagic acid. These are said to have a positive effect on the immune system and can even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Pomegranates are therefore considered a superfood and can regularly be on your four-legged friend’s menu.
Do you have any questions? Then write a comment now!