Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?

Can dogs eat pomegranates? Yes, they certainly can. Pomegranates contain many beneficial nutrients and can be fed to dogs in small amounts. Of course, it’s wise to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your dog’s diet, including pomegranates. Despite the nutritional benefits of this fruit, it may be better for dogs with certain health conditions or dietary needs to avoid pomegranate. Do you want to know more about what makes pomegranate safe for dogs under most circumstances? Read on for all the details.

Health benefits of pomegranates

Pomegranates contain a whole array of nutrients—including vitamin C, folate, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Pomegranates are high in antioxidants and have potent anti-inflammatory. In fact, many dog food formulas include the types of nutrients found in pomegranates to enrich the recipe and give dogs a health boost. 

How to feed pomegranate to your dog

Some pet parents wonder, “Can dogs eat pomegranate seeds?” Arils are the red, juicy, edible seeds of the pomegranate, and yes, it is okay for your dog to eat these, as long as your veterinarian has no concerns. But can dogs eat pomegranate skin? It’s not a good idea. Pomegranate skin doesn’t contain toxic compounds, but it can lead to gastrointestinal upset, which could be dangerous for your dog. Of course, dogs have taste preferences just like people do, and your dog may not even enjoy eating pomegranates. If they do, feed them just a small amount now and then as a treat. Too much at a time might hurt your pup’s stomach.

As you may know, certain foods are only good for dogs to eat after they’ve been cooked. Can dogs eat raw pomegranate? Absolutely. Remember that too much fruit might give your pup an upset stomach, so start with a little at a time. And it’s best not to feed your dog pomegranate skin, as it can be difficult to digest and lead to tummy troubles. 

Even though pomegranate is safe for dogs in most cases, it may be better to select a commercially available food that includes some of the same nutritional benefits as a pomegranate—such as vitamin C, potassium and magnesium. You can still give your dog pomegranate as a treat, but keep in mind that all treats should only make up about 10% of your pup’s diet.

Featured dog products with pomegranate

FAQs About Feeding Pomegranates to Dogs

What do I do if my dog eats pomegranate?

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With pomegranate safe for dogs in most situations, there’s probably no need to worry if your pup swiped a mouthful of pomegranate seeds out of your breakfast bowl. If your dog accidentally consumes a lot of pomegranates, they may experience some less-than-fun stomach issues for a little while. However, if your dog ate pomegranate skin, it’s a good idea to keep a close eye on their symptoms and ask your veterinarian for advice. Pomegranate skin is not toxic but can be difficult to digest, leading to digestive trouble and gastrointestinal blockages. 

Is pomegranate juice safe for dogs?

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Yes, it is. Any dog that can eat pomegranate fruit should be able to ingest pomegranate juice. As with pomegranate seeds, juice should be given sparingly to avoid making your dog feel sick. If your dog likes the taste of pomegranate, you can try splashing a little pomegranate juice on their food or letting them lick a small amount out of a dish for a vitamin and mineral boost. 

When can’t dogs have pomegranate?

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In some instances, dogs should not have pomegranates. Though pomegranates are considered nutritionally beneficial, too much of any single type of food—including wholesome fruits like pomegranates—in a dog’s diet can lead to nutritional imbalances and other problems.  This is especially true for dogs with dietary needs, such as diabetic dogs. In addition, any new food can cause gastrointestinal upset in your dog, particularly if consumed in large amounts. If your veterinarian has no objections to your dog eating pomegranate, try feeding your pet this tasty treat—just don’t overdo it. 

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