Are Pomegranates Good For Dogs:
What Nutrients Exist And Is It Healthy?
Did you know that pomegranates are originally from East-Asian fruits, also called Apples, with many seeds? Also, this super fruit, which belongs to the berry family, can last up to two months with proper refrigeration.
Did you also know that pomegranates do not contain a single gram of cholesterol or saturated fats? Another interesting fact about these fruits is that they can contain more than a thousand seeds.
So, if the fruit is so good and rich in nutrients, are pomegranates good for dogs?
This is why you are here today. To find out whether or not you can feed your dog with pomegranates.
Well, today, we evaluate the benefits, risks, and preventive measures you can take when handling pomegranates and dogs and whether the two go well together.
What Nutritional Value Do Pomegranates Contain?
You know how an apple a day keeps the doctor away; imagine doing so with fruit with countless seeds. Pomegranate is both delicious and nutritious.
Whether you want to boost your immunity, aid with digestion, or bring down your blood sugar, pomegranate is the perfect candidate for that.
Pomegranate is a sanguine-colored fruit that contains a lot of seeds covered in arils. This juicy outer layer covering the seeds contains almost all of the nutrients you can expect to get from a pomegranate.
With that said, let’s look at some of the nutritional contents packed into this apple-like fruit.
Considering a 100 grams of pomegranate, you get over 75% water content. The fruit also contains about 83 Kilocalories of energy and 2 grams of protein.
On the other hand, you get a share of lipids, carbohydrates, fiber, and sugar. Pomegranates also contain calcium that is good for your dog’s bones, some iron, and magnesium.
💥 Other minerals contained in pomegranates include potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.
💥 Vitamins in pomegranates include ascorbic acid, Vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, and vitamin B-6.
💥 What makes pomegranates so healthy? For starters, they’re loaded with vitamin C to support your pup’s immune system.
💥 These fruits also contain vitamin E, potassium, folate, vitamin K, and fiber to aid digestion.
But pomegranates’ biggest claim to fame is their impressive antioxidant content. They’re brimming with plant compounds like punicalagins and anthocyanins that help fight free radicals and inflammation in the body.
Health Benefits Of Eating Pomegranates
With all these nutrients, your dog is bound to gain the most from a meal containing pomegranates.
Pomegranates serve the same purpose in dogs as it does in humans. So, whatever you expect to get from a pomegranate product is what your dog gets too.
With that in mind, some of the health benefits your dog can get from pomegranates include:
💥 Anti-inflammation- If your dog is suffering from inflammation or other underlying conditions that could result in inflammation, then pomegranates are the best fruits for your dog. An enzyme associated with pomegranates blocks enzymes that promote inflammation.
💥 Antioxidants- whether you are human or that tiny furry friend, you need antioxidants to restore balance in your body. Pomegranates pack quite the punch of antioxidants that get rid of radicals and cancel out the effect of oxidants.
💥 Immunity boost- Keeping your dog healthy for a long time is a crucial aspiration for all pet owners. And when you get a supply of vitamin C safely and organically, there is no reason to turn down the alternative.
And that is what pomegranate offers dog lovers. With the ample supply of vitamin C from the fruit, your dog’s immunity is bound to improve.
💥 The anti-inflammatory properties of pomegranates may help soothe conditions like arthritis in dogs. The high vitamin C boosts immunity and skin/coat health. The fiber aids digestion and keeps your dog regular.
Some research even suggests pomegranates could have anti-cancer effects and benefits for heart health thanks to those potent antioxidants. Not too shabby for a little ruby fruit!
Precautions To Take When Giving Your Dog Pomegranates
Pomegranates are fruits, and dogs are allowed to have fruits. However, the way humans enjoy a bite of pomegranate may not work for your little friend. That is why you must prepare the fruit adequately for your pet.
By now, you have already answered the question of whether or not your dog can eat pomegranates.
And now that we have determined that it is a nutritious and welcomed addition, it is time you learn of some simple precautions to take when feeding your dog with pomegranates.
Raw pomegranate and its seeds can cause vomit and diarrhea for dogs. Therefore, if you are to give your dog some fruit, the extract is the best way to do so.
Also, since the fruit is packed with antioxidants, the raw form may be too harsh for your dog’s stomach, which inevitably leads to diarrhea.
Also, the tiny seeds, when taken in large numbers, could block your dog’s digestive tract or cause choking. Hence, it is advisable that you prepare the fruit properly before feeding it to your dog.
While dogs can absolutely benefit from pomegranates’ many nutrients, there are some precautions to take. You’ll want to avoid feeding your pup the whole fruit, as the hard seeds can present a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockages.
How Do You Prepare Pomegranates For Your Dog?
There are different ways to feed your dog with pomegranates. These include:
Pomegranate extract
💥 Aforementioned, pomegranate extract is the best way to give your dog a taste of the fruit.
💥 You can prepare the extract by blending the fruit, excluding the skin, in a blender with very little water.
💥 Once you have a smooth consistency, you should strain the contents of the blender with a fine sieve and serve it to the dog.
💥 Also, remember that your dog is as delicate as a baby. So, a huge serving of pomegranate extract could cause stomach problems or even depletion of beneficial oxidants needed for your dog’s health.
Pomegranate juice
If your dog is looking to quench its thirst, then pomegranate juice is an excellent yet healthy way to do so. And since any dog enjoys a treat now and then, a generous serving of pomegranate juice will be a kind reward for your dog.
However, DO NOT replace water with pomegranate juice because too much of something is never good.
Additionally, the juice should be in diluted form since the dog cannot handle as much of the antioxidants and humans can.
Pomegranate yogurt
Although it is not a familiar flavor, mixing a small amount of blended pomegranate with your dog’s yogurt is a good source of calcium, B vitamins, and probiotics.
So, a tin of yogurt once a week could be a good start.
The best way to share pomegranates is by making a dog-friendly juice or extract:
De-seed the fruit and blend the arils (juicy pulp sacs) with a bit of water until smooth
Strain out any remaining seeds using a fine mesh strainer
Serve the resulting juice or puree in small amounts as a healthy treat
You can also give frozen pomegranate treats by freezing the strained juice in an ice cube tray for a refreshing summer snack.
Risks of feeding your dog with pomegranates
💥 So far, you have probably noted a few precautionary measures to take when feeding your dog with pomegranates.
💥 To recount these critical measures, below is a list of risks associated with pomegranates:
💥 A high intake of pomegranate seeds cause firm acidity, which upsets your dog’s stomach, leading to diarrhea and pain.
💥 Also, pomegranate seeds could cause harm to the digestive tract by scraping the inner lining of the dog’s intestines.
💥 Finally, dogs cannot break down antioxidants as well as humans can. Therefore, only feed a small amount of pomegranates to your dog for its health benefits.
Moderation is Key
As with any fruit or treat, pomegranates should only make up a small percentage of your dog’s overall diet – around 10% max. Too many can potentially cause digestive distress from the fiber and natural sugars.
Start slow with just a spoonful of pomegranate juice or puree and watch for any adverse reactions. If your pup handles it well, you can slowly increase the amount as an occasional treat.
But stick to appropriate portion sizes – a few tablespoons per day for larger breeds or just a teaspoon for smaller dogs is plenty to get those great pomegranate nutrients.
The Verdict? Thumbs Up for Pomegranates!
After weighing the pros and cons, I’m giving pomegranates an enthusiastic “yes” as a healthy, antioxidant-packed treat for our canine pals. Just be sure to remove all the seeds first and serve in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet.
Whether you share some fresh pomegranate juice or make frozen pommy pup-sicles for summer, your dog is sure to lap up this superfruit! It’s a tasty way to add some vitamin C, fiber, and anti-inflammatory benefits to their diet. So go ahead, share the pomegranate love with your furry best friend.