Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Benefits and Potential risks

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So, can dogs eat papaya? Is this fruit safe for dogs? Here’s everything you need to know about the relationship between dogs and papaya!

As you’re enjoying a slice of your favorite tropical fruit, the thought of sharing it with your canine friend might have crossed your mind. Papaya is a delicious fruit that’s packed with healthy fats, tons of antioxidants, and different vitamins that are essential to our bodies.

 

Ensure that you remove the skin and the seeds and serve in small amounts

 

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Is Papaya Good For Your Dog?

The simple answer to this question is an overwhelming YES! The fruit can be a healthy and tasty treat for humans and dogs alike. It has many nutritional benefits for your dog (and human) such as:

  • Minerals: Potassium, folate, calcium– Good for better circulation of blood and promote bone health and density
  • Vitamins: A, C, E & K–Good for immunity and healthy skin and fur
  • Fiber: Helps with digestion and prevent constipation thanks to the high water content
  • Antioxidants: Good for immunity and a healthy heart
  • Digestive enzymes: Helps in breaking down proteins in food

However, papaya should be an occasional treat for your dog rather than part of its daily diet. Fruits and vegetables aren’t an essential part of dogs’ diet, and specialists recommend that you limit the intake of such foods to a maximum of 10 percent of their calories daily. Like with any other snack, given occasionally and in small potions, papaya can play an essential role in the nutritional health of your dog and aid in maintaining a balanced diet.  Always consult your veterinarian before making any change in your dog’s diet.

 

Can Dogs Eat Papaya Whole?

Absolutely not! Your dog shouldn’t eat papaya skin and seeds.

Skin: You should remove papaya skin before feeding it to your dog. Papaya skin is hard to digest for both humans and your dog. Eating it can give your dog terrible tummy aches. It also poses the risk of choking and worse still, if your dog eats a lot of skin, the undigested skin can get stuck in the dog’s digestive tract, resulting in a blockage. When this happens, you should call your vet as soon as possible; the problem can result in a serious medical emergency that could call for surgery.

However, that can be avoided by peeling and slicing your dog’s papaya and keeping whole papayas out of reach, so the dog won’t think of helping him/herself.

Seeds: Like the seeds of most fruits, papaya seeds aren’t good for your dog either. They contain small amounts of cyanide, which could be toxic. However, these amounts are rather significant, unless your dog consumes a lot of them.

Even after removing the seeds & skin and chopping papaya into small pieces, serve your dog with at least four small slices a day for medium to large size dogs. When given in moderation, you prevent possible adverse effects from taking a toll on your dog.

In addition, your dog can develop an allergic reaction anytime, especially if it’s trying papaya for the first time; skin problems, itching, loose stools, or vomiting. Different dogs can develop different symptoms. Therefore, avoid offering papayas as you are dashing out of the house, give time to watch out for any allergic reaction.

 

Serving Papaya To Your Dog

Dogs can eat papaya

Papaya meant for your dog are best served ripe. It shouldn’t be too fresh or overripe either. Here are 3 ways you can serve papaya to your dog.

  • Fresh- It’s the best way to serve it. The fresh state avail all the benefits of papaya to your dog in a natural form.
  • Dehydrated – Dehydrated papaya contains a lot of sugar than the fresh alternative. This can pose the risk of increasing your dog’s sugar level and is not recommended especially for dogs with arthritis, pancreatitis, or diabetes.
  • Frozen – The only difference is the temperature. Frozen papaya might be mesmerizing on a hot day but it’s not good, especially if your dog has sensitive teeth.

So, feed your dog with fresh papaya whenever possible, and if not, frozen papayas aren’t bad either. However, keep your serving to less than five percent of the daily food intake.

 

The Takeaway:  Can Dogs Eat Papaya

If your canine friend is coveting your papaya, there is no harm in sharing this tasty treat. However, while you are enjoying the sweet taste and the numerous nutritional benefits, be wary of the potential hazards.

Can dogs eat papaya? Ensure that you remove the skin and the seeds and serve in small amounts.

Jason
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