Like many dog owners, you may be picking your brain to find new, exciting, and nutritious treats or fruits for your dog. While not all foods are safe for dogs, pears definitely are.
If you’ve found yourself asking questions like, “Can dogs eat pears? Are pears good for dogs or are pears dangerous to dogs? Can dogs eat Asian pears?” then you are in the right place!
Table of Contents
Moderation is Key
Are pears dangerous to dogs? Only if you go overboard. It’s important to keep your dog’s pear consumption to only 10% of his or her daily diet.
This means about one slice of pear for a small dog, and two for a larger dog. If you are snacking on one, it’s okay to share with your pooch, just use discretion and give in moderation to avoid any problems.
Too much pear in the diet can cause stomach issues that are uncomfortable for both you and your dog.
If you are hesitant to incorporate pear into your furry friend’s diet, always start with a smaller portion and work your way up to minimize any potential stomach issues.
Nutritional Components
Pears are a great fruit that is packed full of a lot of vitamins and minerals and lack the number of chemicals found in many store-bought dog treats. Pears are high in:
Thiamine (Vitamin B1): Thiamine is great for your dog’s heart and also improves metabolism.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Is your canine lacking energy? Riboflavin is an important factor in higher energy levels.
Niacin (Vitamin B3): If your dog is suffering from arthritis, Niacin can help improve the symptoms associated with it.
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Pyridoxine helps to promote healthy skin and red blood cell production.
Folate (Vitamin B9): If your dog is pregnant, it is important to incorporate Folate in their diet to prevent birth defects. It’s also good for cell structure and energy in non-pregnant dogs.
Vitamin C: A great antioxidant, Vitamin C helps to remove free radicals from your dog’s body.
Beta Carotene: Also found in carrots, beta carotene is a key player in healthy eyesight.
This fruit also contains vital minerals such as
Potassium
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Sodium
Potassium.
While pears contain mostly water, they also contain protein and fiber. With zero fat and only 10 grams of carbs, they are a great source of nutrients making them an ideal snack for dogs to eat.
Health Benefits
Pears have amazing health benefits for both humans and dogs, so it’s a great snack to share! Since pears are approximately 84% water content, they are good for hydration.
They can also improve cardiovascular function and decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and prevent heart disease.
Additionally, they can reduce your dog’s risk for cancer, improve eyesight, and help control blood sugar levels.
Safety First
We’ve answered the question, “Are pears good for dogs?” and now many pet owners move onto the big question: “Are pears dangerous to dogs?”
This is where things get sticky and it’s crucial to implement safe feeding measures.
The first point is obvious. Pears can be choking hazards. Make sure the pear you choose to feed your dog is ripe.
Do not give your dog a hard, bitter pear. Not only will they probably not like it, but they could also choke on it.
Here’s how to tell if a pear is ripe: if it sinks in softly when you press on it, it should be good to go. Just make sure to wash it first.
Next, make sure you cut the pear into bite-size pieces to provide extra protection against choking.
The final caution is to remove the seeds! Pear seeds contain cyanide, which can be very harmful to dogs in large amounts.
As previously mentioned, too much pear can cause stomach issues in dogs. Not only will this create a mess in your house, but diarrhea leads to dehydration. Dehydration is dangerous to dogs, especially if they run around outside a lot.
Types of Pears
You know the answer now to “Can dogs eat pears?” But what kind of pears can dogs eat? Can dogs eat Asian pears?
The type of pear you feed your dog is important. Make sure not to use canned pears. Canned pears have too much sugar added to them, which will lead to weight gain over time.
Any pear you feed your dog should be fresh. To make feeding your dog these tasty treats safe, the core and stem must be removed before your dog can eat a piece.
Giving your pup the skin and flesh is the healthiest way to get the beneficial nutrients from this juicy fruit into your dogs diet. However, Asian pears are just fine as long as they are ripe, cut in bite-sized pieces, and have been deseeded.
Recipes
Dog Lovin’ – Oatmeal Pear Banana Treats
Oatmeal Pear Banana Dog Treats {Gluten-Free}
Recipe by Laura Ashman Jolna
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 44-48 treats
Ingredients
2 1/2 cup oat flour, gluten-free or ground oats
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
2 med pear, very ripe
2 very ripe banana, mashed
3 Tbsp molasses
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350º.
Mix all dry ingredients together in a medium bowl with a whisk (oat flour thru ginger).
Peel and core pear*. Puree in a blender or cuisinart (I use a mini cuisinart).
Combine wet ingredients (pear puree through molasses) in a bowl and blend with a whisk.
Add puree to dry mixture and stir well with a spatula until mixed.
Refrigerate dough for at least 15 minutes (don’t skip this step).
Scoop on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray using a small cookie scoop. Flatten with a wet fork.
Bake for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Store in the refrigerator as there aren’t any preservatives used. Treats should last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
* IMPORTANT: make sure you remove all pear seeds before you puree. Pear seeds contain cyanide and can be toxic for dogs.
For a fun look, try putting the dough in treat size molds instead of on a baking sheet.
That’s A Wrap!
Overall, pears can be quite a great addition to your dog’s diet. The sweet taste of a pear is an appealing food for a dog, making it an easy task slipping your friend a piece, adding to their daily dietary needs. So you will now be able to answer confidently if someone asks you , can dogs eat pears?
As with any diet change, consult your veterinarian if you have any worries or concerns. With pears, your pet will have an exciting new, tasty snack loaded in vitamins to munch on. Happy snacking!
If you have enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends!
