Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate?

Yes, dogs can eat pomegranate safely, provided they are fed in moderation. These fruits are neither toxic nor poisonous and can even offer several health benefits for dogs. All parts of pomegranate fruit, including the skin, seeds, and flesh, contain polyphenols which are great for preventing cancer and other terminal diseases. 

Pomegranates are touted for their powerful antioxidant properties that help fight oxidative damage to the body cells resulting from free radicals. These antioxidants also aid in warding off diseases like cancer and slowing down the aging process in dogs. The jewel-colored fruits are packed with vitamins C and K, folate, potassium, and fiber.

These nutrients play critical roles in supporting the general health of dogs. Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant that can boost the immune health of dogs and help them fight diseases. Vitamin K is essential in promoting strong bone formation and supporting healthy blood clotting. The folate present in this fruit supports healthy blood production and boosts immune system functioning.

However, there are precautions you should observe while feeding pomegranates to your dog. First, while pomegranate seeds are not toxic and can be safely consumed in small amounts, they can be a choking risk to dogs if they swallow too many at a go. Additionally, dogs may get a digestive upset or digestive tract obstruction from ingesting large amounts of pomegranate seeds.

Pomegranate peels or skins are hard to digest and thus pose a choking hazard or, worse still, result in intestinal blockage if swallowed. These can also cause severe gastric distress in large amounts.

1. Candied Pomegranate 

Candies and candy products, candied pomegranate included, are a complete no-no for dogs. These foods are usually made with lots of sugar and often include artificial sweeteners. The digestive systems of dogs are not designed to handle such amounts of sugar. Feeding these sugary foods to dogs can cause a host of health problems.

Can dogs eat candied pomegranates safely?

Absolutely not. Dogs should never be allowed to eat candied pomegranates or any other foods containing added sugars. This is because they have a very high sugar content, which dogs can’t handle. Besides causing digestive upset, too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes, heart diseases, and other serious health complications.

Candied pomegranates may also contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs.

2. Dried Pomegranate

Dried fruits are typically dehydrated fruits. This means that they have undergone a process to remove their water. As a result, they are more nutrient-dense compared to fresh or raw fruits. Dried pomegranates have a high sugar concentration, which dogs don’t need.

Can dogs eat dried pomegranate safely?

No, dogs can’t eat dried pomegranate safely. While there is nothing toxic about dried pomegranates, they are extremely sugary and can harm dogs if consumed in large amounts.

Too much sugar can lead to health problems including unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, tooth decay, joint issues, and heart problems in dogs. 

One or two dried pomegranates given infrequently as a rare treat are unlikely to harm your dog.  It’s, however, best to keep dried fruits, including dried pomegranates, out of your dog’s way to ensure its safety.

3. Raw Pomegranate 

Raw or fresh pomegranates are packed with nutrients like vitamin C and K, folate, fiber, and antioxidants which can support a dog’s health. When fed in moderation, raw pomegranate can offer health benefits to dogs. The fiber in raw pomegranate can aid digestion and relieve constipation and mild diarrhea.

Can dogs eat raw pomegranate safely?

Yes, dogs can eat raw pomegranate safely and benefit from them as long as they are fed in very small amounts. However, you should note that pomegranate skin is tough for dogs to digest, and feeding raw pomegranate can cause severe gastric irritation to your dog.

Feeding raw pomegranate to your dog may help boost its immunity, fight infections, and improve brain and skin health due to its abundant antioxidants and vitamin C.

4. Pomegranate Jelly 

Pomegranate jelly is essentially made by puréeing cooked pomegranates with added sugar. Fruit jellies are generally very high in sugar, which isn’t healthy for dogs. Even the sugar-free versions include artificial sweeteners like xylitol which is extremely toxic to dogs. The high sugar content in pomegranate jelly makes it an unideal snack choice for dogs, especially those struggling with obesity and diabetes.

Can dogs eat pomegranate jelly safely?

No, dogs should not consume pomegranate jelly. While this is not toxic, it’s what’s added to the jelly that makes it unsuitable for dogs. Pomegranate jelly, just like other fruit jellies, contains a lot of sugar which can lead to diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and other related health issues when consumed in large amounts. Sugar-free pomegranate jelly may contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which can give your dog a serious bellyache.

Besides the high sugar content, pomegranate jelly is low in nutritional value and hence not beneficial to dogs.

5. Pomegranate Juice 

Pomegranate juice is made by extracting fluids from fresh pomegranates. This is usually done by blending the whole fruit. While this sounds healthy, pomegranate juice has a very high sugar concentration, which is harmful to dogs.

Can dogs eat consume pomegranate juice safely?

Yes, dogs can consume very small amounts of pomegranate juice safely. Pomegranate juice is high in sugar, which can put your dog at a higher risk of unhealthy weight gain, diabetes, and heart diseases. Be careful with the amount of sugar your dog consumes, even if it’s natural sugars.

Ensure you consult a vet before giving juice to dogs that are predisposed to diabetes or obesity, as this could worsen their condition.  

What Else Can Dogs Eat Together with Pomegranate? 

The following foods can go well with pomegranates:

Kiwis: These fruits are good for dogs, as they contain crucial vitamins and minerals, as well as other nutrients that help dogs stay healthy. They are low in calories but packed with fiber, making them ideal for weight management.

Kiwis are also high in water, hence making them excellent hydrating treats, more so on hot sunny days. They’re also loaded with antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C. These are helpful in fighting and minimizing oxidative damage caused by the free radicals and fighting diseases and infections like cancer. 

These nutritious fruits contain lutein, a nutrient that’s essential for promoting eye health. Other nutrients present in kiwis include minerals like potassium and calcium, which help dogs build strong and healthy bones, improve neurological functions, and maintain ideal body fluid balance.

However, eating too many kiwi fruits can cause severe gastric distress, including vomiting and diarrhea. These should thus be fed occasionally in modest amounts.

Papaya: Papaya makes an excellent addition to a dog’s diet when fed in the proper manner. The fruit is high in fiber, digestive enzymes, and antioxidant-rich vitamins which can support the overall health of dogs. 

Due to its high moisture and fiber content, papaya can help with indigestion, gassiness, and bloating. It also contains vitamins A, C, E, and K plus minerals like calcium, potassium, folate, and magnesium. Antioxidants like lutein and lycopene which aid in fighting free radicals that cause oxidative stress to body cells are also abundant in these fruits.

Feeding papayas to your dog can help it maintain a healthy immune system, reduce inflammation, enhance skin and coat health, and build healthy bones. Like other fruits, papaya should be given in small amounts to avoid upsetting your dog’s tummy.

Bananas: Bananas constitute a healthy snack for dogs when given in moderation. It contains various nutrients including potassium, magnesium, biotin, fiber, vitamins B6 and C, as well as antioxidants. These are all critical in maintaining a dog’s general well-being.

Bananas can benefit your dog’s digestion as they include a high amount of dietary fiber, which keeps things moving smoothly along the intestinal tract. This aids in the relief of constipation and mild diarrhea.

These fruits also contain vitamin B6, which dogs need for the healthy functioning of the body and brain, as well as for maintenance of body fluid balance and hormone regulation. Vitamin C, that’s also present in bananas, is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immunity and aids in the fight against illnesses in dogs.

Bananas are however loaded with sugar which contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart problems, and other health complications when fed in high amounts.

Oranges: Dogs can eat the flesh of oranges safely as long as they are fed in moderation. These fruits are chock-full of nutrients like vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and flavonoids. These play important roles in the body of a dog including promoting immune health, fighting oxidative stress caused by free radicals, combating diseases like cancer,  maintaining healthy body fluid balance, and aiding digestion.

However, the seeds, peels, and pith contain toxic substances which can cause gastrointestinal upset if consumed. Oranges are also very high in sugar, which although natural, can lead to obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes if consumed in large amounts.

What are the health advantages of feeding Pomegranate to your dog? 

Pomegranates contain nutrients that offer several health benefits to dogs, including:

• Contains vitamin K: Dogs need vitamin K to help them build strong bones and enhance bone density. This mineral is also essential in regulating the body’s ability to clot and minimizing the risk of excessive hemorrhaging in case of injuries.
• Packed with vitamin C: Pomegranates are loaded with vitamin C which acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps in combating free radicals that cause oxidative damage to the body cells of dogs. This vitamin is also crucial in supporting the immune system of dogs and helping them fight diseases and infections. Vitamin C is also helpful in improving the health and condition of a dog’s skin.
• Rich in folate: This is an important B vitamin that helps in supporting healthy blood production, promoting immune system functioning, and regulating tissue growth.
• Better oral health: Feeding pomegranate or including pomegranate extract can help in the treatment of halitosis or bad breath in dogs.
• Fiber: Pomegranates contain a good amount of dietary fiber that aids digestion, regulates bowel movement, and aids in the control of blood sugar levels. Fiber also helps to keep dogs feeling full for longer, hence helping in weight management. 

What are the disadvantages of feeding pomegranates to your dog? 

While pomegranates are healthy and safe for dogs to consume, there are also some advantages of feeding these fruits to your dog. These include:

• Too much sugar: Like other fruits, pomegranates are loaded with sugar. Too much sugar, even when natural, can lead to obesity, diabetes, dental problems, and heart issues in dogs.
• Digestive upset: Feeding large amounts of pomegranates to your dog can cause a tummy ache. The peels and the seeds also contain a toxic substance called tannin, which can cause digestive upset if consumed in large amounts.
• Choking and obstruction risk: Pomegranate skin is tough for dogs to digest and can hence cause a serious intestinal blockage if swallowed. If a dog swallows a large number of pomegranate seeds at once, it risks getting choked as well.

What are the best dog foods with Pomegranate? 

Pomegranates are nutritious and make healthy treats for dogs when given in moderation. They are loaded with fiber that aids digestion and helps in weight management. These fruits are also loaded with antioxidants, making them great for managing inflammation and warding off diseases like cancer.

Since they are low in fats and cholesterol, pomegranates are excellent for preventing heart diseases. The high content of vitamin C and K boosts immunity, fights free radicals, promotes blood clotting, and enhances healthy blood clotting.

Given these health benefits, some dog food brands include these fruits in their recipes. Some of our favorite dog foods containing pomegranates include:

• Farmina N&D Ancestral Grain Chicken & Pomegranate Recipe Adult Mini Dry Dog Food,
• Wellness CORE Digestive Health Wholesome Grains Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food
• Holistic Select Adult Health Lamb Meal Recipe Dry Dog Food

Is there a limit to how much pomegranate is harmful to dogs?

Despite pomegranates being healthy and safe for dogs to consume, they should only be fed in moderation. These fruits are best served as occasional treats and never as part of a dog’s normal diet.

Feeding pomegranates in large amounts can lead to severe gastrointestinal distress in dogs. These fruits are also high in natural sugars, which dogs are incapable of handling. When given in excessive amounts, pomegranates can contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, dental problems, and heart diseases among other complications.

The general rule is that fruits, pomegranates included, should never make more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories. However, the specific amount of pomegranates that your dog can eat depends on its weight and size. Larger dogs can tolerate a larger amount of pomegranates compared to their small counterparts. As such, small dogs may get digestive upset from consuming even a small amount of pomegranates.