Yes, dogs can eat dragon fruit.
Cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions around the world, dragon fruit comes from various cactus species indigenous to the Americas. The fruit may come from the genus Stenocereus or Selenicereus, so there is a variety of colours to choose from. The spiky exterior ranges from pink to yellow, while the seeded flesh ranges from white to purple. Known as pitaya or pitahaya, dragon fruit is listed by the ASPCA as a non-toxic plant for dogs and cats.
Dragon fruit is packed with vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which can support your pooch’s immune system, cognitive function, as well as his muscular and skeletal development. It also contains omega-6 fatty acids, which dogs need to obtain through the food they eat.
How to feed dragon fruit to your dog: Choose fresh, ripe dragon fruit to give your pet. Remove the inedible stem and the hard exterior. Dispose of these properly so your dog doesn’t accidentally play with or munch on them.
Chop the fruit into small, bite-sized pieces your pooch can enjoy. There’s no need to remove the tiny black seeds as these are edible.
Here are three ideas for dragon fruit treats your dog will love:
- This vegan dog treat is made with white dragon fruit.
- Refrigerate or freeze small cubes for your pup to enjoy on a warm day.
- Create a fruit bowl consisting of his favourite fruits.
In summary: Dragon fruit is a low calorie and high fiber treat your dog can enjoy in moderation. However, some dogs may not appreciate the flesh’s mushy texture. As with most vegetables and fruits, do not give too much dragon fruit since it may cause health problems such as discomfort and digestive irregularities. If fed regularly, the sweet-tasting fruit may also cause weight gain, poor skin and fur, and dental problems.
Explore our “can dogs eat” category to discover other human foods your pet dog can safely consume.
References:
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. All fields are required.