Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

The short answer: Yes, but only occasionally and in small amounts.

The long answer: Rich in fiber, vitamins, folate, potassium, and calcium, papayas can be safely consumed by your dog to help improve his circulatory, digestive, and immune systems. As long as you remove the skin and seeds and chop the fruit into bite-sized pieces, he can enjoy snacking on a few pieces at a time. The black papaya seeds should not be eaten by your dog because they contain cyanide and may block your dog’s digestive system. Since the fruit is high in sugar, it is best not to serve papayas or other fruits to your diabetic dog.

Also, refrain from feeding your dog too many papaya slices in one sitting because it may cause gastrointestinal upset. Dried or dehydrated papayas may be fed to your dog as long as they do not contain any salt, herbs, or flavourings that may be toxic for him.

How to feed papayas to your dog: Wash the ripe papaya properly. Make sure you remove the flesh from the hard outer layer, take out all the seeds, and dispose of them properly. Chop the soft flesh into small edible pieces to prevent choking and airway obstruction.

Here are three ideas for papaya treats your dog will love:

Puree a few cubes of papaya in a blender, then pop it in the refrigerator. Serve it chilled for a refreshing twist.
Create frozen treats using papayas and water or Greek yoghurt for your pup.
Celebrate summer with this tropical dog treat consisting of baked mango and papaya.

In summary: Ripe papayas can be a naturally sweet addition to your dog’s diet. Packed with antioxidants and healthy fats, your pooch will enjoy snacking on the juicy and delicious treat! Consult with your veterinarian to make sure you can add it to your dog’s diet, and feed him one piece to observe how his stomach reacts to it.

Aside from papayas, discover which other fruits dogs can safely eat in our “can dogs eat” category.