Can Dogs Eat Pears?

Whether you’re enjoying a snack or tucking into dinner, your dog is probably by your side with curious and excited eyes. Canines love sharing human food — but it’s important to find healthy treats for dogs that won’t make them sick. While dogs don’t need fruit to stay fit and healthy, they can enjoy it in small quantities. 

Knowing what fruits dogs can eat, however, is vital, as some are toxic. Grapes (or anything containing grapes such as raisins) are very poisonous to dogs and can lead to kidney failure.

So we’re answering the question — can dogs eat pears? Read this extensive and helpful guide for everything you need to know.

Pears are delicious, juicy and healthy. But are they safe for our dogs? The answer is yes. Dogs can enjoy the taste of pear from time-to-time. Just be sure not to feed them too much to avoid diarrhea and excessive gas.

Pears should also be cut up into small bite-sized pieces to prevent choking. Pears are a good choice for dogs suffering from obesity. They can also benefit picky dogs or those who need encouragement to eat.

Can dogs eat Asian pears? Of course! The variety doesn’t matter. Dogs can tuck into a grocery store staple like the Barlett pear or try something a bit more exotic such as varieties of Korean or Asian pears. They might even have a preference. Select ripe pears where possible as these are easier to chew, especially for puppies and older dogs.

Avoid unripe, rotting or moldy pears as these can cause an upset stomach. In short, if a pear looks unappetizing and you wouldn’t eat it — don’t give it to your pet.

Asking questions about your dog’s diet makes you a responsible pet owner. It’ll help you to avoid toxic foods and keep your dog healthy. The good news is, pears are great for your dog in moderation. Here are just some of the health benefits.

Full of Nutrients 

Pears are loaded with Vitamin C, Vitamin K and copper. These nutrients support the immune system, promote bone health and are necessary as part of a healthy diet.

Good Source of Fiber 

As with humans, dogs need fiber to aid digestion and regulate bowel movements. Pears in moderation can prevent stomach problems, including constipation.

Assist with Hydration

Fruits such as watermelons and pears have a high water content. This helps to keep dogs hydrated, particularly on a hot summer’s day when they’ve been running around.

Naturally Sweet 

If your dog is obese, you can try a wide range of activities to burn calories and get them back in shape. You can also feed them delicious snacks that taste amazing but aren’t laden in fats and sugars. Pears are the perfect treat for dogs on a diet.

Packed with Antioxidants 

Did you know that pears are packed with antioxidants? These support cellular health and will help your dog to feel great for as long as possible.

Here’s the nutritional content of a raw pear per 100g portion.

• Water: 83.96g
• Energy: 57kcal
• Protein: 0.36g
• Total fat: 0.14g
• Carbohydrate: 15.23g
• Dietary fiber: 3.1g
• Sugars: 9.75g
• Potassium: 116mg
• Vitamin C: 4.3mg

Source: FoodData Central

So pears are good. But can dogs eat pears with skin? While most dogs can tolerate pear skin, some might find it hard to digest due to its rough texture.

The skin can also be a choking hazard, so be sure to supervise your dog when they eat and be aware of choking signs. Always wash pear skin thoroughly to prevent pesticides and other chemicals from entering your pet’s digestive system. And if you’re worried, simply feed them the flesh.

Dogs love to eat many types of seeds, from chia to pumpkin and even grapefruit seed extract. These have many nutritional benefits and are safe for consumption. Dogs must not eat pears with seeds, however. Pear seeds contain traces of cyanide which can be toxic to dogs when ingested in large quantities. They can also cause choking.

Pear cores are also difficult for dogs to digest. So refrain from throwing your dog the core of your pear and instead treat your canine to the juicy flesh. As dogs can have scavenger characteristics, be sure not to leave pear cores on the side or in an open trash can in case they’re consumed by your pet.

Canned pears are a quick and convenient way for humans to consume fruit. But they’re not a good option for dogs. Canned pears aren’t toxic as such but they tend to be very high in sugar and should be avoided at all costs.

Too much sugar can lead to digestive problems in dogs and weight gain. Sugar can also cause peak’s in a dog’s blood sugar which can result in restless and hyperactive behavior that’s out of character for your pet.

When feeding dogs pears, stick to raw, fresh and ripe fruit instead of canned.

Diabetes in dogs requires careful management and a diet high in fiber might be recommended by your vet. This slows the body’s absorption of sugars, but always speak to a professional before changing what your canine eats. 

Foods high in sugar, such as pears should be avoided as they can raise blood glucose levels fast leading to a range of health complications. Think of sugar-free snack ideas instead to keep your pet healthy.

Pears, just like any other treat food, should never form a major part of your dog’s diet. Many vets recommend using the 10 percent rule as a general guide, with treats never making up any more than 10 percent of your dog’s daily calorie intake.

Their primary food should follow pet nutrient profiles created by AAFCO. This non-profit organization sets standards for pet food and ensures canines of all different ages, breeds and life stages get a balanced diet.

A slice of pear once or twice a week is a safe serving size. Remember to wash the skin thoroughly if you’re keeping it on and remove the core and seeds. Cut the pear into bite-sized pieces and serve as a delicious snack.

Other serving suggestions include baking grated pear into some homemade dog treats, or freezing pear and other dog-safe fruits inside some homemade ‘pupsicles’ to help keep your pet cool in summer.

It’s also a good idea to introduce pear (and any other new foods) to your dog slowly in case it causes an upset stomach for your furry friend. But as long as you don’t let your pet have too much of a good thing, pear is a safe, healthy and tasty treat for dogs of all shapes and sizes.

If you’re unsure whether or not it’s safe for your dog to eat pear due to any underlying health issues, ask your veterinarian for advice.

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