Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate? It Is Good, But Is It Good For Your Pup?

0  The question for today’s article – can dogs eat pomegranate? Or is it best to avoid it like some other fruit?!

If your dog has eaten pomegranate, he or she should be all right, no need to rush to the nearest veterinary emergency unit. However, that doesn’t mean it’s recommended that you feed your dog large quantities of the fruit. In fact, most experts recommend not feeding your dog pomegranate at all.

It is believed that due to the high quantity of tannins in pomegranates and / or the high acidity level of pomegranates, it has a tendency to upset your pooch’s stomach. Symptoms from eating pomegranate may include stomach ache, diarrhoea (diarrhea for our readers from the United States of America), vomiting shaking and shivering.

If your dog has eaten pomegranate and starts vomiting, there is no need to panic, just keep an eye on your dog and make sure he / she has access to plenty of clean drinking water. In this instance, vomiting is good thing because it helps the dog’s body get rid of the pomegranate it just ate. However, if vomiting persists, your dog becomes dehydrated and / or loses its appetite, you should ring up your vet asap.

Another concern with pomegranates, is the fact that your dog may struggle to digest the seeds.  Dogs ordinarily won’t spit the seeds out and, due to dogs’ dental anatomy, they are also unlikely to crush the seeds before swallowing. Ingesting too many seeds can cause diarrhoea, as a dog’s intestines are not able to cope with breaking down the seeds. You will likely notice the whole (undigested) seeds in your dog’s poop.

If you have a pomegranate tree in your garden, it is recommended that you should take care to keep the fruit out of Buddy’s reach. If Buddy comes across the pomegranate tree when left alone in the garden, his doggy senses will probably tell him that those fruit are yummy and he will try and eat some.

Some people on pet forums aver that they have been feeding their dogs pomegranates for a long time and their dogs are old and healthy with no ill effects from the fruit. But then again, there are people that smoke and live to be over a hundred years old. That doesn’t mean that the experts will stop telling everyone smoking is bad for your health. The same goes for pomegranate and dogs.

But There Are Pomegranate Based Treats?

Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate

Pomegranates are packed with anti-oxidants, fibre, folic acid, potassium and vitamin C. This makes pomegranates very healthy, not only for humans but for dogs too. As already mentioned, pomegranates aren’t really good for dogs, due to their high content of antioxidants (tannins). Therefore, pomegranate in dog treats are processed into a healthier and less toxic form that is safe for dogs whilst retaining the good nutritional qualities of the fruit.

These treats still have some anti-oxidants in them as well as the other good qualities of pomegranate, without the risks. Research shows that the right amount of anti-oxidants are good for dogs. In fact, many pet food manufacturers add anti-oxidants to their products.

Whilst on the topic of fruit seed, many of the seeded fruits, (pears, apples, grapes) the seeds contain a small amount of cyanide. As we all should know, cyanide is rather toxic, both for humans and to dogs. Even a tiny dose of this poison will result in complications in canines. Fortunately, pomegranate seeds do not contain any cyanide.

You can also opt for pomegranate extract.  According to recent studies, pomegranate extract is effective in reducing the risk of canine heart disease. In a statement made by Healthy Pets, “pomegranate extract could be effective as part of a multidimensional dietary strategy to reduce the onset and progression of oxidative stress-induced canine disease.”

What if you have access to plenty of pomegranates (for example, you have a pomegranate tree in your garden)? Isn’t there some way you can harness the goodness of the fruit without the harmful side-effects or incurring the costs for special treats? Some veterinary experts suggest that you can give your dog pomegranate seed, in small quantities (relative to the dog’s size).  To do this, remove the fruit’s flesh, then crush up the seeds in your dog’s bowl or mixed with food (see here for more info).

What About Other Fruit and Vegetables?

The latest research shows that, based on their intestinal characteristics, dogs lean more to being carnivores than omnivores. However, dogs have specially adapted to eating grains and some vegetation.  Therefore, it is perfectly safe to feed your dog some dog friendly fruit and vegetables.

One of the key benefits of plants is that they contain much needed fibre. If you see Buddy eating grass regularly it may be because Buddy needs more fibre in his diet. Grating up some carrots in with your dog’s pellets is one easy way to enhance the fibre content of your dog’s diet, particularly if your dog is already on a special diet that doesn’t provide a high fibre content.

Fruit and vegies also are rich in vitamins and other nutrients. In addition, vegetables tend to be low in calories. Thus, replacing a small percentage of the dog’s regular food with some grated veggies such as carrots is a good way to add nutrients for dogs that are overweight or on a calorie restricted diet. If your dog always seems hungry, some veterinarians recommend replacing a small percentage of the dog’s regular food with some grated up vegetables such as carrot. Doing so will bulk up the meal without raising the calorie-count. Fruit however tend to be higher in sugar than vegetables and should be limited in diets of overweight pets

Although the concept of giving fruit and vegetables may be foreign to people who only feed their dogs pellets, dog owners who have their dogs on a “raw diet” will probably be familiar with adding fruit and veg to the canine diet (read more about raw diets for dogs here). Many owners maintain that their dogs appear to be in great health on a raw diet that contains small quantities of fruit and vegetables.

If you like to give your dog treats but your dog is overweight, a small slice of fruit or vegetable could also serve as a good alternative low calorie treat. However, there are lots of dogs that will rather say “no thank you” to a slice of carrot or apple. That is perfectly normal, not all dogs like vegetation as food.

Good and Bad Plants – Some Options You Give You Pup and Some You Shouldn’t

Plants considered suitable to give to dogs include: Bananas, berries (such as blueberries and cranberries), carrots, pumpkin, sweat potato, watermelon and zucchinis.

Plants to avoid, include: Avocados, all citrus fruit, cherries, coconut, garlic, grapes (including , raisins, and currants and their juices; grapes have an unknown toxic mechanism that adversely affects the kidneys of some dogs and cats), some nuts such as pecan, macadamias and wallnuts  (peanuts are fine though and often used as a treat, but then again, peanuts are not nuts as the name suggests, they are actually legumes), rhubarb, starchy foods such as corn, potatoes and unions (see here for some more info – see rule #6).

This is not an exhaustive list, for more detail on what plants you can and cannot give your dog, visit dogsaddict.com.  Also remember to wash the fruit or veggies and remove husks, inedible skins and seeds before feeding them to your dog.

A final reminder, although fruit and vegetables are a good way to ensure a nutritionally balanced diet, they should be given in moderation, even if considered safe. Buddy is after all still a carnivore.

So….Can Dogs Eat Pomegranate or What?

Okay, so what is the final answer…can dogs eat pomegranate or not? The short of it, while they probably shouldn’t eat pomegranate it won’t be the end of the world if your pup accidently ingests a little pomegranate. If you are keen on feeding your little fur-baby some healthy fruit and vegetables, there are some other alternatives that you can give it.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp And Is It Healthy For Them?

0 Can dogs eat shrimp? The short answer is yes. But there are some technical details that you need to be aware of. And as with all things in life, you should only be giving your dog shrimp in moderation. It can be a nice treat for your dog and beneficial to its diet.

Is It Okay for Dogs To Eat Shrimp?

The most important thing to be aware of, is that the shrimp has to be cooked properly. Raw shrimp contains dangerous bacteria that can cause shellfish toxicity. Your grocer might try to convince you that the shrimp is safe for sushi use, but this doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog to consume.

Also, keep the amount of shrimp per feeding small. It’s only really an exotic treat for your dog, there are other much better protein sources such as salmon or tuna. But it is low in calories and dogs can digest shrimp quite easily. Shrimp is high in minerals that can help to strengthen bones and teeth, plus speed up a dog’s metabolism. Minerals found in shrimp include calcium, iron and phosphorous.

Another potential danger to be aware of, is that shrimp contains high cholesterol levels. If your dog is already struggling with its weight, rather stay clear of shrimp. It can also negatively affect your dog’s cardiovascular system.

Health Benefits of Shrimp

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp

Can dogs eat shrimp and how healthy is it for them? Although shrimp is not a great source of proteins, it has other useful traits such as being high in antioxidants, including copper and selenium.

Plus a very special one, namely astaxanthin. This is a potent anti-inflammatory carotenoid. In animal studies it has been shown that this special antioxidant offers support to the nervous system as well as the musculoskeletal system. Research has furthermore shown that intake of astaxanthin decreased risk of diabetes and colon cancer. On average a single 4-ounce serving of shrimp can contain between 1 to 4 mg of astaxanthin.

Other vitamins and minerals contained in shrimp: vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin E, iodine, omega-3 fats, pantothenic acid, zinc, choline and protein.

Preparing Shrimp for Dogs

Keep your dog’s dietary needs and restrictions in consideration when preparing the shrimp. Stay clear of seasoning as excessive salt intake can be dangerous for dogs, causing their blood pressure to spike or leading to dehydration. Don’t fry the shrimp or cook it in butter, the fat can cause digestive upset and even inflammation of the pancreas. Do not add any garlic or onion powders.

Shrimp is not a dietary necessity for your dog. It can be a nice snack from time to time, but only in moderation. Check with your veterinarian first before feeding your dog shrimp on a regular basis.

Peel and Devein the Shrimp

Remove the veins before cooking. Use a knife or scissor to cut along the shrimp’s back and carefully pull out all the veins. Unpeeled shrimp can be dangerous for your dog. Try peeling it only after it’s cooked to make sure the shrimp doesn’t lose any nutritional value and to make sure you remove all of the shell.

A trick for pulling off the shell in one piece: slip your fingers under the shell, at the end of the shrimp head and carefully pull the shell away.

Take note: Always feed freshly cooked shrimp to your dog. The cooked shrimp will only last for about a day or two when refrigerated.

Can A Dog Eat The Tail and Shell?

No, it’s not recommended. They can create a stomach blockage or potentially be a choking hazard. Your dog’s ancestors did not have access to shrimp, so a dog’s teeth and digestive system is not equipped to deal with the outside of shrimp. Cleaned shrimp is much easier for your dog to digest.

Also, make sure you buy high quality shrimp. If the shrimp has any rings or black spots on the shell, it means the flesh has begun to deteriorate and break down. Stay clear of gritty or yellow shells. This indicates that chemicals such as sodium bisulfate has been used on the shrimp. If the shrimp smells like ammonia, it is spoiled.

Shrimp isn’t poisonous to dogs when prepared correctly, but your dog might be allergic to it. And if not cooked properly, it can cause shellfish toxicity. Read this article to be aware of dog allergy symptoms.

Your Dog Has Eaten Raw or Too Much Shrimp: What Now?

Can dogs eat too much or raw shrimp? In excessive amounts or when not cooked properly, your dog’s body will reject the shrimp. Your dog will most likely experience stomach discomfort, vomiting and diarrhea. The dog’s body will deal with the shrimp on its own. These symptoms should only last for about 24 hours. If they continue for longer, you will should consult your veterinarian.

You need to keep your dog hydrated while its body fights the foreign substance consumed. Make sure it has continues access to fresh water. Other than that, there’s not really anything else you can do to assist your dog. Read this article before you try inducing vomit in your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Shrimp – The Disadvantages

Shrimp contains lots of healthy vitamins and minerals, but there are a few drawbacks for your dog’s nutritional needs. As mentioned above, your dog’s ancestors did not have access to shrimp years ago, so their digestive system is not truly compatible with it.

One of the biggest drawbacks of shrimp, is the high cholesterol value. Four ounces of shrimp can contain up to 220 mg of cholesterol. So you need to keep it as an occasional treat, not a regular snack. The biggest health risk of shrimp is the potential shellfish toxicity it can cause, so you need to take extra precaution when preparing it. Make sure it is cooked properly before offering it to your dog. Introduce the shrimp gradually as a new treat to prevent stomach upset.

After feeding your dog shrimp for the first time, you need to keep a close eye on it. If it starts acting strange or showing allergy symptoms, immediately go to your veterinarian.Some dogs might love the taste, but others will just pull their noses up and refuse to try it.

Other Seafood That Are Safe for Dogs

Adding a little bit of seafood to your dog’s regular diet can be very beneficial. But emphasis on the “little bit”.

Salmon

A great extra source of protein. But it also needs to be cooked properly to deal with a parasite that causes Salmon Disease.

Tuna

Another great source of protein, but you need to keep in mind its high mercury and sodium content. Read this article to find out more about the health benefits.

Crab

Part of the shrimp family, but it contains a lot of iodine. Some dogs can be allergic to it and you don’t want to overdo it, the verdict is not quite out if it is truly safe for dog consumption.

Lobster, Clams, Oysters

Some more shellfish that can enhance your dog’s diet. But remember to not feed your dog the shells. The shells can cause puncture holes in your dog’s digestive system.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Shrimp?

Feeding your dog shrimp can be a nice little healthy treat. Just make sure you follow the cooking instructions as described above. And remember to first test your dog’s reaction to the shrimp. It’s always best to first chat to your veterinarian to make sure a new addition to your dog’s diet will be beneficial.