Can dog's eat... Pears?

The answer in short, is yes, dogs can eat pears. Dogs can eat pears in small amounts, and if they have been prepared in the correct way.

#What are the health benefits to feeding pears to dogs?

Pears' main health benefits are that they are rich in vitamins, are a source of fibre and antioxidants. These properties support our  immune system, digestion and all round health.

A single pear contains 6 grams of dietary fibre, which is actually quite a lot for such a small fruit.  Fibre is essential for good digestive health, as it promotes the passage of stool through the large colon, and reduces the risks of constipation. Fibre helps feed the good bacteria in the digestive flora, essential in digestion of food, and maintaining microflora balance in the digestive system. Read more about the benefits of fibre for dogs.

The potassium and vitamin C contained in pears promote heart contractility, assist in central nervous system conduction and the vitamin C also strengthens your dog's immune system. Learn about the benefits of vitamin C for dogs.

Pears contain vitamin A aiding in healthy immune function as well as skin and eye health in your dog. In addition the small amounts of Vitamin K present in pears helps blood clotting.

As you can see there are many benefits to feeding pears to your dog. However, don't rush to the fridge to grab a pear for your dog! There are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that your dog enjoys their snack safely.

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#How to feed pears to your dog

When feeding pears to your dog follow these helpful tips

• Use fresh ripe pears. Wash to remove any soil, pesticides or chemicals used in the farming process.
• Pears can be fed raw, baked, boiled or steamed, as long as they are fed plain with no extra toppings or sauces.
• Avoid canned or processed pear products as these contain sugar, syrups or artificial sweeteners which will upset your dog's gastrointestinal system. Artificial sweeteners can be toxic to dogs, so canned and processed pears are best avoided.
• Dogs cannot eat a pear core, especially a whole one. Remove the pear stalk and core as this can be a choking hazard to your dog.
• Cut the pear into small bite-sized pieces and ensure that you discard the pear core and seeds (remember dogs can't eat a pear core!). Pears contain traces of the compound amygdalin which when crushed or chewed releases tiny amounts of cyanide. Cyanide, if consumed in large amounts can be toxic or irritating to your dog.
• Dogs can eat the pears skin. You may find small dogs and puppies may get upset stomachs from eating too many pear skins. If this is true for your dog, just remove the skin before feeding so they can still enjoy the tasty flesh of the pear fruit.

##How much pear can my dog eat?

Treats such as pears should not exceed more than 10% of a dog's total calorie intake for the day. Whilst pears are considered a low calorie fruit, they still contain sugar, which in excess can lead to health complications such as obesity.

##Can all dogs eat pears?

Be careful when feeding pears to your dog if they have any health conditions or special dietary requirements. While pears are a healthy snack in moderation for most dogs they do contain natural sugars. If your dog is diabetic or on a prescription diet, pears may not be a suitable addition to their diet. If you have any doubts or concerns about whether or not to add pears to your dog's diet, reach out to your veterinarian. 

##Can dogs eat pear skin?

Yes, dogs can eat pear skin but they may not enjoy the tough texture or taste. Feed in small amounts as too much pear skin can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea or loose stools.

##Can dogs eat a pear core?

No, it's not safe for dogs to eat a pear core. It's the tough inner portion of the pear and is a choking
hazard, even if you slice it into small pieces.

##Can dogs eat pear seeds?

No, it's not recommended to feed pear seeds to dogs. They are bitter in taste and can get stuck in teeth or the mouth leading to tooth pain or even infection. Remove the seeds when chopping up the pears to feed to your dog.