Can Dogs Eat Asian Pears?
A household that intends to remain healthy should always have some fruits. Your dog may occasionally want a sample of your fruits, which is understandable given their inquisitive nature.
Common fruits that dogs can eat include apricots, apples, bananas, mangoes, and oranges. You should avoid plums, cherries, and avocados as their seeds or stones are toxic to dogs.
Are Asian pears dog-friendly? Well, stick on to find out if your dog can eat this fruit.
What is the Asian Pear, and How is It Different from the Typical Pear?
The Asian pear, as its name hints, is a pear native to East Asia. The fruit has many names, including Japanese pear, Chinese pear, apple pear, and zodiac pear. While primarily found in East Asia, you can also find them in India, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the USA.
So, how does it differ from the typical pear? The main difference between these two types of pears is that the Asian variety has a rounded shape resembling an apple, and the common pear has an ovular appearance.
Additionally, the Asian pear is crispy, grainy, and has a higher water content than the European pear. These features make it unsuitable for pies or jams, but it is good if eaten raw or in fruit salads.
Are Asian Pears Safe for Dogs?
Back to our main subject: yes, dogs can eat Asian pear, though in moderation. The fruit is tasty, thus an excellent option for dogs craving sugar.
The apple pear is not only a tasty treat for your canine, but also packs several nutrients that your dog needs.
Health Benefits of Asian Pears to Dogs
The following are the health benefits of this pear variety.
1. A Good Source of Vitamins
Vitamins play numerous roles in the body, primarily enhancing the body’s immune function. The apple pear will satisfy your dog’s vitamin C and K needs.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that prevents cellular oxidative stress, a leading cause of cancer. It is also necessary for tissue repair and the enzymatic activity of some neurotransmitters.
Dogs need vitamin K to form certain blood clotting factors and bone formation. Additionally, this vitamin regulates calcium levels in the blood, an essential role, considering that dogs are prone to calcium toxicity.
2. The Fiber Content
Pear is rich in fiber, a nutrient that plays multiple roles in the body.
First, fiber is essential for digestive health, as it helps in intestinal movements, preventing constipation and intestinal blockage.
Second, your dog will also need fiber to grow probiotics, ensuring the digestive system is in good shape. Third, fiber adds mass to stool, acting as an anti-diarrheal. Lastly, this nutrient controls blood sugar, a relief for dogs with diabetes.
The fiber from Asian pear is hard to break down and absorb; as such, it won’t cause a blood sugar spike when consumed. Plus, fiber gives your dog a feeling of fullness, meaning it won’t eat much. It is a solution for obese dogs that need to lose weight.
3. Energy-Giving Food
Asian pear contains carbohydrates, which will provide energy to your canine. The fruit is an excellent energy source for dog breeds with high energy requirements.
4. Mineral Supply
Your dog will gain a great dose of potassium from snacking on Asian pear. Potassium is a primary electrolyte in dogs’ bodies and works together with sodium to prevent dehydration. Moreover, it helps in heart, muscle, and nerve function.
Pears also supply your dog with copper, which is essential for red blood cell formation. This mineral is responsible for healthy bones, blood vessels, and nerves.
The fruit’s magnesium content is vital for several biochemical processes in the body.
Preparing Asian Pear for Dogs
The Asian pear is native to Asia; thus, getting them can be a hurdle. Shop for them in trusted grocery stores, where quality is assured.
The apple pear has delicate skin that bruises easily, so damage can make the fruit go bad or make it acidic. Your dog may refuse a spoilt pear.
When you get the pear, start by cleaning it, then slice it into manageable pieces to share with your pup. Start with little pieces to see your dog’s reaction, and give it more if it likes the fruit and shows no responses.
How Much Asian Pear Should My Dog Eat?
While Asian pear is healthy for your dog, do not give it too much as it may cause tummy upsets. As per veterinarians’ recommendations, the fruit should not be more than 10% of its diet.
You can give your dog a slice of pear once or twice weekly.
Risks of Feeding Asian Pears to Dogs
Asian pears are generally safe for dogs. Nevertheless, you should be keen on the risks highlighted below.
Allergies
Dogs can be allergic to pears, though it is rare. A dog with a pear allergy will show the following symptoms.
Stop feeding your dog pear if you encounter such signs, and contact your vet for assistance. Dogs with other allergies are more prone to being allergic to pear.
Choking
Dogs can choke on pears, mostly due to the fruit’s hardy and crispy profile. Avoid this risk by giving your dog manageable fruit slices. Also, remove the stalk and leaves, as they can choke your pup.
The Seeds
Please resist giving your dog the pear’s core. The core has seeds that contain cyanide, toxic to canines in large quantities. Moreover, the seeds are a choking risk.
Tummy Upsets
Your dog may have problems eating pear if it has a weak or sensitive digestive system. The tummy upsets may also occur due to overeating the fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Dogs Eat Canned Asian Pears?
Asian pears are rare in some areas, and the only way to have them is by opting for canned fruit. Canines should not have canned fruit due to their high sugar content. Dogs eating sugar can bring up problems such as diabetes, obesity, and tooth cavities.
Canned pears may also have chemicals to preserve them. Your dog may negatively react to these chemicals.
2. Can My Dog Get Sick from Eating Asian Pears?
Asian pears have a high nutrient value that will benefit your dog. Despite this fruit’s benefits, your dog may get sick from eating it for many reasons. Allergies are the main cause of dogs ailing after eating Asian pears. Symptoms include rashes, swelling, lethargy, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Overeating pears may also affect your pup. Signs include tummy aches and general discomfort. In the case of allergies, you eliminate the allergen and visit your vet for help. If your dog overate Asian pears, allow for some relaxation time for the condition to improve.
3. Is Asian Pear Healthier than Regular Pear?
When talking about a regular pear, we refer to the bartlett pear, which has the signature ovular appearance. Both are tasty and can make healthy treats for your dogs.
The Asian pear appears healthier when you factor in its nutrient content. It has more water, proteins, fiber, and minerals than its counterpart.
Can My Dog Drink Asian Pear Juice?
Asian pear juice is very nutritious, especially if juiced at home with organic ingredients. Your dog can drink the juice but in limited quantities. Do not let it drink processed pear juice, as it may be high in sugar and contain toxic additives.
Why Does My Dog Refuse to Eat Asian Pear?
Your dog may refuse to eat Asian pear for many reasons, such as rotten fruit. The acidity and smell may repulse your dog. The other reason is that the pear may seem too foreign for it. Never force your dog to eat fruit if it is unwilling, as it may turn aggressive.
Be patient, serving it small pieces as it gradually warms up to the new food.
Final Thought
Good news, it is safe to share your priced Asian pears with your furry friend. This article shows that the fruit has numerous health benefits for your pup. Let it have an occasional slice to calm down a sugar craving.
You should, however, talk to your vet before feeding the fruit to be sure that it won’t cause any reactions. This applies to every new food you introduce your dog to. Moreover, do not overfeed your furry friend on pear. A reasonable serving twice a week will do.