Can Dogs Have Pomegranate Juice?

Like us humans, dogs are omnivores. Omnivores eat foods that are derived from both animals and plants. Many dogs will stare longingly at whatever it is that their human is eating. If this has happened to you, then you may have found yourself wondering what foods you eat that you can safely share with your dog.

In this article, we will be focusing on a fruit called the pomegranate. Can dogs have pomegranate flesh, juice, or seeds? Let’s take a look.

can dogs have pomegranate juice
Can Dogs Have Pomegranate Juice?

Can Dogs Have Pomegranates?

The short answer to this question is yes, dogs can have pomegranates but only in small quantities, provided that you only give them the flesh, and do not give them the skin. The thick and tough skin of the pomegranate may cause your dog some digestive issues because their systems cannot break it down properly.

Are Pomegranates Safe For Dogs?

Small amounts of pomegranate occasionally are unlikely to cause your dog any harm. But if your dog eats too much pomegranate this can cause them to have an upset stomach. So if your dog accidentally gobbles up some fruit that you have left out or dropped on the floor, then this is not a major cause for concern because small amounts of pomegranate are safe for dogs.

Are Pomegranate Seeds Good For Dogs?

Pomegranate seeds are not fatal to dogs, but they are not great for them either. The reason why pomegranate seeds are not all that good for dogs is because they can give them an upset tummy and possibly make them vomit.

Are Pomegranate Seeds Good For Dogs

Related Reading: Can Dogs Have Cantaloupe Rind and Be Safe

Can Dogs Have Pomegranate Juice?

If the juice is fresh and part of the pomegranate fruit, then yes a bit of juice is ok for dogs to have. But do not give your dog commercial canned or bottled pomegranate juice, or any other kind of juice for that matter, because it has far too much sugar in it that will upset a dog’s digestive system to be of any benefit.

More On Pomegranates

Description

In case you were wondering, the pomegranate is a shrub tree that can be deciduous or evergreen. Along with the fruit, this tree is recognizable by its waxy oval leaves and the red flowers that appear at the tip of the tree’s branches.

The fruit itself has a thick, pinkish-red skin, and within lies the flesh. The flesh is composed of small sacs that contain juice and seeds. These fleshy seed coats are called a “sarcotesta”.

Therefore if your dog had scoffed some pomegranate, then you will know that this means that they will most certainly have ingested the juice and the seeds of the fruit, as they are part and parcel so to speak.

History 

You may be curious as to the history of the fruit, in which case, read on!

This tree originated in the Middle East and grew from there to northern India and the Himalayas. It has been grown in Asia, Europe, and Africa since ancient times. 

This pretty jeweled fruit was mentioned by the ancient Egyptians, in the Old Testament, and the Talmud. It’s a juice that makes it perfect to take on desert treks, where the juice could quench a traveler’s thirst.

The Spanish brought this tree to California in 1769, where it thrived due to the dry climate.

Some believed that the pomegranate tree was the tree of life!

Nutritional Benefits

There are some wonderful health benefits associated with eating a pomegranate, so these can in theory extend to your dog!

Pomegranates have lots of antioxidants. Antioxidants are molecules that fight free radicals in the body and can assist with keeping nasty things like cancer at bay. Antioxidants can also prevent or at least delay damage to the cells.

As well as this, pomegranates contain some other wonderful elements such as Vitamin K, Vitamin C, and fiber. Dogs need fiber to help keep their digestive systems running smoothly, they need Vitamin C to reduce inflammation and slow down cognitive decline, and they need Vitamin K to assist with blood clotting.

What Other Fruits and Vegetables Are Safe For My Dog?

If you happen to own one of those dogs that thinks itself to be a fruit bat, then you can take heart in knowing that there are indeed many fruits and vegetables that are not only safe but nutritious to feed your dog, as part of a well-balanced diet.

Here is a list of fruits and vegetables that you can give to your dog without any worries:

Fruits

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Blueberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Mango
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon

Vegetables

  • Carrots 
  • Broccoli
  • Green beans
  • Green peas
pomegranate juice for dogs
Pomegranate juice for dogs

The Takeaway On Dogs And Pomegranates

  • Can dogs have pomegranates? Yes, but only in small amounts! It is not ideal to be feeding your dog large amounts of this, or any other fruit, due to the large amounts of sugar and fiber, both of which can cause your dog to have a tummy ache and possibly cause vomiting and/or diarrhea.
  • Pure fruit juice of any type is far too high in sugar to be good for dogs.
  • Are pomegranates safe for dogs? Yes, if your dog has accidentally scoffed some pomegranate, then other than a tummy ache there is unlikely to be any further problems. This only goes for the flesh (which is juice and seeds), but not the tough skin – this could be hard for your dog to digest.
  • Are pomegranate seeds good for dogs? Well, it is not so much a case of whether pomegranate seeds are good for dogs; rather, it is a question of whether are they safe. Yes, they are unlikely to cause any health problems in your dog in small quantities.
  • Dogs are omnivores, which means that they can safely eat a wide variety of not only fruits and vegetables but also grains. This is preferable for optimal health. Safe fruits for dogs include apples, bananas, blueberries, mangoes, strawberries, and watermelon. Safe vegetables for dogs include carrots, broccoli, green beans, and peas.

Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Peanut Shells? A Very “Nutty” Subject

stuart and his dog

Family Dog Expert Author

Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.