Is Dragon Fruit Good For Dogs? Learn About Its 4 Great Properties and The Possible Side Effects

Pink, spikey skin, soft sweet white flesh with black dots all over it, and an exotic appearance. When I look at these black seeds inside of it, it kind of reminds me of another exotic fruit-kiwi. Dragon fruit looks very powerful and indeed it is! Having a lot of essential elements like vitamins, fiber, protein, and antioxidants, Dragon fruit helps strengthen immunity and fight damaging free radicals. It is completely safe for people in most cases.

However, is Dragon fruit good for dogs? Since not all table foods that the two-legged are accustomed to can be given to pooches, we have to look in detail at this very peculiar plant to see how it may affect our four-legged pals. So, let’s not waste time and discuss the fruit’s benefits as well as possible side effects. We will start with its history and main characteristics.

What Exactly Is Dragon Fruit?

This interesting and unique fruit is believed to have originated in the Central America region and also its bordering countries of Mexico as well as Columbia. Rumor has it that the Spaniards brought it to the American continent in the 1800s. There are also some speculations that Dragon fruit was brought to Asia from France in the 1900s. 

If you look at how it grows, it will remind you of a flower bush: many “florets” are hanging off the cactus branches that look like tree twigs. A very peculiar sight to see if you ask me! The way to know that it’s ripe is by touching it. If a Dragon fruit is ready, it will be semi-soft to the touch. 

Interesting facts: Dragon fruit cactus can reach up to 7.5 feet in height and weigh more than a hundred pounds! The South Americans call this fruit “pitaya” which in Spanish means “strawberry pear.” Since it is growing so tall, it needs good support to keep “climbing,” and flourish into a beautiful nature’s creation that both humans and their fluffy buds can enjoy. But,  is Dragon fruit good for dogs? Let’s uncover the truth behind this pink juicy masterpiece!

Related Reading: Is Watermelon Poisonous To Dogs?

Is Dragon Fruit Good For Dogs?

In short, we can say yes, it is very beneficial to give some to a pooch. But why exactly is Dragon fruit good for dogs? We can pinpoint some great properties that this magnificent nature’s beauty has.

Nutritious

As was previously mentioned, Dragon fruit has a ton of good properties like fiber, iron, protein, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. It is relatively low in calories and, therefore can become a great snack option for somebody who tries to lose weight. It also has a significant amount of carbs per serving. But at least those are much healthier compared to carbs you consume by eating bread, or potatoes. 

Tasteful

Its taste is a cross between a kiwi, a pear, and a watermelon. Therefore if your pooch is very approving of all those three fruits, then you can be sure it is going to enjoy eating some of the “fiery” fruit. You may see it engaging in a lot of lip-licking after it’s done. 

Safe

Looks might be deceiving! Even though Dragon fruit may look scary and intimidating for a canine food lover, don’t be afraid of sharing a slice or two. It will most likely enjoy it and ask you for more later! Unless it is prone to getting allergies to other fruity counterparts. Shall we look at some side effects to see what can happen if a pooch “overdoses” on the exotic plant?

Side Effects Of Having Too Much Dragon Fruit

Allergies

For mutts with known fruit allergy issues (like Pugs, for instance), Dragon fruit may not be the safest snacking option. It can trigger a severe reaction like vomiting, inability to walk, and even seizures. At the first sign of an anaphylactic shock, you should try giving a suffering bud Benadryl. But make sure that you get a vet’s approval first. 

Stomach Issues

In some rare cases, eating this exotic beauty may trigger an upset stomach issue and lead to cramping and/or diarrhea. If you notice that your beloved companion is having a loose stool and whining while rolling on the ground, it might be the Dragon “monster” causing a fire inside this little sensitive tummy. Give it plenty of water, and a fiber supplement, and call the vet to be on the safe side. 

Spikes Blood Sugar

High levels of fructose in the plant may raise blood sugar levels. Which, in turn, can lead to obesity and diabetes. Another reason to administer Dragon fruit in moderation. I would suggest eliminating it from your pet’s diet if it’s already overweight as-is. 

Suffocation Danger

Please make sure that your hound doesn’t get its fangs on a Dragon fruit peel. Since it is very rough and spikey, your pooch can easily suffocate if a fruit’s skin gets stuck in a poor fella’s throat. You may be frantically trying to get it out, but you don’t know if you are going to succeed. Therefore, there’s always a chance of a lethal outcome.

Curl-Up

Is Dragon fruit good for dogs? As we have just learned it is! Being packed with so many nutrients, it no doubt can be considered one of the main superfruits out there. It may look like a Dragon, but it is a pussycat inside. And a very sweet one indeed! Exercise caution when you introduce it to your mutt for the first time. If it tends to get allergic to anything and everything, give it a very small bite and see how it reacts. Better be safe than sorry!

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