- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Once in awhile my beagle mix Marzipan sits and stares at me and I don’t know why. Is she trying to get me to do something for her, or is she just fascinated by my human behaviors?
Recently, her stare turned out to be a request for some of my pear. She has some unusual tastes–artichokes and acorn squash are also begging-worthy foods.
Before I shared my pear with her, I wanted to make sure it was safe and healthy for her. I asked myself, “Can dogs eat pears?”
Can Dogs Eat Pears?
The answer is Yes! Pears are perfectly healthy for dogs, and many dogs love them. They are rich in important nutrients but keep in mind that they are also high in sugar, so they should be used as an occasional treat only.
Are Pears Healthy for My Dog?
Pears are rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin A, all important nutrients in a dog’s diet. Pears also contain about 5 grams of dietary fiber per cup.
Dietary fiber is important to digestive health in dogs, but a little goes a long way, so start your dog off with a small amount of pear.
Serving Ideas
- Blend pear with yogurt and a pinch of cinnamon for a satisfying smoothie. Pour the leftovers into an ice cube tray for some refreshing pupcicles.
- Grate pear over your dog’s regular meal to make the aroma more enticing.
- Freeze chunks of pear with other dog-friendly fruits such as mango, cantaloupe, and raspberries for a festive frozen fruit salad.
- Bake tasty homemade dog treats with pear in them as a subtle sweetener.
Can Eating Pears Be Dangerous for My Dog?
Share small amounts (a few slices) of fresh pear only occasionally. Pears, like many fruits, have a higher sugar content than most dog treats.
Too much sugar and fiber can cause digestive upset, not to mention weight gain. Be sure not to share pear stems, leaves, or seeds. The latter contain small amounts of toxic cyanide.
And don’t share pears if your dog is diabetic, as the sugar content is likely to spike their blood sugar. It’s recommended to stay away from canned pears, as well. They’re usually loaded with extra sugar, along with other ingredients dogs shouldn’t have.
How Much Pear Can My Dog Eat?
Vets commonly recommend that dog parents follow the 10% rule. Treats, including fruit, can make up 10% of the calories in your dog’s diet.
Pears have a fair amount of sugar in them, so they are higher in calories than other veggies. Fresh pears are about 10% sugar by weight, and one cup of chopped pears has about 15 grams of sugar and 85 calories. This can make pears an occasional treat for dogs on a reduced-calorie diet. Pears aren’t a good treat for dogs with diabetes.
If your dog loves pears, consider mixing them with lower-calorie cucumbers and celery for your next puppy party veggie tray.
Pear Recipes for Dogs
If you want to go beyond sharing the occasional slice of pear with your pup, try dehydrating pears for a chewy snack, or use pear baby food in our Two-Ingredient Baby Food Dog Treats.
Simple Two-Ingredient Dog Treats Using Baby Food
This recipe is perfect for your first time whipping up homemade dog treats. Once you get the hang of it, keep an eye out for 4-ounce baby food jars on sale. That way you can stock up on a variety of flavors and be able to make DIY dog treats at a moment’s notice.
Want to make this recipe gluten-free? Just pop some rolled oats in the food processor and grind them up for a wheat-free flour alternative that tastes amazing, too.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 24 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 8 dozen small cookies 1x
- Category: Quickie Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 4-ounce jar of baby food
- 1 cup flour
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350º
- In a large bowl, mix one cup of flour with the jar of baby food and stir to combine.
- Add more flour and knead your dough until it’s no longer sticky.
- Roll out your dough on a floured surface and cut out treats, placing them on a cookie sheet.
- Bake 24 minutes or until cooked through and the bottoms are just starting to brown.
For an extra-crisp cookie, turn off the oven when cookies are done, but leave them to cool inside the oven to remove any excess moisture.
For More Information
From cucumbers to potatoes, there is a wide selection of information on vegetables available on our Can My Dog Eat? directory page.
Learn more about feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system. We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food.
Learn more about the fruits that are safe for dogs in articles such as Can my dog eat raspberries? and Can My Dog Eat Pear Cores?
