Is your pup eyeing up your pomegranate? These ruby-red fruits are a popular treat and their juice offers humans a variety of nutritional benefits, but can dogs safely eat them too? Yes, dogs can eat pomegranates.
However, while they aren’t toxic to dogs, pomegranates can still cause digestive issues, says Dr Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, a senior veterinary toxicologist and director at Pet Poison Helpline in the USA. Plus, the seeds can be difficult to break down, and the rinds are a no-go for pups.
Luckily, dogs can still get all the benefits of pomegranates without the health risks, thanks to treats made with pomegranate extract.
Keep reading to learn more about what to do if your dog snags a few pomegranate seeds—or its rind—and why you might want to consider adding dog treats or food with pomegranate to your pup’s diet.
Is Pomegranate Nutritious for Dogs?
Dr Schmid says pomegranates have plenty of nutritious perks for pups. The little seeds (called arils) are packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, fibre, and potassium—all good for a dog’s overall health.
But don’t be so quick to share your fresh pomegranate or juice with your dogs. Tannins, those astringent compounds that give pomegranates their pucker-inducing quality, can upset a dog’s stomach.
This is where healthy dog treats with pomegranate come in. Dr Schmid says commercially available dog treats made with pomegranate extracts are specially formulated to be lower in tannins than raw fruit. So, they provide all the health perks of pomegranate without tummy problems!
What Are the Health Benefits of Pomegranate?
Just like for us, pomegranates offer many health benefits for our dogs. Here’s a look at what pomegranates can do for pups:
- Gut health. Pomegranate peel extracts can improve gut health in dogs. This means better digestion and potentially more regular (and healthier) bathroom breaks.
- Reduced inflammation. Pomegranate extract has been shown to decrease inflammation in dogs, which can help conditions like ear infections and arthritis.
- Brain health. Diets rich in antioxidants may help senior dogs by reducing oxidative damage in the brain, potentially preventing or slowing down cognitive decline.
But before you start preparing a pomegranate snack for your dog, you’ll want to make sure you’re only feeding the edible parts in moderation. Or, better yet, give them dog treats with pomegranate extract.
What Types of Pomegranates Can Dogs Eat?
Pomegranates are bursting with beneficial nutrients, and your dog’s complete and balanced food might already include pomegranate for this reason. Plus, research suggests foods with pomegranate may stay fresher longer.
Sticking to commercial dog foods and treats with pomegranate is your best bet to avoid an upset stomach and get the most benefit. However, if you’re curious about fresh fruit or if your dog snags a taste accidentally, here’s what’s safe and what’s not:
| Pomegranate Part or Prep | Is It Dog-Safe? |
| Raw pomegranate seeds | Yes |
| Freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice | Yes |
| Pomegranate extract or oil | Yes, when incorporated into commercially available dog treats and food |
| Pomegranate juice with added sugars | No |
| Pomegranate rind | No |
| Pomegranate skin | No |
If your dog is interested, pomegranate seeds can be given as a small treat, as long as it’s just a few.
What Are the Risks of Dogs Eating Pomegranate?
Caught your dog eating a pomegranate, rind and all? Dr Schmid says it’s not a medical emergency if your dog eats fresh pomegranate, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks:
- Digestive upset. After eating pomegranate, dogs might vomit and have diarrhoea. The rind can be especially irritating to the stomach. See your veterinarian if your dog continues vomiting or has diarrhoea for 12 hours or more.
- Intestinal obstruction. If your dog swallows many pomegranate seeds, they could get stuck in the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. Dr Schmid says it’s a small risk but one to remember. See a vet for immediate care if your dog stops eating or is lethargic.
- Choking. Any part of the pomegranate can be a choking hazard. Our Heimlich manoeuvre guide for pets explains what to do if your dog chokes.
What Other Fruits & Veggies Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Dogs are omnivores. This means they eat meat and plants for a complete and balanced diet. In fact, fruits and veggies make good options for low-fat treats. But remember, everything needs to be given in moderation.
To ensure your pup gets all the nutrients they need, limit treats, including fruits and veggies, to no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake. This way, they save space for their regular dog food.
Here’s a list of safe and delicious fruits and vegetables your dog can enjoy:
- watermelon
- strawberries
- blueberries
- apple slices
- brussels sprouts
- butternut squash
- cabbage
- carrots
- celery
- green beans
- kale
- peas
- sweet potatoes
