As a pet parent, you always want your dog to be happy and healthy, and if you’re a fan of pomelo, you might also be tempted to feed the citrus fruit to your beloved canine. But can dogs eat pomelo? The answer is yes, dogs can eat pomelo and it’s a healthy addition to their diet. But should they eat it? Isn’t grapefruit toxic to dogs, and they kind of look the same?
Before you give your pup a bite or two, here is everything you need to know about pomelo and whether or not it’s healthy for your dog.
What is Pomelo?
Pomelo gets often confused with grapefruit, a fruit with a high content of citric acid that becomes dangerous for dogs to eat. Grapefruit is different than pomelo with the latter being completely safe for dogs to eat.
Pomelo, also known as pummelo, shaddock, or Chinese grapefruit, is considered to be the largest citrus fruit. While grapefruit has a more orangey look and feel, pomelo is sweeter with a strong lemony flavor.
It is Asian in origin and contains high amounts of minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that make it a great fruit to add to your dog’s diet. However, it’s important to note that pomelo and other fruits should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat, and should never be given as a meal replacement or daily addition to their diet.
Can Dogs Eat Pomelo?
Yes, dogs can eat pomelo and it’s a healthy snack for dogs, especially in the summer season when it’s hot out, and your pup needs a cool snack. Pomelo features a sweet flavor when eaten ripe and its texture borders between crunchy and soft, making it a great treat for your dog’s palate.
Pomelo is entirely safe for dogs to eat as long as the peel, seeds, and leaves are cut out. You should only be feeding your dog the flesh of the fruit since the seeds can pose a choking hazard, as well as the thick peel.
Pomelo is not toxic for dogs to eat, but it should only be given in moderation, as with other kinds of human foods being fed to dogs. Excessive consumption of the fruit can be bad for your dog, causing stomach upset, and can be dangerous for dogs with diabetes since pomelo has a high sugar content.
Pomelo Nutritional Facts
Let’s take a look at the nutritional facts of pomelo and why it can be considered a great snack for your dog:
One serving of pomelo is equivalent to an average-sized peel pomelo, weighing 21 ounces.
Here are the nutritional facts of one serving of pomelo:
- Calorie = 231
- Protein = 5 grams
- Carbohydrates = 59 grams
- Fiber = 6 grams
- Potassium = 216 mg
- Vitamin C = 61 mg
- Calcium = 4 mg
- Magnesium = 6 mg
Pomelo also contains high levels of riboflavin, thiamine, Vitamin C, copper, and potassium.
Benefits of Pomelo for Dogs
As mentioned earlier, pomelo is a healthy, occasional treat for dogs, and here are the reasons why:
- Boosts Immune System
Pomelo has high amounts of vitamin C, which boosts your pup’s immune system. A healthy immune system in dogs means your pup is better able to fight off diseases and viruses, as well as helps your dog recover faster from disease and injuries.
- Lowers Risk of Cancer
Pomelo contains high levels of antioxidants, which are known to help prevent cancer and reverse the damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidants found in pomelo include lycopene and naringin, which also happen to reduce oxidative stress in dogs, as well as improve overall heart health.
- Improves Digestive Health
Pomelo contains high amounts of fiber, which promotes a healthy digestive system. When your pup is suffering from constipation, a serving of pomelo can help move its bowel through the fiber content in the fruit. A healthy digestive system can also promote overall health by boosting gut health.
- Reduces Inflammation
Lycopene has strong anti-inflammatory abilities, making pomelo a great treat for dogs who may be suffering from chronic pain and arthritis or any joint problems.
- Maintains Health Weight
Because of the high fiber content in pomelo, eating the fruit can help your dog to feel fuller for longer, reducing its cravings, and helping it to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight for overall health.
Risks Involved in Feeding Pomelo to Dogs
Just like every other human food you want to feed to your dog, you need to introduce it to your dog’s diet gradually. Do not feed pomelo on a daily basis or make it a real replacement because it should only be treated as an occasional treat.
Here are the risks you need to consider when feeding pomelo to your pet canine:
- Avoid Feeding It To Diabetic Dogs
Pomelo has a high sugar content, which is evident in its sweet taste when ripe. Avoid feeding the fruit to your dog if it has diabetes, or is pre-diabetic.
- Excessive Consumption Leads to Digestive Issues
Always feed human food in moderation when it comes to giving your pup treats. Excessive consumption of pomelo can lead to digestive issues in your dog.
- Allergic Reactions
If it is going to be your dog’s first time feeding pomelo to your dog, watch out for signs of allergic reaction. Any dog can be allergic to any human food, so after giving your pup a bite of pomelo, watch out for any sneezing, wheezing, lethargy, vomiting, and other symptoms that might be an allergic reaction to eating the fruit.
- How to Feed Pomelo to Your Dog
The first thing you need to know is that you shouldn’t be giving pomelo every day. The fruit should only be an occasional treat, about 3 to 4 times a week tops, and even more. Remember that excessive consumption of the fruit can lead to digestive issues, so always keep it in moderation.
When you feed the fruit to your pup, here are some things you need to do:
- Remove the thick peeling.
- Remove the seeds.
- Cut out the flesh into smaller pieces.
- Feed your dog as an occasional treat.
You can also make the citrus fruit even more refreshing by placing it in the fridge before giving it to your pup. This adds a layer of coldness on a hot summer day, making pomelo a great summer treat for dogs.
Final Words
It always puts a smile on your face when the food you love is also enjoyed by your pet canine. However, there are things that need to be considered when feeding human food to your dog. So can dogs eat pomelo? Yes, they can, but only in moderation and make sure the fruit is ripe, otherwise, the flesh will be extremely sour and bitter.
Give pomelo as an occasional treat, and never as a daily dessert or snack. Pomelo is completely safe for dogs to eat, as long as you know what you’re doing in terms of moderation, preparation, and frequency.
https://unsplash.com/photos/Y_fopIp0GJw (pomelo)
https://unsplash.com/photos/Jd3lPFcWouc (dog jumping to eat fruit)
