You may have heard that soursop (also known as graviola, guyabano, and guanábana) is good for the immune system. If you are a dog owner, you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat soursop? Is it good for them?”
The answer is no. Soursop contains small amounts of neurotoxic alkaloids and may cause digestive issues in dogs. The fruit is not considered toxic to dogs, but consuming too much can result in vomiting or diarrhea. The seeds of the mountain soursop are toxic to dogs and can cause choking.
What Is Soursop?
Soursop is the fruit of the Annona muricata tree. This is a broadleaf evergreen tree that grows in central and tropical South America. This flowering tree grows to a height of 15-20 feet and sports yellow-green blooms from June to August. It can be grown in zones 10-11 in the US.
Can Dogs Drink Soursop Tea?
No, dogs should not consume any form of soursop at all. In fact, even humans should be careful with soursop tea. It is recommended that it not be consumed by pregnant women or children and should not be drunk for extended periods of time.
What Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
According to WebMD, dogs can eat apples, bananas, blueberries, cantaloupes, cranberries, cucumbers, mangoes, oranges, peaches, pears, pineapples, raspberries, strawberries, and watermelons. That should give your dog plenty of variety to chomp on while avoiding soursop. Dogs should not eat avocados, cherries, grapes, or tomatoes.
What If My Dog Eats Soursop?
If your dog eats something he shouldn’t, or if you even suspect that he has, you should call your veterinarian right away. Your vet will be able to tell you whether you should bring your pet in right away or sit tight and watch for symptoms. If you don’t have a vet, try calling the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
What Should My Dog Eat?
Quality dog foods contain everything a dog needs for a healthy diet. They contain a balanced mixture of meats, grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dogs should eat all of these things for a complete, nutritious diet.
Read the labels on different types of dog food to find out what each of them contains. The ingredients are listed in order starting with the one that the food contains the most of. So, for example, if corn is at the top of the ingredients list, the food contains more corn than anything else. The highest quality dog foods often have meat high on the list of ingredients.
Look for a statement on the bag or can that says that the food meets the standards set by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This will ensure that the food meets the minimum nutritional requirements your dog needs in his diet.
Small dog breeds should be fed smaller kibble so they are less likely to choke on it. In addition, large breeds may have additional nutritional requirements due to potential problems with their muscles and bones. Research your breed to see if it has any special dietary requirements.
What Are Some Healthy Snacks for My Dog?
Perhaps you’re looking for ways to supplement your dog’s regular dog food or for treats to offer as rewards. Here are a few foods that make great, healthy dog treats.
Apples: Apples are a tasty fruit that many dogs love. They are full of good vitamins and can be used as snacks whenever your dog craves a treat. Just don’t let him have the core, especially the seeds.
Bananas: Bananas are best served in moderation, as a treat only, due to their high sugar content.
Blueberries: Blueberries are tasty and healthy treats for dogs of all sizes.
Broccoli: Broccoli can be served raw, roasted, steamed, or boiled. Just leave off the seasonings and serve them plain.
Carrots: Many dogs like bite-sized pieces of raw carrot. You may have to give larger pieces to dogs who don’t like to stop to chew their food.
Cooked Lean Meat: Boiled chicken breast without any seasoning is a good choice. Salmon is also good for dogs and makes a great reward.
Cooked Squash: Yellow squash, zucchini, butternut, and pumpkin all make great treats for your dogs. Remove the seeds before feeding, and for butternut, the skin as well.
Cooked Sweet Potatoes: Whenever you cook sweet potatoes for your family, make a few extra to serve to your dog. Refrigerate them and serve whenever it’s convenient.
Dog Food: Small pieces of kibble make great treats throughout the day. Just make sure you don’t leave dog food out for your dog all day because then he can get the treat without earning it.
Green Beans: Green beans make a great treat, but leave the seasonings off. They are best for them when served plain.
Peanut Butter: Use unsweetened peanut butter without any sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Peas: You can give dogs peas either fresh or frozen, cooked or raw. Just sprinkle a few in their bowl along with their kibble. Yum!
Strawberries: Like bananas, strawberries are high in sugar, so serve in moderation.
Watermelon: Chop up pieces of watermelon and remove the seeds and rind for a healthy and delicious dog treat.
