Is Papaya Bad For Dogs? Discover The 5 Good And The 4 Bad Fruits For Canines
Papaya…, sounds pretty exotic, right? Yes, it is one of the nutritious tropical fruits that grow in the Latin American region as well as some parts of Florida and the Caribbean. It thrives in warm, sunny climates and when it’s ripe, it is very juicy. It is very beneficial for humans. Now, is papaya bad for dogs or also useful like for the two-legged gourmands? We are about to find out all the information we can on its properties.
Pooches can indulge in a lot of fruits people eat, but some of them are extremely poisonous for our four-legged pals even though we consume them worry-free. Let’s cover all the “good-for-pooches” exotic fruits as well as those that can cause an adverse reaction before we dig specifically into our “star of the day” (papaya) to answer our question “Is papaya bad for dogs?”
Exotic Fruits That Are Good For Dogs
Pineapple
This exotic fruit is a nutrient “super-man.” It contains generous amounts of Vitamin C, B, thiamin, niacin, folate, as well as riboflavin. Not only that, it has an abundance of minerals like iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
This is an excellent snack for any gourmand pooch who has a sweet tooth situation going on and just can’t resist a pineapple’s tangy, citrusy taste. However, mutts who have an obesity problem and/or diabetes as a result of having those extra pounds should refrain from consuming it. Why? Because it has a huge amount of fructose, causing blood sugar to spike.
Mango
This juicy, fruity, and extremely delicious tropical plant is another nutritious “wunderkind” alongside pineapple. Abundant in vitamins such as K, C, A, folate, beta-carotene, magnesium, and potassium for a stronger body, sharp vision, and healthy immunity. Mangos contain about 20% of vitamin A per serving which makes them a great product for all of those “nerds” who spend most of their working time at the computer. In case you want to feed it to a mutt, peel the skin off, take the pit out, and chop it into small pieces.
Banana
A “sunshine” fruit, packed with potassium (great for the “nervous wreck” pooches out there as it balances the nervous system health), while also helping build muscle mass to support weak joints (hello, Pugs). Gives you energy, and stamina and fills you up. However, no mutt should be eating a whole banana at a time, only a few slices are allowed to prevent blood sugar from going insanely high.
Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit has a ton of great properties like iron, protein, fiber, magnesium, vitamin C, and antioxidants. This South American native fruit is a low-calorie snack, hence can become a sweet treat option for somebody who is trying to lose extra pounds. It also has a significant amount of carbs per serving. However, those are much healthier compared to the carbs you intake by eating ole-good fries or a piece of white bread.
Acai berry
One of the healthiest berries to have hands down! It is considered a “berry of champions” since it has so many antioxidants and fiber, making it a great product for aspiring athletes. It is best enjoyed in smoothies and purees as most of the berry’s nutrients are going to be preserved for long-term health benefits. It is super beneficial for anybody’s immune system, including our four-legged pals.
And now for the bad list…
Top Toxic Fruits for Dogs
Cherries
A cherry pit contains what’s known as cyanide. It is a very toxic substance, which can lead to oxygen deprivation in a canine body’s cells and a lethal outcome as a result. The flesh should not be consumed either as it can cause stomach cramps.
Avocados
Yes, you heard it right, it is considered a fruit! Not just toxic to dogs, but also to their four-legged animal counterparts like donkeys, horses, and bunnies. It has a component persin known to cause abdominal issues, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures in our beloved furry buds.
Grapes
Another extremely toxic fruit. Scientists are still not sure what exactly in grapes causes allergic reactions, so just steer clear of giving it out to your fluffy companion. Oh yes, and raisins as well!
Tomatoes
Contrary to popular belief, a tomato is considered a fruit! Yet, its flesh is not what is poisonous to pets, but the stems and leaves. Therefore, if you are an avid gardener, make sure you block access to the plants from some curious canine pals.
And now, what about papaya? Is papaya bad for dogs and should it be added to the banned list of products as well?
Is Papaya Bad For Dogs?
The answer is no, it is not dangerous at all! Papaya has a lot of great properties like vitamins, and fiber, is a great source of water (alongside cucumber and watermelon), rich in potassium and even calcium for sturdy bones! It also has papaya enzymes for dogs’ tummies’ health as well as for pain-relieving properties. Just make sure you take out all the seeds and peel the fruit, slicing it in half-inch chunks for your hound’s enjoyment.
Related Reading: Is Dragon Fruit Good For Dogs?
Curl-Up
We tried to answer the question “Is papaya bad for dogs?” and looked at other fruity counterparts, both the good and the extremely bad. Use this article as a guide for yourself to know what you can share with your pal safely, and worry-free. And please, make sure a pooch doesn’t get its teeth on any of the aforementioned toxic plants. Better be safe than sorry!
FAQs
How much papaya can I give my dog?
Papaya is an excellent healthy snack choice for any canine. It is better to wash this exotic fruit really well, making sure that all the dirt, grime, and waxes become history. You can use the veggie wash in the spray form they sell at most supermarkets and clean your fruit with that.
After you are done washing papaya, it is better to cut it into small pieces (about half an inch), making sure that all the seeds are taken out. Dogs can choke on the seeds easily, especially toy breeds like Yorkies, Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and Pugs as their throats are much tinier compared to bigger breeds. Therefore if they grab a lot of seeds all at once, they can easily start suffocating.
What are bad fruits for dogs?
First of all, we can name grapes. Those are extremely toxic to dogs, causing severe allergic reactions, kidney failure, abdominal pain, and lethargy. Also, you can add cherries, avocados, and tomatoes to the forbidden fruit list and avoid giving any of those to your canine like a plaque. Watch for the little mischiefs trying to steal some of those off the table.
Is papaya good for a dog’s health?
Oh yeah, absolutely! It contains folate, potassium, fiber, vitamins, and healthy enzymes that aid in proper digestion. All these nutrients combined help with keeping heart health in check, boost immunity while supporting mental health as well.
Family Dog Expert Author
Hi there! I’m Stuart, a devoted dog lover and family dog expert with over a decade of experience working with our furry companions. My passion for dogs drives me to share my knowledge and expertise, helping families build strong, loving bonds with their four-legged friends. When I’m not writing for SirDoggie, you’ll find me hiking, playing with my beautiful dog, or studying music.