Can dogs or cats eat pears?

Yes, most dogs can safely enjoy pears if they are fed as an occasional treat. Pears, alongside other fruit or vegetable snacks, must make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. They are quite high in natural sugars, so it is best to go steady. Too many pears could lead to some rather unpleasant consequences, such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

But offered every now and then, pears can make a great low-calorie snack for dogs. Just make sure to first remove the stalk and core, and chop the fruit into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This will help to reduce the risk of choking.

If your dog is on a special diet or has a health issue, like diabetes, it’s always best to chat things through with your vet first before offering any new food item.

Can dogs eat pear skin?

Most dogs can tackle a little bit of pear skin if eaten. But it’s generally best to remove it before serving if you can. Large amounts of pear skin could be tricky to digest, especially for small dogs and puppies.

Can dogs eat a pear core?

Pear core can be quite tough to digest and could be a choking hazard, so we recommend removing this. Like apple pips, pear seeds contain small amounts of cyanide, so in theory, if your dog consumed a lot of these, then they could be at risk from cyanide poisoning. There are no health benefits to eating the core and seeds, so they are best discarded.

Can dogs eat canned pears?

Canned pears are covered in syrups or juice, which are both high in sugar. This is not particularly healthy for your dog, so a fresh pear is always preferable.

What are the health benefits of pears for dogs?

While good-quality, complete pet food should give your dog all the nutrients they need, pears can make a healthy snack choice:

• High in fibre – pears are a good source of fibre, which can help with digestive issues and anal gland problems, as well as helping pets feel fuller for longer.

• Low in calories – less calorie-dense than many other treats or snacks, which can be useful when watching your pet’s waistline.

• Good source of Vitamin C – for people (and guinea pigs!), eating fruit rich in vitamin C is essential for a healthy immune system and skin. Many other animals, including dogs, manufacture their own source of vitamin C and don’t actually need it through their diet. A little boost won’t do them any harm, though!

• Rich in Vitamin K – Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and bone health.

• High water content – good for extra hydration during hot weather.

What are the signs of a pear allergy in dogs?

Allergies to pears are rare in dogs, but signs could include:

• Itchy or inflamed skin

• Increased paw licking

• Hives or swelling

• Recurrent ear and skin infections

• Digestive upset like vomiting, diarrhoea, and excessive gas

• Breathing difficulties or collapse in severe cases

If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, stop feeding them pear and call a vet for advice. It’s always sensible to introduce new food items gradually and assess your pet’s response before feeding more.

When are pears bad for dogs?

As we’ve already discussed, pears are best offered fresh and in moderation to dogs. Problems occur when your dog eats too many pears or if they are served incorrectly.

Here are some things to avoid:

• Don’t allow your dog to eat fallen pears in the garden. Rotten pears will start to ferment, creating ethanol. Dogs are very susceptible to alcohol poisoning, so don’t let them eat fermenting pears.

• Don’t give your dog pears in any sauce, cream, or chocolate. Not only can these add extra calories and possibly upset your dog’s stomach, but in the case of chocolate, they could be toxic.

• Avoid pears in syrups and juice. Pear is already high in natural sugar, so feeding canned pears is not recommended.

• Pear-flavoured sweets or snacks are also not recommended. These contain none of the potential health benefits of pears and will only add to your dog’s waistline. Some confectionary items may also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that’s dangerous to dogs.