It’s a rainy day, and you want to try a new recipe to pass the time. You land on a pear tart, and as you’re slicing the fruit, you accidentally bump a piece off the counter. If your hungry (and advantageous) pup manages to eat the sliced pear, don’t fret. Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian, says that pears are generally safe for dogs to eat as long as the stem and seeds are removed.
(Even though pears are generally safe for your pet, always consult your vet before introducing a new food item to their diet.)
When pears are served as a treat (aka in moderation), they’re not going to majorly impact your dog’s overall health. But, pet parents will be happy to know that Dr. McCullough says this treat is full of nutrients, including:
However, it’s important to tread lightly when introducing your dog to pears (and all foods). “Not all dogs will tolerate eating pears and may develop gastrointestinal upset like vomiting, diarrhea and a decreased appetite,” Dr. McCullough explains. “Pears may also pose a choking risk if it has a harder texture.”
Not all pear parts are OK for dogs to munch on, Dr. McCullough says. It’s unlikely that pear skin will make dogs sick, so that’s safe for them to eat. But, make sure to remove the stem and seeds before serving. According to Dr. McCullough, pear seeds contain cyanide, which is toxic for dogs.
If your pup is small, like a Yorkshire Terrier, cut the pear up into smaller, bite-sized pieces to protect them from choking.
“Pet parents should offer only small amounts sparingly so it does not unbalance their main diet,” she adds. “For specific amounts, pet parents should talk with their veterinarians about the appropriate amount to offer.”
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Puppies have different nutritional needs than older dogs, Dr. McCullough says. So talk to your veterinarian before giving a piece of a pear to your puppy.
Fresh is best when it comes to dogs enjoying pears. Dr. McCullough says to avoid serving your dog canned and dried pears because they have added sugar and preservatives, which are unhealthy for dogs.
If you like to keep different types of pears in your refrigerator, Dr. McCullough says that Asian and Korean pears are safe for dogs to eat.
Pears don’t sit well with all pups’ stomachs, though. So if your dog starts showing signs of sickness after eating a pear, Dr. McCullough says to stop serving it to them and contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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