Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit? One Golden Retriever’s Hilarious Theft Has Us Wondering
Our canine friends are notorious for seizing every unsupervised moment to chow down any human food left in the open. While they’re perfectly talented at executing these adorable food thefts, they suck at one thing: hiding the evidence. One Golden Retriever has left the TikTok community in stitches after stealing their owner’s Dragon Fruit and acting like they had nothing to do with the missing fruit. Unlucky for him, the reddish stains on his mouth sold him out. (Watch TikTok below)
In the video posted on TikTok account @a_golden_fam, the lovely Golden Retriever can be seen pretending to watch the TV when he realizes his owner is back.
“When I came back from the bathroom, I found half of the dragon fruit missing,” reads the hilarious caption layered over the comical clip.
So far, the video has racked up over 11 million views and thousands of comments. TikTok users took to the comment section to defend the lovely Golden from the theft accusations.
“See how he only ate the half? Very mindful,” one wrote.
“He’s looking for the culprit, too,” another added.
“He clearly hasn’t seen anything. He was too busy watching TV,” a third comment reads.
Watch the funny clip below:
@a_golden_fam #goldenretrieverlife #dogsoftiktok #funnydogs #fyp ♬ Funny, quirky, prank, silly, idiotic, comedy, comical bassoon (Loop)(1484503) – Ponetto
Is Dragon Fruit Good for Dogs? Nutrition and Health Facts
Also called strawberry pear or Pitaya, dragon fruits are well known for their distinctively colorful exterior and tasty pulp studded with black seeds. But besides its pretty looks, this exotic tropical fruit is mega healthy, too, for humans. It’s loaded with antioxidants and is rich in essential minerals and vitamins such as iron, potassium, and vitamin C. Not to mention, dragon fruit is an excellent source of dietary fibre, and contains several immune-boosting properties.
If you’re a devoted lover of dragon fruit, whether for its mild sweetness or health properties, you may be wondering: can dogs eat dragon fruit?
Thankfully, the short answer is yes. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control, dragon fruits are non-toxic to dogs. This refreshing fruit offers dogs pretty much the same health benefits it offers humans, making it an excellent addition to their diet. However, as with every other human food or fruit, it’s best to feed your dog dragon fruit in moderation.
Here are a few health benefits of dragon fruit for dogs:
- It’s high in vitamin C, which boosts your dog’s immune system.
- Its moisture content gives your pup a hydration boost.
- It’s packed with antioxidants, which help lower your dog’s risk of chronic illnesses.
- The fiber and prebiotics in dragon fruit help improve your dog’s overall gut health.
- Surprisingly, the seeds of dragon fruit contain essential fatty acids that support your dog’s skin and coat health.
What to Know Before Feeding Your Dog Dragon Fruit
While dragon fruit is generally safe for dogs to eat and will contribute to your dog’s overall health, it’s important to take a few precautions before giving this fruit to your dog.
You see, every dog is different. While some may not experience any side effects after consuming dragon fruit, there are those that might develop an allergic reaction to this delicious fruit. So, remember that before introducing new foods to your dog, including human fruits, start slow.
Simply put, give your furry friend a small piece of dragon fruit first and observe how they react. This will help you know whether they can consume dragon fruit without the risk of an allergic reaction afterward. If you notice any signs of allergies, such as hives, itchy skin, swollen eyes, and vomiting, contact your vet immediately.
Plus, we highly recommend consulting your veterinarian before introducing your dog to dragon fruit, especially if they have a history of allergic reactions to new foods. If you have any concerns about giving your dog this fruit — maybe due to an underlying health condition they have — be sure to chat with your vet for expert guidance.
Something else to keep in mind….
Unlike the inner flesh, the skin of the dragon fruit can be tough for your dog to digest. It’s therefore advisable to feed your pup dragon fruit without the skin.
“The fruit’s flesh is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can contribute positively to a dog’s diet,” explain experts at the Best Friends Veterinary Hospital. “However, it’s important to remove the skin of the dragon fruit, which can be hard to digest. “
Additionally, experts emphasize giving your dog dragon fruit in moderation since if overfed within a short period, the fruit’s high fiber content can lead to gastrointestinal issues. And before serving your furry friend dragon fruit, it’s best if you cut it into bite-sized pieces and get rid of the stalk to prevent any choking incident.
One last thing….
Avoid giving your dog any store-bought processed form of dragon fruit. These processed versions may contain ingredients that could be harmful to your dog’s health.
What Type of Dragon Fruit Can Dogs Eat?
Dragon fruit comes in different varieties, the most common being the red dragon fruit (red skin with red pulp), white dragon fruit (pink skin with white pulp), yellow dragon fruit (yellow skin with white pulp), and purple dragon fruit.
Thankfully, all these varieties are safe and nutritionally beneficial to dogs.
Dragon Fruit for Dogs FAQs
Can Dog Eat Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat dragon fruit. However, it’s best to consult your veterinarian before introducing a new human food to your dog, including dragon fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat yellow dragon fruit. Be sure to feed them in moderation and remove the fruit’s skin before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Skin?
The short answer is no. Experts advise against feeding dogs the skin of dragon fruit because it’s too tough to be properly digested. It’s best if you only serve your dog the fruit’s inner flesh.
Can My Dog Eat Dragon Fruit?
Yes, your dog can eat dragon fruit, as it’s generally non-toxic to dogs. However, if it’s your dog’s first time eating the fruit, you should introduce it slowly and monitor for any signs of allergic reaction.
Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit Seeds?
Yes, the seeds of dragon fruit are safe for dogs to consume. These seeds are rich in fatty acids that can help improve your pup’s overall skin and coat health.
Can Dogs Eat Red Dragon Fruit?
Yes, the red dragon fruit is safe for dogs to eat in moderation. You should, however, not feed your pop the dragon fruit’s skin to avoid gastrointestinal issues. It’s also advisable to start with a small piece if you’re introducing the red dragon fruit to your dog for the first time.
Can Dogs Eat White Dragon Fruit?
Yes, that’s right. Dogs can eat white dragon fruit in moderation, but you should not give them the skin. It’s also recommended that you consult your vet if you have any concerns before giving your dog the white dragon fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Purple Dragon Fruit?
Yes, purple dragon fruit is safe for dogs to eat. Be careful not to give your dog the purple dragon fruit’s skin to avoid digestive issues.
Can Dogs Eat Yellow Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat yellow dragon fruit, as it is non-toxic. However, it should be fed in moderation to avoid gastrointestinal problems.
Can Dogs Eat Pink Dragon Fruit?
Yes, the pink dragon fruit is safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Dragon Fruit?
Yes, dogs can eat dried dragon fruit, provided it’s all-natural and without added preservatives.
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