Can Dogs Eat Pears? The Juicy Secret Every Dog Owner Needs to Know +Pear & Molasses Dog Biscuit Recipe
If you’re a longtime dog owner, then you’re always looking for new treats to tell your good boy or girl that they have, in fact, been a good boy or girl. In that search, you’ve likely looked for fruit options for your furry friend, but that always begs the question: is this safe for my dog to eat? If you’ve asked cann dogs eat pears, then look no further.
Are Pears Safe for Dogs?
Pears are perfectly safe for dogs! But as with all treats, they should be given in moderation. Veterinarians recommend that you should feed your dog no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake in treats, and pears are, of course, a treat.
As with any new dietary choice for your dog, consult your vet if you’re particularly worried. Pears can be unhealthy if your dog has dietary issues or allergies, so be aware of the risks.
Nutritional Value of Pears
Dogs shouldn’t be getting their nutrients from their treats—that said, here’s what’s good about pears: they are high in fiber and vitamins A and C, but they are sugary and low in protein. Just like with humans, pears fit perfectly into a dog’s well-balanced diet.
If you’re giving your dog pears in moderation they’re a fun way to diversify your treat portfolio!
Tips for Safely Feeding Your Dog Pear
Dogs will eat most things you put in front of them, so it’s often your job to ensure it’s safe for them first. Here are a few tips to make sure your dog doesn’t choke on or overeat your new fruity treats:
Cut it up. Dogs can be notoriously fast eaters, so make sure you cut pears up before feeding them to your fur babies, especially if you’re giving a puppy pears, as they shouldn’t have a whole one to begin with.
Remove the seeds. Pear seeds can be a choking hazard, and your dog doesn’t have the knowledge or the opposable thumbs to pick them out themselves.
Don’t feed it often. It’s been said but is important enough to earn repeating: treats, including pears, should only be given in moderation.
Pay attention to your dog’s response. If you feed your dog some pear and they get diarrhea, then they may not be able to eat pears.
Pear & Molasses Dog Biscuit Recipe
USA Pears has an excellent and simple recipe for pear and molasses dog biscuits. Here’s a summary.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped pears, cored
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3 tablespoons molasses
Supplies:
- Knife or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Dough roller
- Cookie sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease lightly with olive oil.
- Chop your pears using a knife, or by pulsing in a blender.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix using a large spoon until a sticky dough has formed.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough comes together and no longer sticks to your hands. Add more flour if too sticky.
- Roll dough to ¼ inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Pears? FAQ
Now, you may have read this and still have some questions. Hopefully, we can answer those preemptively here!
Can dogs eat pears from a tree?
Yes, but you should still take all the precautions listed above. Pears from a tree haven’t been deseeded or chopped up, so they can be a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat pear seeds?
If you miss one or two when you deseed your dog’s pear slices, they won’t fall over and die; however, in greater numbers, they can present a dangerous choking hazard and contain toxic ingredients.
Can dogs eat pear skin?
Yes, but as with seeds, the skin can present an extra choking hazard. You might be seeing a trend here: the primary risk with pears is choking hazards, so your goal is to reduce that risk as much as possible. With all the proper precautions, pears are perfectly safe, but those precautions do need to be taken.
Can dogs eat canned pears?
They shouldn’t. If you’re feeding your dog pears, you should opt for fresh pears. Canned pears have syrups that sweeten them and add a ton of unnecessary sugars that are unhealthy for your dog. Canned pears are not a good idea.
Can dogs have Asian pears?
Yes. Since the only major difference between Asian pears and other pears is when and where the pears are allowed to ripen, there is no extra risk posed to your dog by one pear over another. As long as the pear is good, the type doesn’t really matter.
Can dogs eat Korean pears?
Korean pears, also known as Asian pears, are large, round, and juicy fruits known for their crisp texture and sweet taste. Yes, dogs can safely eat Korean pears in moderation. They are a healthy treat, rich in fiber and vitamins.