Papaya is probably one of the best and the most delicious fruits you can get today. Although it is good and beneficial for humans, some dog owners are skeptical about feeding their pets with it. The main thing to remember is that yes, this fruit is safe. So, can dogs eat papaya? Of course yes, but in medium amounts.
Papaya has probiotic properties
Before we move to the next main thing, we must spend some time explaining why papaya is different than most other fruits. The secret lies in enzymes which are present in high amounts in the fruit. As such, they will boost digestion and bring several, other advantages.
This benefit is noticeable among humans and dogs, but furry friends probably experience benefits quicker and in larger levels, due to different, faster digestive tract and metabolism. Some dog owners even prefer feeding their pets with papaya due to just mentioned advantage.
Small, peeled pieces are the best
Just giving the papaya to your dog isn’t a wise choice. There are a few things you will have to remember before that. First and foremost, always peel the fruit and remove the part of it which was exposed to the elements. It isn’t safe and this is the part of the fruit which is probably contaminated or contains unhealthy chemicals.
While peeling is important, there is another, even more, important thing to know. Seeds must be removed at all costs! Yes, perhaps you will need more time to prepare a meal, but it is something you must do. Seeds of papaya are dangerous to all breeds and they can have side effects even if a dog eats a few of them. Frequent consumption is even more dangerous! For more information about this topic, you can always click here.
Can dogs eat papaya which is dry?
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If you are an average dog owner, you will probably know the answer. Dog’s digestive tract isn’t capable of processing sugars. All dehydrated fruits are rich in sugar, but papaya is at the top of the list. As such, in this form, it must be avoided at all costs! Just to remind you, this applies to all dehydrated fruits you can get.
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While healthy dogs may withstand small amounts of dehydrated papaya, those with diabetes cannot! If your pet has this health condition, make sure you reduce all foods high in sugar to the minimum.
Papaya enzyme tablets
Now we know that papaya is perfectly safe and it can be given to your dog without any risk. But you may have heard of papaya enzyme tablets. They are common and frequently used by dog owners whose pets have problems with digestion. So, are they safe? Yes, basically they have the same effect as fresh papaya, but without vitamins and minerals.
A large dog, with a weight of 50 pounds should get one tablet per treatment. Obviously, smaller dogs must get lower amounts of supplements. Because this is a complicated matter and there are plenty of variables, including the dog breed, size, age, and overall health, it is advised to have a conversation with your veterinarian.
Additional benefits of papaya
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Better digestion is just one and the best-known benefit of papaya, but far from being the only one. In reality, this is a super fruit, which suggests it has plenty of benefits, all focused on the pure health of your pet.
We will start with vitamins and minerals. Vitamins, K, C, A, and E are concentrated in high amounts. They are beneficial for your dog in many ways, but we will mention healthier fur, better mood, and better health overall. Then we have potassium and magnesium, which are beneficial for growth. In this aspect, we should include that calcium is present in higher levels as well. As such, your dog will grow more and faster while maintaining his perfect health.
Overall, papaya is beneficial in many ways, as we tried to explain. A dog who consumes papaya on a frequent basis will have better heart health, faster growth, more energy and a much stronger immune system. As you can assume, all of this means that your dog will be better protected versus diseases and conditions.
What to do when the papaya is mixed with other foods
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Because most people like eating papaya mixed with other foods, we must point out that some of them are not healthy for your dog, therefore they must be avoided. The first one is avocado. Maybe you like the mixture in question, but if consumed in larger amounts, this fruit will cause severe issues. It is rich in sugar and nutrients dogs normally don’t like.
Grapes are dangerous for kidneys and they can cause several health issues, so they should be avoided as well. Onion and garlic are a big threat to your pet. They can cause anemia, so they must be avoided at all costs. Even when used in addition to other foods, they must be removed.
Alcoholic beverages are even more dangerous. Same as in humans, they affect and damage brain and liver. However, a dog’s body is more sensitive to these damages and they have an increased side effect than on humans. As such, we highly advise you to avoid it!
Dairy products may have a negative effect as well. Monitor the condition of your dog before you can determine is he allergic to that, a particular dairy product or not.
The final thought
Can dogs eat papaya? Yes, and it will be beneficial to them. There are a few points you must remember. Dehydrated papaya must be avoided at all cost. When mixed with other foods, some of them must be removed from a meal or they can be dangerous to the dog’s health. Don’t forget that small amounts are ideal.
A dog will get all the advantages to the digestive tract, growth, and overall health, but none of the drawbacks. Just to repeat, remove the seeds and peel papaya before giving it to your furry friend. There are no other facts you should know when it comes to feeding a dog with this fruit.
