If you are a fan of this sweet fruit, you may be wondering: Can dogs eat guava? Good news! Guava is a safe snack that your dog can eat in small amounts after removing the peels and seeds. But, Always approach new foods with caution.
Can Dogs Eat Guava safely?
Do you like guava and want to share some with your dog? Did your dog eat guava and you’re worried they will get sick?
A popular tropical fruit with green skin and bright pink flesh, guava can be found in many recipes. But, can dogs eat guava or should you keep it out of your dog’s reach?
The short answer is yes, guava is safe for dogs to eat with a few important exceptions.
Is Guava Good for Dogs?
Guava fruit comes in several different varieties including:
- Red Guava
- White Guava
- Apple Guava
- Pineapple Guava
- Thai Guava
Apple Guava is the common kind of Guava. All types vary in shape, color, and taste. But, they have one thing in common. They are all safe for your dog to eat.
Before giving your dog guava fruits, you will need to make sure that the fruit is ripe. You can do this by lightly squeezing it like an avocado to test for firmness. The skin of a ripe guava will be light green or yellow in color.
Health Benefits of Eating Guava for Dogs
Not only is guava fruit a delicious, sweet treat but it also offers many great nutritional benefits.
Dietary Fiber: Guava fruits are high in fiber, helping to promote better digestion. This will help to regulate your dog’s bowel movements.
Vitamin A: Vitamin A plays an important role in your dog’s vision, growth, and immune system. Dogs that have a vitamin A deficiency are at a high risk of vision problems and eye diseases.
B-Vitamins: The B-vitamins present in guava will help to promote a healthy nerve system. This includes helping to improve their cognitive function and boosting their energy levels.
If you are caring for a senior dog, this is a great option to help keep your dog feeling young, sharp, and alert.
Vitamin C: Like humans, vitamin C is an immune booster for your dog. This is a great benefit for dogs that are sick or have recently had surgery. Vitamin C is also recommended if your dog is pregnant or lactating.
Vitamin K: This key vitamin helps to maintain your dog’s bone health by boosting necessary proteins. It also helps to manage your dog’s ability to form blood clots.
Potassium: An important mineral for your dog’s health, guava is high in potassium.
Potassium works to encourage muscle growth and maintain proper organ function. It also helps to break down the carbs and fats in your dog’s diet, making it easier for their digestive system.
Magnesium: This important mineral is often compared to relaxant medications. It helps to reduce your dog’s stress levels and provide pain relief. It can also help to calm dogs that struggle with anxiety or agitation.
If you are caring for a senior dog, magnesium can help to manage the aches, pains, and stiffness associated with aging.
Iron: While there are many different ways that you can incorporate iron into your dog’s diet, guava is a tasty one. It helps the hemoglobin in your dog’s body to carry oxygen and nutrients to the systems where it’s needed.
Potential Risks of Eating Guava for Dogs
Any time that you are introducing your dog to a new food, there are potential health risks to consider. These risks could be worse if your dog has existing health issues.
Always contact your veterinarian before introducing any new food to your dog.
Here are some potential risks that your dog could face if they eat guava:
Food Allergies: Allergies to guava are common in humans. There are no studies confirming how common these allergies are in dogs.
Always watch your dog when giving them a new food and be on the lookout for signs of an allergic reaction. Signs include itching, hives, swelling in the face, digestive upset, and ear infections.
Digestive Upset: The seeds and peel of guava are difficult for your dog to process. They should be removed before feeding the fruit to your dog.
If your dog eats too much guava, the high fiber content can also lead to severe digestive upset. This may prevent your dog from being able to absorb the minerals in their diet.
Symptoms include nausea, abdominal pain, excess gas, increased urgency to go to the bathroom, and hard stools.
High Sugar Levels: As with most fruits, guava has a high level of natural sugars. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can cause weight gain, leading to obesity. It can also lead to the development of diabetes.
How Much Guava Can a Dog Eat?
So how often can dogs eat Guava? Guava should only be given to your dog as a treat in moderate amounts. It should not be a staple in your dog’s diet.
The amount of guava considered safe for your dog will depend on your dog’s size, weight, and lifestyle.
While there is no exact amount that you should stick to, a general rule of thumb is to stick to one or two slices each week. Anything more than this can cause weight gain or digestive problems.
Can Dogs Eat Guava Seeds?
There are conflicting opinions about whether the guava seeds are safe for your dog.
Some experts warn that guava seeds contain amygdalin. This is a compound that the body will convert to cyanide during digestion. But, the levels of this compound are so low that it’s unlikely it will cause poisoning.
The small seeds can also be a choking hazard for dogs, especially for smaller dog breeds.
To avoid unnecessary problems, it is safer to remove the seeds before giving your dog guava fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Guava Paste?
Guava paste is a popular way of enjoying this fruit, but not one that you should be sharing with your dog.
A popular dessert in Latin America and the Caribbean, guava paste is made from fruit puree and sugar. The combination of natural sugars and added sugar make for a sweet treat, but it is dangerous for your dog.
High levels of sugar like those found in guava paste put your dog at risk of diabetes and other health problems. It can also lead to weight gain and obesity.
Can Dogs Drink Guava Fruit Juice?
If you want to give your dog guava juice, avoid purchasing the prepackaged products. Instead, make fresh guava juice at home where you can control the ingredients.
Avoid adding sugar, salt, or other preservatives that are unsafe for your dog.
Freshly squeezed guava juice is a great way for your dog to enjoy the nutritional benefits of guava.
How to Safely Feed Guava to your dog
To safely feed your dog a guava fruit, follow these steps:
- Choose a fresh, ripe guava.
- Wash your fruit to remove any dirt or chemicals that may be present on the surface. You can use a commercial fruit and vegetable cleaner, or wash it with soap and water.
- Remove the peel. Some dogs can eat the peel without problems, but it can cause digestive problems. It is safer not to take the risk if your dog has a history of digestive problems, especially if it’s your dog’s first time eating guava.
- Carefully remove all the seeds and dispose of them where your dog can’t get them.
- Cut the fruit into small pieces.
- Enjoy the fruit with your dog! You can feed 1 or 2 pieces to your dog as a treat or mash a couple of pieces and add the guava to your dog’s food.
Remember to only give your dog guava in moderation.
Too much guava can cause digestive problems. Symptoms include cramping, upset stomach, bloating, and diarrhea.
Final Thoughts: Guava is a Tasty Treat for Your Dog in Moderation
With so many potential health benefits, the flesh of the guava fruit is a great addition to your dog’s diet. But don’t forget: There can be too much of a good thing! As with any other fruit, limit your dog to an occasional treat. Now you don’t have to wonder if dogs can eat Guava!
