Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

With its vibrant pink skin and refreshing flesh, dragon fruit is an exotic, tropical fruit loved by many. But can dogs eat dragon fruit?

Yes, dragon fruit can be a safe, healthy snack for dogs, in moderation. You can safely feed this fruit to your dog as a treat but should resist giving it to them all the time.

We’ll dive into how to introduce dragon fruit to a dog’s diet safely and how much exactly you can feed them.   

Can Dogs Eat Dragon Fruit?

Yes, dogs can eat dragon fruit in moderation. It isn’t toxic and can provide some nutritional benefits. However, there are several things you need to keep in mind to feed dragon fruit to your dog safely:

• Only the fleshy part is safe: The spiky dragon fruit skin isn’t toxic, but it can be a choking hazard and isn’t very digestible. You should remove it completely before giving it to your dog. 
• Small portions are key: Like many other fruits, dragon fruit is high in sugar. It can cause stomach upset in larger amounts, and it can even cause things like diabetes if fed for a long period. 
• Start slow: Any new food added to your dog’s diet can cause stomach upset, so when introducing dragon fruit, do it gradually. If your dog has never had it before, do not give them the maximum serving size.
• Dragon fruit seeds are okay: Contrary to some other advice, the tiny black seeds are not choking hazards and are perfectly fine for dogs to eat. There is no need to try and remove them!

If you notice any signs of discomfort after your dog eats dragon fruit, you should stop giving it. While this fruit is safe for most dogs, some dogs just can’t stomach it. 

Is Dragon Fruit Safe For Dogs to Eat? What Are the Risks?

There aren’t any huge risks for dogs eating dragon fruit, as it isn’t toxic and is generally healthy. However, if you want to start feeding your dog dragon fruit, there are some things you may want to keep in mind:

• Choking hazard: The spiky skin of dragon fruit can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. Make sure you completely remove the skin before you give any of the fruit to your pet. The seeds are not a choking hazard and don’t need removal. 
• Digestive upset: Dragon fruit is high in fiber, and that’s good for many dogs! But, for others, it can cause digestive upset. It largely depends on how much fiber your dog is getting elsewhere and how much they can handle. Start with a small amount of the fruit to see how your dog does. 
• Allergies: As with any new food, there is a small chance your dog may be allergic to it. This chance is very small, though. 
• Sugar content: Dragon fruit is naturally sweet and high in sugar, just like any other fruit. Avoid giving your dog too much dragon fruit. Some dogs, such as those with diabetes, might not need the added sugar at all. 

Luckily, you can minimize most of these risks by feeding your dog only a small amount of dragon fruit and removing the skin. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit isn’t just a tasty treat for your dog. This funky fruit can also have several benefits:

• Shiny coat: Dragon fruit contains some omega-3 fatty acids, like the kind found in salmon (minus the fishy dog breath). This can help keep your dog’s coat gleaming and healthy. 
• Fiber boost: As we’ve discussed, dragon fruit does contain a lot of fiber. For some dogs, this can be a huge benefit. Fiber can help treat constipation in dogs and help with weight loss. 
• Vitamin C: Most of us know that vitamin C can boost our immune system, but it can also help our dog’s immune system (despite the fact that dogs don’t need vitamin C like we do). 
• Hydration: Dragon fruit is also packed with water, helping keep your dog hydrated. Most dogs drink enough, but this extra boost can be helpful for hot days when your dog may be prone to overheating.

Remember, despite these benefits, it’s best to only give your dog a small amount, as we’ll discuss next:

How Much Dragon Fruit Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of dragon fruit your dog can safely eat depends on their size. Smaller dogs can only eat a small amount due to their very small size. While there aren’t any official guidelines, here are our recommendations:

• Under 10 lbs: Start with a very small amount, like less than a teaspoon. 
• 10-25 lbs: One teaspoon
• 25-60 lbs: 2 teaspoons
• 60-100 lbs: 3 teaspoons

Your dog should only consume around 10% of their calories in treats, including a healthy treat like dragon fruit. However, because dragon fruit is so high in sugar, we recommend far less than 10% of your dog’s calories! 

10% should be considered the absolute maximum your furry friend should eat. Aim for less than that. As the rest of their treats, you can consider high-protein options, like freeze-dried meats. 

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