Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

Papayas are a tropical fruit bursting with flavor and nutrients. They make a healthy snack for us humans but can dogs eat papaya?

Yes, dogs can eat papaya fruit in moderation. While it cannot replace their normal diet, a few bites can be offered as a tasty treat. Just be sure to remove the skin and seeds beforehand.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits papaya offers dogs as well as how to feed papaya safely. The recommended serving size is also given, helping you ensure your dog isn’t eating too much papaya. 

Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

Yes, dogs can eat papaya! These tropical treats aren’t toxic and can be used as a healthy treat for your dog. However, like all fruits, they are very high in sugar. Therefore, your dog should not eat TONS of papaya. An occasional papaya treat is completely okay, though. 

You need to keep a few things in mind when preparing papaya for dogs:

1. Only feed the flesh: Only feed your pup the flesh of the fruit and remove the papaya skin and seeds beforehand. These parts can be a choking hazard and cause an intestinal blockage, so you should remove them before giving your dog the fruit.
2. Cut into small pieces: It’s best to cut the papaya into cubes that are plenty small enough for your dog to eat easily. Some dogs tend to scarf food, so it’s best if the pieces are too small for your pup to choke on. 
3. Avoid dried papaya: You should also avoid dried papaya treats. These are especially sugar-heavy and aren’t the best choice for our dogs so only feed fresh papaya.
4. Stick to small amounts: Remember, moderation is key. A few chunks here and there are fine for most dogs, but you shouldn’t give your dog a whole papaya daily. They just don’t need that much sugar and should be eating protein-rich snacks whenever possible instead. 

What Are the Risks of Feeding Papaya to Dogs?

Papaya isn’t toxic to dogs, but that doesn’t mean it is completely risk-free. There are several potential problems you need to keep in mind when feeding your dog papaya:

• Tummy Troubles: Like many other fruits and vegetables, Papaya is very high in fiber. While fiber is great for avoiding constipation, too much can cause an upset stomach, like gas and discomfort. It’s all about your particular dog’s fiber tolerance. Some dogs cannot handle much fiber, while others don’t seem phased by it. 
• Choking Hazard: Bigger pieces of fruit can be a choking hazard. This risk can be avoided if you cut the papaya into small cubes. 
• Papaya Seeds: The papaya seeds contain a small amount of cyanide, though this is so small that your dog would have to eat several fruits’ worth of seeds to develop symptoms. Still, we recommend removing the seeds just in case. 
• Sugar Rush: Papaya has a very high sugar content, as you’d probably guess! While this sugar can be tasty to us and our dogs, it isn’t ideal. Our dogs need protein and fat to thrive, and too much sugar can lead to diseases like diabetes. A couple of pieces of papaya won’t hurt your dog, but it should be fed in small portions. 

You can avoid practically all of these risks by preparing the fruit properly and only giving it to your dog in moderation. 

What Are the Health Benefits of Papaya?

Papaya is a delicious tropical fruit that many dogs love, but it also contains a range of nutrients that can improve their health. 

The nutritional benefits of papaya include:

• Vitamin C: While dogs don’t need vitamin C in the same way humans do, extra vitamin C in their diet can help improve their immune system and prevent them from getting sick. 
• Digestive Boost: As we’ve mentioned, dogs do need fiber in their diet. Some dogs need more fiber than others, and they may benefit from papaya’s high fiber content. Dogs with digestive issues like diarrhea or constipation may benefit the most.
• Eye Health: Papaya also contains lutein, an important antioxidant for eye health. This antioxidant may also improve immune health. 

How Much Papaya Can Dogs Eat?

The amount of papaya a dog can eat depends on their size and personal tolerance. Remember, a dog should only eat 10% of their calories in treats. Because papaya is so high in sugar, we recommend keeping your dog’s maximum amount closer to 5%. Here are some general guidelines:

• Extra Small Dogs (under 10 lbs): Less than a teaspoon of chopped papaya
• Small Dogs (10-25 lbs): One teaspoon of chopped papaya
• Medium Dogs (25-60 lbs): Two tablespoons of chopped papaya
• Large Dogs (61-90 lbs): Two tablespoons of chopped papaya 
• Extra Large Dogs (over 90 lbs): A quarter cup of chopped papaya

Remember, these are just guidelines. You should always start with a very small amount and observe how your dog handles it.