Can Dogs Eat Guava?: Know The Myths And Facts

There is no doubt that guava is an excellent fruit with numerous nutrients and proven health benefits. But, can dogs eat guava? In this article, we are going to inform you on whether dogs can eat guava.

Short answer: Guava is safe to be taken by dogs. But, you should always serve your dog with guava after removing the peels and pit. The outer skin of guava contains a high amount of sugars and this can make your dog fat. Guava is a great source of vitamins such as Vitamin A, B, and C. Read on for a detailed step by step guide. 

Overview

Guava (which is scientifically known as Psidium guajava) is a fruit, which is considered a super-fruit.

Guava can be taken fresh or processed into juices, jams, pulps, nectar, jellies, slices in syrup, beverages, fruit bar, flavoring agents, concentrate, biscuits, cakes, and smoothies.

It is one of the few exotic fruits considered with significant health benefits. Learn the health benefits of guava from our ultimate guide to the health benefits of guava.

But, despite all these health benefits, is guava the right food for the dogs. Keep reading to find out.

Can Dog Eat Guava?

Unlike other pets such as cats, dogs are omnivores which means they can eat and digest both flesh and plant products.

Dogs possess a digestive enzyme called amylase which is an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of starch.

One study revealed that the domestication of dogs was first aided by the development of amylase.

This is an enzyme that helps dogs catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch that can be found in fruits.

Moreover, the Whole Dog Journal suggests some fruits that can be given to dogs and include apples, bananas, and watermelon.

Despite the cyanide levels of the fruits when compared with guava, these fruits were considered safe to be given to dogs by experts.

Moreover, guava fruits do not contain vitamin D.

One study showed that the digestive system of dogs is not blessed with enzymes than can help properly metabolize vitamin D. And so when dogs are supplemented with fruits and vegetables that contain vitamin D, the dogs may suffer some health-related issues.

This also reaffirmed the safety of guava for the dog. However, vitamin D sometimes may not has a problem but to be on a safer side, diets with high vitamin D should be avoided for dogs.

The fruits of guava contain a high amount of lycopene and carotene alongside other important antioxidants which include vitamin A, flavonoids, and terpenoids.

These phytochemicals are very useful for the protection against excessive sun radiation, free radicals, high blood pressure, and reduction of high glucose levels.

Moreover, guava possesses soluble fibers and dietary water. These are important for proper digestion and smooth bowel movement.

Guava fruit has different parts and therefore, it is important to look at each part separately and see whether the part is safe for the dogs.

Can Dogs Eat Guava Fruits

Dogs can eat guava fruits but not in large quantities. This is because their digestive system is not as well developed as for humans and herbivores.

If you give a large number of guava fruits to a dog, you directly make the dog overwork its underdeveloped enzyme, which may later lead to fatal health problems.

Always feed a dog with a small quantity of guava typically not more than two fruits.

Can Dog Eat Guava Skin?

Guava fruit skin is high in sugars. And when given to a dog, the skin can help increase glucose levels in the bloodstream of the dog.

And this increased glucose levels in the bloodstream of the dog can help weaken the amylase enzyme, which may also later destroy the physiological functions of the amylase enzyme.

As a rule of thumb, the skin of guava fruits is not allowed to be given to dog.

Can Dog Eat Guava Pulp?

Giving guava pulp or flesh to a dog is what is recommended. You can remove the skin and leave only the flesh when you Wang to give it to your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Guava Seeds?

The seeds of guava fruits sometimes contain cyanide. Despite guava is a fruit with less cyanide content, it is still not recommended to serve your dog with guava seeds.

This is because the mild amount of cyanide can accumulate into a level that can cause cyanide poisoning. It is not allowed to serve your dog with guava seeds.

What Amount of Guava is Recommended?

According to a doctor interviewed by the Whole Dog Journal ref2, the fruits should be given to dogs as threats and should not make up more than 10% of dogs’ diets.

Takeaway

The main key point to be noted here is that guava can be given to a dog. However, always serve your dog with guava in a small quantity. Also, you need to avoid giving your dog guava seeds and skin peeled from the fruits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Fruit is not Good for Dogs?

Fruits like Banana, watermelon, and apples are good for dogs. But fruits such as grapefruits, raisins, lemon, limes, and cherries are toxic to a dog.

What Fruit Can Dog Eat?

Dogs can eat these fruits in small quantities without problems: Apples, Watermelon, Coconut, Blackberries, and blueberries.

Are Guava Seeds Digestible?

Guava seeds are digestible. However, for dogs, the seeds are not recommended to be consumed.

What are the Benefits of Guava?

Guava contains minerals and vitamins in large quantities, which makes guava effective for the treatment of cancers and heart diseases.

Is it OK for Dogs to Eat Bananas?

It is OK for dogs to eat Banana. However, the quantity should be small typically as threats of not more than 10%.

How Much Apple Can a Dog Eat?

One to two apples are OK to serve your dog with. Know that a large amount may affect the stomach and kidney of your dog.

Is Rice Good for Dogs?

Cooked rice can be given to a dog. You can even add a boiled chicken to make a good serving.

Is Cheese Bad For Dogs?

Cheese is good for your dog. And you need to be careful with the quantity as large quantities can cause weight gain.

Can Dogs Eat Bread?

You can give your dog plain white and wheat bread. Make sure you serve it as a threat.

Can Dogs Drink Milk?

Despite sometimes dogs are lactose intolerant, pets like dairy products. If you like, you can serve your dog with milk but in a small quantity.

Related:

>Should Dogs Be Given Oranges?: Here Is What You Need to Know

>Should Dogs Be Given Watermelon?: Here Is What You Need to Know

>Apples: is this fruit right for dogs?

>are carrots good for dogs? Find out Here

Conclusion

With a dog by your side and you are eating your favorite guava fruit. You may be thinking about whether your dog can eat guava.

In this article, we looked at the myths and facts about serving dogs with guava fruit. We hope that this guide gives you helpful information about whether a dog can eat guava fruit. So, let us know if have any questions in the comment section below.

Recommended reading:

>List Of Antioxidants In Guava Leaves And Fruits

>Minerals And Vitamins In Guava Fruits And Leaves

>Bananas: Is This Fruit Good For Your Dog?

References

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Gutiérrez RM, Mitchell S, Solis RV. Psidium guajava: a review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;117(1):1-27. 

Bernal J, Mendiola JA, Ibáñez E, Cifuentes A. Advanced analysis of nutraceuticals. J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2011;55(4):758-774.

“Whole dog journal” retrieved from here 

National Research Council, Division on Earth and Life Studies, Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Committee on Animal Nutrition, Subcommittee on Dog and Cat Nutrition Nutrient Requirements of Dogs and Cats National Academies Press (2006) 

G. Bosch, E.A. Hagen-Plantinga, W.H. Hendriks. Dietary nutrient profiles of wild wolves: insights for optimal dog nutrition? Br. J. Nutr., 113 (Suppl) (2015), pp. S40-S54

 

 E. Axelsson, A. Ratnakumar, M.L. Arendt, K. Maqbool, M.T. Webster, M. Perloski, O. Liberg, J.M. Arnemo, A. Hedhammar, K. Lindblad-Toh. The genomic signature of dog domestication reveals adaptation to a starch-rich diet Nature, 495 (2013), pp. 360-364

Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats. Front Vet Sci. 2016;3:26. Published 2016 Mar 22. 

“THE GREAT DEBATE: DO DOGS NEED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES?” retrieved from here 

Biancuzzo RM, Young A, Bibuld D, et al. Fortification of orange juice with vitamin D(2) or vitamin D(3) is as effective as an oral supplement in maintaining vitamin D status in adults. Am J Clin Nutr. 2010;91(6):1621-1626.