Pears are well known for being one of the most fiber-rich fruits found in grocery stores, and they come in so many varieties, there’s truly a pear for every taste.

Pears are unique in their grainy texture and sweet taste and their nutritional content is as wonderful as their taste. If you snack on pears regularly, feel free to sneak a small taste or two to your dog, as well.

Are Pears Safe For Dogs?

Pears are definitely safe for dogs when given in moderation. If they get too many pears, it’s likely you’re going to send their bowels into super-mode due to the fiber, and your dog is going to get diarrhea.

Read More : Can Dogs Eat Plums?

Is There Any Nutritional Benefit to Pears?

Unless your dog is living on table scraps and food from the trash can, their dog food is meeting all of their nutritional needs, so there isn’t anything in pears that your dog isn’t already getting from their food.

That doesn’t mean your dog can’t get some nutritional value from a small piece of pear, and it’s arguably healthier than most of the dog treats found on store shelves.

The fiber is good for their digestive tract, but as it was mentioned before, too much dietary fiber is going to upset their bowels and lead to frequent, loose stools.

The right amount of dietary fiber, however, has been shown to reduce the risk of colon cancer and help reduce constipation in dogs.

Besides fiber, pears have folic acid, niacin, potassium, and vitamins A, B1/B2, C, and E, just to name a few.

A Few Precautions

The ideal amount is just a small square or two. Any more than that is unnecessary and increases the risk of diarrhea. Never give your dog the seeds because they contain cyanide, a chemical naturally found in fruit seeds/pits. Never give dogs an entire pear.

They don’t have the teeth necessary to pull apart and chew up a whole pear, so it poses a choking hazard, and unchewed pieces will most likely pass through the digestive tract undigested.

Pears are one of the safer fruit choices to give your dog, but that doesn’t mean they should be a daily occurrence. Consider pears a snack and not a staple in their diet and they shouldn’t cause any issues.

Can Dogs Eat Pears? Nutritional Guide 2022!

Dogs can safely eat pears as long as they aren’t Prickly pears or canned pears. Pears offer great nutritional value but overeating them can cause stomach problems, so feeding moderately is the best approach.

All dog parents know the struggle of munching on a fruit and then hearing low whiny moans because your dog wants a bite too.

When your dog marches up to you while eating fruit, you’ll try everything to avoid giving in to those soft howls. But eventually, you soften and throw a slice into its mouth.

After all, who could resist those big, beautiful puppy eyes?

While dog owners want the best for their puppers, letting your dog eat everything it wants is not the best idea. Dogs are quite naughty regarding food and won’t miss an opportunity to eat, so they aren’t picky eaters.

It’s the dog’s parents who have to make the call.

Dogs are allergic to a lot of food that we can easily eat, so it isn’t safe to give your dog anything off your plate without knowing whether it’s safe.

Fruit is one of the few foods that can be risky for dogs. You can’t let your dog have most fruits because they contain sugar and particular ingredients that harm your dog.

This is why many dog parents are asking:

Can dogs eat pears?

If your pupper whines for a pear whenever you’re eating it, that’s one lucky dog because, surprisingly, pears are one of the few dog-safe fruits.

But hold on! Don’t just go on cutting up a pear and letting your dog have a slice. There are some variations of pears that aren’t the best snack for dogs, and not all dogs will like having a pear.

Since there’s clearly more going on with dogs and pears, let’s have a detailed discussion.

Can Dogs Eat Pears?

Can you give your puppers some pears as a snack?

Yes!

Pears contain many nutrients beneficial for dogs and make for great snacks, so you can let your dog have one every once in a while.

But there’s a catch, and no, it isn’t fun.

Just like any other fruit, overfeeding pears to dogs might be dangerous since excess of particular nutrients isn’t the best thing for dogs. And that’s not the only thing to worry about; some dogs might be intolerant to pears and get severely sick after eating.

There’s also the concern of getting your dog sick because you did not correctly serve the pears.

However, if you correctly serve it, you may occasionally serve a pear to your dog as a snack.

See, there is a lot that we need to discuss, so we will be diving deeper.

Is a Pear Healthy for Dogs?

What do dogs get from eating pears? Why should owners feed pears to their dogs?

Pears are a great occasional snack for dogs because they contain many antioxidants and boost immunity. Pears are also a rich source of vitamins, so your dog is one-upping its health by eating pears.

Pears: What is Inside Them?

We’ll need to look at the nutritional profile of a pear to understand its benefits for dogs fully:

Nutritional Components	Value in 100 grams
Fat Saturated fat Trans fat Polyunsaturated fat Monounsaturated fat	0.1 grams 0 grams 0 grams 0.1 grams 0.1 grams
Carbohydrates Dietary fiber Sugar	15 grams 3.1 grams 9.8 grams
Protein	0.4 grams
Cholesterol	0 milligrams
Minerals Sodium Potassium Iron Calcium	117 milligrams 1 milligram 116 milligrams 1% 0.7%
Vitamins Vitamin A Vitamin C	7.7% 0.5% 7.2%
Calories	57

The table tells us pears are a great source of minerals and vitamins essential for dogs.

What Makes Pears Good for Doggos?

Can dogs eat pears? Yes.

But why should they? If you’re looking for a couple of reasons to serve pears to your dog, take a look at these great benefits:

●    Great Source of Fiber

Pears contain an adequate amount of fiber, a natural relief for constipation. Pears are a great snack for doggos who frequently suffer from constipation.

●    Low-fat, Low Caloric Fruit

A dog’s routine diet consists of fat and protein, but not many people know too much fat can be dangerous for them.

Luckily for dog parents, pears contain very little fat and make for a great low-calorie snack.

●    Rich in Antioxidants

Pears contain vitamins A and C and many minerals enriched with antioxidants. Antioxidants improve a dog’s immunity and increase its lifespan.

●    Support Muscle and Nerve Function

Pears are rich sources of Potassium and Vitamin C which support muscle and nerve development and functions.

●    Strengthens Bones

Dogs can count on pears for a quick calcium snack.

Calcium strengthens bones and aids in a dog’s development.

●    Improves Sight and Fetal Development

Vitamin A improves and protects a dog’s eyesight and even aids fetal development in pregnant dogs.

Impearfections: Risks of Feeding Pears to Dogs

Pears are generally a safe snack for dogs. But there are certain risks to feeding pears to a dog:

●    Toxic Core

A pear’s core contains seeds that are unsuitable for a dog or even us.

Pear seeds contain cyanide, a highly toxic natural poison that can severely harm your dog if ingested.

●    Upset Stomach

The good nutrients inside a pear can often take an unexpected turn.

Pears are good sources of fiber that aid digestion, but overconsuming fiber can give your dog unwanted diarrhea and an upset stomach.

●    Unwanted Weight Gain

There are roughly 9-10 grams of sugar in a 100 grams pear. While pears are a healthy snack, their sugar content is too much for dogs to handle.

Dogs cannot comfortably process sugar, so they can get sick and gain weight if they eat too much.

When is a Pear Bad for Dogs?

Is there a time when owners should not feed pears to a dog?

Most dogs can safely eat pears, but there are certain scenarios when vets don’t recommend serving pears to dogs:

●    Intolerance/Allergies to Pears

While rare, your dog can have an allergy to pears.

Giving a dog with a pear allergy or mild to severe intolerance to the fruit will trigger allergic reactions causing diarrhea, upset stomach, and stomach aches.

●    Gastrointestinal Problems

Dogs with gastrointestinal and other pre-existing health problems won’t be able to digest pears efficiently and can get sick from eating them.

●    Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is when the pancreas (organ responsible for aiding digestion) becomes inflamed and can no longer function properly.

Dogs with pancreatitis will face severe difficulty in digesting pears and can get severely sick.

●    Overweight Dogs

Dogs with weight well over the recommended one for their age and height are susceptible to particular diseases.

Pears contain a lot of sugar, which might not be a sign of concern when eaten in moderation but can quickly become a problem if taken excessively.

An overweight dog won’t be able to handle the excess sugar and might get sick from eating pears. Increased blood sugar levels could also put an overweight dog at risk for heart disease.

●    Pears and Puppies

Feeding a fur baby is far more difficult than adult dogs because their body is still developing, and they can’t easily digest some foods.

Puppies and small dogs might choke on the fruit, so serving pears to a puppy is not the best idea.

Can Dogs Eat All Parts of a Pear?

You can’t outright serve something, even if it is a dog-safe food because one incorrect serving could make your pupper sick. One of the biggest threats to a dog’s life is eating a part of the fruit that can be dangerous, even if the fruit itself isn’t toxic for your dog.

Pears carry the same risk; certain parts of a pear are harmful to a dog and can make it extremely sick. Let’s find out more:

➔Pear Stems and Leaves

Can dogs eat pear stems and leaves?

Dogs are curious fellas and love to play with nature. However, many dog parents don’t know that while the leaves and stems of particular plants are safe for dogs, pear leaves and stems are equally dangerous.

Pear leaves and stems contain traces of cyanide, a highly dangerous toxin that is deadly for our dogs and us.

You must not let your dog eat a pear’s stem or leaves because even a harmless nibble can severely harm it.

➔Pear Core

Doggo owners have a habit of tossing food scraps to their hungry little pals, so you might find it tempting to do the same with a pear’s core.

However, it is very dangerous to let your dog eat a pear’s core because of the seeds. A pear’s seeds contain cyanide, which we know is highly toxic for dogs.

➔Pear Skin

Can dogs eat a pear’s skin?

Luckily, you don’t have to peel a pear before serving it to your dog. A pear’s skin is not toxic to dogs; your pet can safely eat it.

However, many farms spray their crops and orchards with pesticides and special fertilizers, which contain harmful chemicals and toxins. The skin of a pear absorbs these toxins, so feeding it unwashed is highly dangerous.

Always thoroughly wash fruits before serving them to your dog.

➔Pear Flesh

The flesh of a pear is the safest and yummiest part for a dog, so you can safely let your fluffer have a slice or two!

Are All Types of Pears Safe for Dogs?

Pears are a delicious fruit with lots of varieties. Some pears are juicier, some are sweeter, and others are tougher to chew.

But should you feed a dog any pear that lands in your hand?

No.

Not all types of pears are safe for a dog, so let’s talk about dog-safe pears:

➔Asian Pears

Asian pears are stout, juicy, and slightly hard in texture.

Asian pears contain a lot of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium, making excellent snacks for dogs. Most Asian pear varieties, like Korean or Japanese pears, make great occasional treats.

While Asian pears are safe for your dog, it is not the best idea to consistently offer them as part of your dog’s diet.

The high quantity of fiber benefits dogs with constipation but can be dangerous for those with gastrointestinal problems or if excessively eaten.

➔Bosc Pears

Bosc pears, or brown pears, are relatively harmless for dogs.

You can safely feed Bosc pears to your dog if you are careful with the serving.

➔Prickly Pear

Prickly pears are one of the varieties of pear that you must not serve to your dog.

Prickly pears, also known as Cactus pears, have sharp needle or hair-like splinters on their skin that also extend through their flesh.

As you can probably tell, eating prickly pears is extremely uncomfortable for a dog. Its sharp splinters can stab a dog’s tongue and the inside of its mouth, causing bleeding, sores, and irritation.

There’s also a huge debate on whether Prickly Pears are toxic to dogs, and while there is a slight chance they are not, vets do not recommend serving them to dogs.

➔Red Pears

Red Anjou pears are similar to apples in taste, texture, and look. Luckily for dogs, a red pear is a pretty harmless fruit.

➔Williams’ Pears

Americans will recognize the Bartlett/Williams pear thanks to its greenish/reddish shine and juicy flesh and ask whether it’s safe to serve their dogs.

Yes! You can serve Williams’/Bartlett pears to your dogs without any worries.

Note: You must serve fruits to a dog in moderation. Including fruit in a dog’s diet is optional, but serving in limited and controlled quantities is the best approach for owners who want to.

Should I Give My Dog Canned Pears?

Pet owners know not to serve anything out of a can to their loved animals, and the same rings true for canned pears.

Most canned fruits contain a lot of harmful additives like sugar and certain preservatives, so they are not the best treat for your dog.

Canned foods absorb the solutions they sit in, so any preservatives, chemicals, and additives added to the can will be in the food. This is why vets advise against serving canned fruits to dogs because fruits absorb sugar and chemicals and can harm your pets.

Can My Dog Eat Fresh Pears?

Dogs can safely eat fresh pears, but owners must not relax too much.

You see, fresh pears are quite the safe fruit unless farmers spray them with pesticides.

If your doggo snatches a pear while walking in an orchard, washing the fruit before the dog takes a bite is the best way to keep your pet safe. You can rub the fruit on a clean cloth if you don’t have water nearby.

While there’s nothing wrong with a dog having a few juicy bites of fresh pear, removing the leaves and stems is best to prevent harm.

Can Pears Choke Dogs?

Pears can be a choking hazard for small dogs and puppies.

Although you can easily prevent choking, you can’t guarantee your dog won’t smuggle a bite when you’re not looking.

Store fruit at a high place or where the dog can’t reach to prevent accidental choking.

Serve bite-sized pieces of fruit to your dog.

Perform the Heimlich maneuver on the dog if it begins choking and contact the vet.

Risks and Dangers of Overeating Pears for Dogs

Why must you be careful with the way and amount you’re serving pears to your dog? There are a few risks to overeating pears, so you can’t go feeding pears on a whim.

Let’s find out more:

●    High Sugar Content

Pears are an occasional good snack, but it is not the best idea to serve them frequently to dogs.

Pears contain a lot of sugar which is suitable only in moderation; overeating pears can give your puppy a bad tummy ache and make it difficult to digest food.

●    Obesity and Diabetes

Overeating the high sugar content in pears can push a dog toward obesity and diabetes.

●    High Fiber Content

Pears are a great source of fiber and a great snack for puppers with constipation.

However, dogs with gastrointestinal problems, pancreatitis, or a history of an upset stomach can’t handle the fiber and can get very sick from eating it.

Even healthy dogs can become sick from overeating fiber in pears.

Correctly Serving Pears to Dogs

How do you ensure you’re not overfeeding or incorrectly serving pears to dogs?

There are four things to remember when serving anything to a dog:

●    How Often You Serve

Knowing how often to serve food can save the life of your pupper.

If your dog regularly eats something, it could become sick from overeating. Fruits aren’t a part of a dog’s usual diet, so feeding them requires not going overboard.

While there is no set frequency to feed pears to a dog, we recommend serving pears only up to twice a month.

●    The Way You Serve

Serving canned pears or pears with leaves, stems, or cores can be deadly for your dog.

You must prepare the pears properly so your dog can safely have a few bites.

Always thoroughly wash the fruit and remove the leaves and stems.

Do not serve the core or pear seeds to a dog.

Chop the pear into small bite-sized pieces to avoid choking.

●    How Much You Serve

Overeating fruit at a time can be dangerous, even if you only serve it once or twice a month. Your dog could get severely sick if it eats more than the recommended share of fruit, so you must be careful.

It is best to serve up to half a pear at a time to a dog. Even this quantity could be too much for some dogs, so you can keep a safe parameter of 2-3 slices.

●    Health, Size, and Weight of Your Dog

Unhealthy dogs, or those who frequently get sick, can’t digest food as efficiently as healthy dogs. Similarly, smaller dogs will have trouble digesting food compared to bigger dogs, so you can’t serve the same serving to both of them.

Consult your dog’s vet to find the perfect portion size before serving anything.

Pear Treats for Dogs

You could directly serve pears to your dog or resort to some delicious pear dog treats.

Homemade Pear Dog Treats

There are a couple of homemade recipes for pear dog treats, but this one beats the rest:

Ingredients

Directions

Store-bought Pear Dog Treats

You could always buy them if you’re not in the mood to make pear dog treats at home.

Conclusion | Can Dogs Eat Pears?

Can dogs eat pears?

Pears contain a lot of beneficial nutrients and are a great juicy snack. Owners who want to boost their dog’s health can serve pears as an occasional snack.

Although pears are generally safe for dogs, you must not serve pears to dogs with a history of gastrointestinal problems, intolerance toward pears, or pancreatitis.

Overeating pears can make dogs sick and push them toward obesity and diabetes. Frequently eating pears can also give dog diarrhea, stomach upset, and cramps because of the high fiber content.

You can always make dog-safe pear treats at home or buy them online. Ensure you’re not serving pears more than 2-3 slices at a time and once or twice a month.