Dogs eat whatever they can get their paws on. So, it is upon us to decide the foods that are harmless for our furry friends. Lately, there have been a lot of questions about what food you can feed your dog. Grapes and chocolates are a definitive no. Well, what about papayas? Can dogs eat papaya?

Yes, dogs can eat papaya! This tropical fruit is packed with nutrients such as potassium, calcium, folate, and fiber that improve your dog’s overall health. It is also accredited for the presence of digestive enzymes in a high amount. This helps to strengthen their digestive system.

Papaya is totally safe for dogs, as long as it is fed in moderation.

Papaya is one of the world’s healthiest fruits. Christopher Columbus did not call papaya “fruit of the angels” for no reason. Papaya contains vitamins A, C, E, and K, along with calcium, folate, and potassium which improves the immune system and prevents heart diseases. It is also rich in enzymes and fiber that aids in the improvement of digestive health. Similarly, this super fruit contains some protein-digesting enzymes that have anti-inflammatory properties.

The main thing is it also tastes really good. Papaya has a delightfully soft, butter-like texture and refreshingly sweet and musky flavor. If your dog loves this taste, feel free to add a few pieces of this fruit to your dog’s diet.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about dogs and papaya. Read on!

5 Top Benefits of Feeding Papaya to Dogs

You will be glad to know that this exotic fruit is definitely dog-approved. Papaya benefits the health of dogs in the following ways:

1. Calcium, potassium, folate, and magnesium help in the healthy growth of dogs.
2. Vitamins E, A, K, and C present in papaya helps to prevent atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol and fat in the artery wall that restricts blood flow. The vitamins also strengthen the immune system of dogs.
3. Papaya is rich in antioxidants that prevent the damage of cells in the dog’s body.
4. Papaya has a high amount of fiber that improves the functioning of the dog’s digestive tract. Fiber also reduces the risk of obesity as your canine will feel full pretty fast.
5. Papaya is also recommended if your dog is suffering from stomach pain or bloating.

Things To Consider Before You Add Papaya To Your Dog’s Diet

There are a few things you have to consider before you add papaya to your dog’s diet:

1. Make sure you remove the seeds before you feed this fruit because papaya seeds are toxic to dogs. If a dog swallows any, there is a high risk of intestinal blockage.
2. Papaya peels should also be removed as they might contain pesticides and parasites. They will be hard for dogs to digest.
3. You must always feed papaya in limited amounts. Overfeeding this fruit can result in intestinal issues, diarrhea, and other digestive issues. The exact serving amount depends on the size of your dog. The average amount is four slices per day.
4. There is always a chance that your dog might be allergic to papaya. Consult your veterinarian if you see any signs of skin problems, itching, or vomiting in your dog.

We recommend introducing your dog to papaya slowly. Start with a small amount, and watch them for any signs of discomfort. If your dog is okay with the taste and shows no adverse effects, there is no reason not to include this healthy fruit in their diet.

How Can You Feed Papaya To Your Dog?

There are two ways you can feed papaya to your dog:

1. Fresh papaya: The best way to go about feeding papaya to your dog is to serve them fresh slices. You can toss a piece or two as treats or add finely sliced bits over their usual food as toppings.
2. Frozen papaya: You can put the fresh papaya slices in the freezer for hot summer days. Your dog will be refreshed by this cool taste. You can also make papaya popsicles for your dog to enjoy.

Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated Papaya?

No, dogs cannot eat dehydrated papaya. Dehydrated papaya, like any other dehydrated fruit, is high in sugar. A dog’s digestive system is not capable of processing too much sugar. With dehydrated papaya, their blood sugar level may rise and they will become prone to arthritis, pancreatitis, and diabetes. So, dehydrated or dried papayas must be avoided at all costs. Maybe, avoid all dehydrated fruits in general.

Can Dogs Eat Papaya Enzyme Tablets?

If you have heard of papaya enzyme tablets, you must have wondered, “Can I give these tablets to my dog?” The answer is yes. Papaya enzyme tablets are as safe as fresh papayas. We feed so much processed food to our dogs these days. These tablets help in the proper digestion of that canned food and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Conclusion

Papaya is highly regarded as a super fruit by many people and has been linked to a variety of health benefits. This fruit is just as healthy for your dog as it is for you. You can feed them a few pieces of fresh or frozen papaya at any time of the day. Just remember to remove the seeds, peels, and leaves and give them this fruit in moderate amounts.

Keep in mind, you have to consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog papaya, or any other human food.

Here are other papaya-related articles that you might be interested in.

Have you ever given some papaya to your dog? What was their reaction? We would love to hear from you. Please share with us your stories leaving a comment below.