There are several fruits that are safe for dogs to eat. But can Pugs eat guava? In this article, we’re going to take a look at whether this fruit is safe for your pooch as well as the benefits of feeding it to them.
Can Pugs Eat Guava?
The short answer is Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat “apple guava,” which looks just like an apple. When feeding this fruit to your dog, avoid feeding them the seeds and the skin.
The apple guava is the most common type of guava sold in supermarkets. If you’ve ever eaten one, then you know that it looks just like an apple and tastes like a pear.
Now let’s take a closer look at this fruit to see how it can benefit your pooch. Check out this huge list of fruits Pugs can eat.
Related: What Do Pugs Eat?
Related: Fresh Cooked Dog Food For Pugs!
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Guava To Pugs?
We’ve all heard our parents say “eat your fruits,” because they are filled with nutrients and vitamins to keep us healthy. While your Pug doesn’t need to eat fruits to stay healthy.
There are some fruits that are not only good for us but can be beneficial for your pooch.
Guavas are considered a superfood because some of its “magical” properties have been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
One of the biggest benefits for your pooch is the high content of vitamin C. Vitamin C is great for dogs, due to its antioxidant nature.
According to Wendell O. Bellfield DVM, vitamin C can help your pooches body become more resistant to diseases, and improve their ability to recover from injuries and illnesses.
However, unlike humans, dogs can produce vitamin C in their own bodies.
The flesh of the fruit also contains a high amount of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that may help prevent prostate cancer in humans. This nutrient has many health advantages for dogs, including those related to their eyes.
Fun Guava Facts
This fruit is grown in tropical locations such as Mexico, Brazil, and Hawaii, however, it can also be found in California and Florida.
This delicious fruit grows on shallow-rooted shrubs or small trees. It is also referred to as Kuawa, guava, and of course guava.
The inside of the fruit is sometimes white, pink, or yellow. The guava fruit is part of the Myrtaceae, (Myrtle) family. There are over 100 species of the Genus Psidium family, but the guava is the most important.
Guava Nutritional Information
Nutrients and vitamins in one fruit (55 grams)
Nutrients | Quantity |
Dietary Fiber | 8.9 grams |
Sugars | 14.7 grams |
Potassium | 688 mg |
Selenium | 1.0 mcg |
Vitamin A | 1030 IU |
Thiamin | 0.1 mg |
Copper | 0.4 mg |
Total Omega-3 Fatty Acids | 1.85 mg |
Total Omega-6 Fatty Acids | 475 mg |
Sodium | 3.3 mg |
Saturated Fat | 0.4 grams |
Phosphorus | 66.0 mg |
Folate | 80.8 mcg |
Protein | 4.2 grams |
Vitamin C | 377 mg |
(Source)
Guavas are one of the richest food sources of vitamin C. In fact, one guava has more vitamin C than an orange.
Are Guavas Safe For Pugs?
This fruit is NOT toxic and should be safe for your pooch to consume, as long as they don’t have any food allergies. If eaten in moderation, your pup should be fine.
This fruit is high in phosphorus, which makes your pup susceptible to a calcium deficiency. There are much safer fruits available that are safer for your Pug such as bananas, blueberries, apples, etc.
You should always consult with your veterinarian before making any significant changes to your dog’s diet.
Can Pug Puppies Eat Guava?
If your Pug puppy is less than a year old, they are still going through the development stages. This means the foods they eat are important during the early life stage.
You should feed your Pug puppy high-quality puppy food, to ensure they get the proper essential vitamins and nutrients their bodies require.
You’ll have plenty of time to feed your Pug fruits, vegetables, and other human foods when they become older.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
Regardless of how beneficial guava can be for dogs, it’s important to understand that feeding them too much can cause digestive problems, diarrhea, vomiting, and cramping.
It’s not just guava that can cause problems for your dog in excess, it’s any type of other fruit you feed them.
If your dog did eat the whole guava, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian to find out what to do.
Whenever you feed your Pug fruit, always limit it to small amounts and only feed them fruit as a special treat.
What Types of Guava Can Pugs Eat
As mentioned above, apple guava is the most common type to feed dogs. Guava can be bought in juices, syrups, nuts, and etc.
You should only feed your dog raw guava. Never feed them any type of guava that has been added to desserts, alcoholic beverages, or paste.
Guava paste has a high sugar content which is bad for dogs. Raw guava is low in sugar content and will be much healthier for your pooch.
Can Pugs Eat The Guava Leaves?
Guava leaves have several benefits for people, however, some people have used folk methods such as Eclipta alba leaves to treat mange, and parvo in dogs
Personally, I don’t think it’s safe to feed your dog the guava leaves. The leaves can cause intestinal blockages and are choking hazards.
Stick to feeding your pooch the fleshy part of the fruit only!
Can Pugs Eat Guava Skin?
The rind has more vitamin C than an orange and is completely safe for both you and your dog. However, it may be hard for your pooch to swallow the rind and they’ll most likely spit it out.
Can Pugs Eat Guava Seeds?
Whatever you do, don’t give your Pug the guava seeds. The seeds are tough and will be like bitting down on small pieces of gravel. Not only that, but the seeds can be a choking hazard waiting to happen.
Can Pugs Drink Guava Juice?
Pugs should never be given any types of fruit juices, as they contain high amounts of sugar. The only thing a dog should ever drink is fresh, clean water to stay hydrated.
Feeding Guava To Pugs: Use Common Sense
Whenever feeding your dog any type of fruits, it’s important to know which parts are safe to consume. Just because the parts are edible for us, doesn’t always mean your dog can eat it too.
What Parts of A Guava Should You Feed A Pug?
Even though it’s safe for humans to eat all parts of the guava, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for your dog. In fact, not all guava parts are safe for consumption or sharing with your pup.
I’ve created a table to help you quickly see which parts are safe for your four-legged friend.
Parts of a Guava | Safe For Your Pug to Eat |
Rind | No, can cause your dog to choke. |
Pulp | Yes, just make sure it’s fed in bite-size pieces. |
Leaves | No, can be difficult to swallow. |
Seeds | No, they can lead to choking hazards for your dog. |
How Can I Feed My Pug Guava?
Now let’s take a look at how to prepare this safely for your pooch. Remember, you only want to give them a couple of small pieces.
Choose A Ripe Guava
Choose a ripe guava from the store, this means that it is a softer-yellowish green color. Ripe guavas won’t be as sour and will be sweeter and Fido will be more likely to eat it.
Most dogs won’t eat it if, it’s sour.
Remove The Peel and Seeds
Wash it thoroughly and peel the skin before feeding it to your dog. Cut the guava like you would an apple. Don’t feed your dog any of the core section, as it contains all the seeds.
Cut small bite-size pieces for your dog.
Only Feed Them The Pulp
Guavas have either white or maroon pulp which is NOT toxic to your dog. This is the only part that you should feed your pooch!
Hand Feed Them
Give them one piece at a time and make sure you watch them closely to see if they like it.
You’ll also want to monitor them up to 24-48 hours after feeding them this fruit to make sure that they do not have any side effects.
If your pooch doesn’t enjoy the taste or becomes sick, stop feeding it to them immediately.
How Much Guava Should You Feed A Pug?
If you give them one to two bite-size pieces once to twice a week, they shouldn’t experience any digestive problems.
As a pet owner, it’s important to remember that your dog’s treats should NEVER be more than 10% of their daily calories.
Alternatives To Guava For Pugs
If your Pug enjoys this tasty fruit, then you may want to consider feeding them some of these other fruits which have been proven to be beneficial for dogs:
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Guava
Yes, Pugs can eat guava safely, as long as they don’t suffer from food allergies. That said, this fruit contains high amounts of sugar and phosphorus, which can cause health issues when fed in high amounts.
Just remember, to only feed them the parts that are safe for them to eat and to NOT feed them too much. Most dogs will enjoy eating the sweet pink inside, as opposed to the rind.
Every dog is different and some will be fine eating fruits, while others may get sick. Never feed your dog fruit, unless you can monitor them closely to see how they react.
References and Further Reading
Whole Dog Journal – Bob Griswald and Nancy Kerns – Benefits of Vitamin C to Your Dog
Honey Coach – Ranked: Sugar Content In Fruits From Lowest To Highest