Can Pugs eat pomegranate? If your dog loves eating the same fruits and veggies you eat, you’ve probably fed them a few pieces without doing your due diligence first. Today, we’re going to answer all the questions you have regarding Pugs and pomegranate.
Can Pugs Eat Pomegranate?
While pomegranates are NOT toxic to dogs, however, it doesn’t mean that dogs should eat it. While there are a lot of benefits for both you and your pup, they are high in tannins (another kind of antioxidant) that may cause an upset stomach for your four-legged friend.
Related: Fresh Cooked Dog Food For Pugs (With Human-Grade Ingredients)
Related: List Of Fruit Pugs Can Eat
Most veterinarians and professionals will recommend not feeding dogs pomegranate because of the high-acidy level in the seeds.
If you’re unsure of whether to feed your Pug pomegranate or any type of fruit, always consult your vet!
Are There Any Benefits To Feeding Pomegranate To Pugs?
Many pet owners choose to feed their dogs pomegranates because they realize that it is a superfood that is rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, potassium, fiber, and folic acid.
If you’re considering feeding your Pug pomegranate because of the benefits of the antioxidants, you may want to offer food treats that are enhanced with pomegranate.
Fun Pomegranate Facts
Pomegranates are native to the Middle East that are in season from fall to early winter.
They are sized between a grapefruit and a lemon. This fruit is a member of the Punicaceae family, which only includes one genus and two other species, one is known as P. protopunica Balf.
The heavier the pomegranate, the juicier the seeds will be. You can store fresh whole pomegranates for up to two months in the refrigerator.
Once you have removed the seeds, they will keep in a plastic container for a few days. To store them longer, put them in a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer.
Pomegranate juice contains more than 100 phytochemicals, and the fruit has been used for thousands of years as medicine.
This fruit can be eaten as smoothies, juice, on a sale, in yogurt or oatmeal and etc.
Nutritional Facts
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate Guidelines, .5 servings of a pomegranate contains:
- Sugar: 89 grams
- Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Calories: 72
- Potassium: 205 milligrams
- Vitamin K: 3 micrograms
- Vitamin C: 9 milligrams
- Folate: 33 milligrams
Are Pomegranates Safe For Pugs?
Pomegranates are NOT poisonous and do not contain any harmful toxins that can hurt your pooch.
That being said, they do contain tannins, ellagic and anthocyanin acids, which may not be easily digestible for your dog’s digestive system.
Digestive Problems Can Be Common
Pomegranate seeds contain a high level of acidity that will be very tough on your dog’s digestive system, which differs from that of humans.
Every dog is different and will react differently to eating pomegranate seeds. Some may not be affected at all, while others will suffer from an upset tummy.
My Dog At A Pomegranate What Should You Look For?
If your Pug got into the fruit bowl and devoured a raw pomegranate, don’t panic! As I mentioned before, this fruit is not toxic to pets, even if they eat the seeds, peel and the membrane.
You’ll want to make sure they have plenty of water and monitor them for any reactions they may experience.
If your dog experiences an upset tummy, they will most likely vomit and may have a bout of diarrhea. Once your dog’s digestive system expels the fruit, things should go back to normal.
These symptoms can last about 24 hours or more depending on how long it takes for the fruit to pass. You most likely won’t have to take your dog to the vet if they have a reaction after eating a pomegranate.
Can Pugs Eat The Pomegranate Leaves?
No, you should never feed your Pug the leaves on any type of fruit. The leaves may contain harmful pesticides that can be poisonous to your pooch.
Whenever feeding your Pug any type of fruit, always remove the leaves, even if it is edible for humans. A dog’s diet won’t benefit from eating plants.
What About The Skin And Seeds?
The peel is tough and should never be fed to your dog. It can pose a choking hazard and may even cause an internal blockage.
Some dogs will enjoy eating the seeds (or arils) because of the sweet-tart juicy taste. The arils contain a small fiber-rich seed that can be eaten or spit out.
Unfortunately, dogs can’t spit the seed out. According to Smart Dog Owners, this can lead to an upset tummy because their intestines are not designed to digest seeds.
Can Pugs Eat The Pomegranate Membrane?
The white membrane is bitter and even though it has medicinal value, most people do not eat it.
Should I Feed My Pug Pomegranate?
There are much better fruits to feed your Pug. It isn’t worth taking the chance if your pooch will suffer from a pomegranate induced sour stomach afterward.
If you give them a small taste every once in a while, there shouldn’t be any problems. However, you should NEVER make it a part of their regular diet.
What Parts of A Pomegranate Should You Feed A Pug?
Here’s a table you can use to help you determine which parts of a pomegranate are safe for pets.
| Parts of a pomegranate | Safe For Dogs to Eat |
| Peel | No, it is tough and can cause internal blockages. |
| Seeds | Yes, dogs can eat them but may cause an upset tummy. |
| White Membrane | No, Pugs should never be fed the bitter white membrane part. |
| Leaves | No, they may contain pesticides or harmful toxins. |
Use this table to help you quickly see which parts of the pomegranate are safe for your pooch.
Alternatives To Pomegranate For Pugs
Pomegranate is a tasty fruit, but it can be a pain to dissect and prepare for your pet. If your pooch loves eating fruit, then I highly recommend feeding them some that are safer for dogs such as:
- Kiwi
- Oranges (Yes, Pugs can eat oranges)
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
Final Word On Feeding Pugs Pomegranate
Pomegranates are extremely healthy for humans, dogs have unique digestive systems that super punch of antioxidants might not jive with your Pug’s tummy.
You and I understand that when we chew the seeds, the juice is released. Dog’s however, will just swallow them whole, which can pose a choking hazard.
If you do decide to feed your Pug pomegranate seeds, make sure you smash them up really good before giving it to them.
You’ll also want to make sure you monitor them for 24 hours to ensure they don’t get an upset tummy.
References And Further Reading
Hort Purdue – Pomegranate
PubMed – Absence Of Pomegranate Ellagitannins In The Majority Of Commercial Pomegranate Extracts: Implications For Standardization And Quality Control