Why dogs can have it
Pear flesh is not toxic to dogs. It is mostly water, contains fibre and vitamin C, and soft ripe fruit is easy to chew.
As with apples, the core and seeds should be cut out. The seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide in the body, and the hard core and stalk can get stuck in the throat or gut.
Pears contain natural sugar and plenty of fibre, so too much can upset digestion. Tinned pears in syrup are not suitable for a dog.
How to give it
- Wash the pear, cut out the core, remove the seeds and take off the stalk.
- Cut it into small pieces; there is no need to peel it.
- The first time, give very little and watch how your dog feels.
- Give only fresh pears, not tinned ones and not dried ones with sugar.
What to watch out for
- A swallowed core or stalk can get stuck in the throat or gut.
- The seeds contain compounds that can release cyanide.
- Too much pear can cause diarrhoea.
- Tinned pears in syrup are high in added sugar.
Different parts
Not every part of this food is equally safe.
-
Flesh
SafeThe flesh of a ripe pear is fine in small pieces.
-
Peel
SafeWashed peel is not toxic; for a dog with a sensitive stomach it can be peeled off.
-
Core, seeds and stalk
Not safeCut them out: they are hard, and the seeds contain compounds that release cyanide.
What to give instead
- Apples Yes, apples are fine for dogs: give small pieces without the core and seeds, as an occasional treat. Safe
- Blueberries Yes, blueberries and bilberries are fine for dogs: give a few washed, unsweetened berries as an occasional treat. Safe
- Watermelon Yes, watermelon is fine for dogs: give small pieces of flesh without seeds or rind, especially as a cooling treat on a hot day. Safe
- Carrots Yes, carrots are fine for dogs: raw or cooked, unseasoned and cut into pieces, they make a crunchy, low-calorie treat. Safe
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