Can dogs eat papaya? Many of us adore the buttery, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth flavor and texture of papaya, so it’s reasonable to wonder if your dog might, as well. But is this exotic and tasty fruit safe for dogs to snack on?
The short answer is yes, papaya is not only safe, but uniquely nutritious with proper preparation. It’s loaded with nutrients, contains a useful enzyme for dogs, and both the taste and texture are generally adored by our furry friends.
That being said, always approve new additions to your dog’s diet with your veterinarian. Here is what you should know about how papaya can be a safe, nutritious, and delightful dog treat.
How Is Papaya Good For Dogs?
Papaya is a tasty nutrient powerhouse, with a wonderful added benefit. This unique attribute is called papain. It’s a digestive, plant-based enzyme that serves to usefully break down protein. We all know our dogs consume quite a bit of that.
Traditional dog food doesn’t typically come equipped with this enzyme because it’s heat-sensitive. This makes papaya a unique and beneficial choice when it comes to fruit treats.
Added to that are the benefits of vitamin A, C, K, lycopene (another plant-based compound), lutein (an anti-carcinogen and cognitive booster), dietary fiber, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Essentially, papaya has nearly all the bases covered.
It’s rare that food so loaded with nutrients tastes as good as papaya does, as well. Pups love the sweet flavor and the buttery texture, much like melon or cantaloupe, but far more nutritious.
How Can I Safely Give Papaya To My Dog?
Preparing papaya for your pup is pretty simple, requiring minimal effort. Basically, you’ll use all the same effort you would employ to eat it yourself.
While the outer skin isn’t thick or rough, it does contain latex. This can cause significant digestive upset if consumed, by dogs or people.
Furthermore, papaya is loaded with small seeds. While these seeds don’t contain any significant toxic properties, there are so many that they may become a choking and digestion hazard.
Additionally, there’s one more thing to be aware of. Papaya contains an enzyme called DAO, which breaks down histamine. Dogs with histamine-related issues should avoid significant amounts of papaya.
To prepare, simply peel the skin and scoop out the seeds. Then, chop up the papaya into small pieces.
Start small! Let your pup try out a few bits of papaya, and then keep an eye on them for a couple of hours. There might be histamine issues your dog has that you’re unaware of, or they might have an allergic reaction. If a few hours pass without issue, you’re in the clear!
Moderation should always be employed with fruits, but papaya is lower in sugar than most. So, as long as you’re feeding them fresh papaya and not dried, it can be a daily treat.
Have you ever shared papaya with your dog? Did they like the taste? Let us know in the comments below.
