Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Learn The Truth!

So, can dogs eat Papaya? Giving your dog a small snack or treat is not a bad idea. And many fruits are good for our dogs in the same ways they are good for us. You might wonder, “Can dogs eat papaya?”

Papaya fruit is an excellent, safe addition to your dog’s diet and provides unique benefits to the digestive system. Most dog owners don’t put it in their dog’s food because it’s often seen as strange fruit. On the other hand, Papaya is a great source of fibre, water, and nutrients. It also has an enzyme that may help with digestion problems like indigestion, gas, and occasional bloating.

So, can dogs eat Papaya? Now that you know the answer is yes, keep reading to learn more about this tropical fruit and all the good things it can do for you.

Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

When considering what fresh foods to feed their dog, owners should weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option. So, can dogs eat papaya seeds? Also, make sure you feed your dog Papaya in a safe way. To start, don’t give your dog papaya seeds or skin because it could make them sick. If you eat too many seeds, your intestines may face clogging.

So, again can dogs eat Papaya? Your dog might also have trouble digesting papaya skin, which could also cause a blockage. Because papaya flesh is high in fibre, too much of it can make your stomach upset, so you’ll want to eat it in small pieces. That will help keep you from choking or getting a blockage in your gut. Moreover, it prevents your stomach from any possible issues.  

Here’s a good rule of thumb for feeding Papaya to your dog: Give them 0.5 grammes of Papaya for every pound they weigh. If you already give your dog other fruits or vegetables, cut this amount even more.

Note that dry Papaya will be very concentrated and can make digestive problems more likely. Papaya should be fresh. Obviously, any food can be dangerous if it isn’t cut small enough. Make sure that the Papaya you make is small enough to fit in your mouth.

Papaya has chemicals in it that compete with an enzyme namely DAO for use in the body. Histamine is broken down by DAO. So, dogs with histamine problems (like mast cell tumours or allergies to the environment) shouldn’t eat a lot of papayas.

As with any new food item, you should start with small amounts to see how your dog reacts. If you give your dog papaya and it starts to itch or have loose stools, stop and think about a low-histamine option.

Health Benefits Of Papaya?

So, now you know whether can dogs eat papayas? Papaya can help your dog’s health. Papaya has vitamins A, K, and C, which are both essential and non-essential nutrients. Even though nutrients are always good for your dog, Papaya stands out because of its amazing phytonutrient profile.

Phytonutrients are compounds that are present in foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes. They help your dog’s digestion in ways that aren’t found in most commercial or homemade dog foods.

Here are some benefits the Papaya has to offer:

Papain: It is an enzyme that comes from plants and helps break down protein (proteolytic). Papain breaks down when it gets too hot, so make sure you feed the fruit raw. Since most commercially processed dog food, like kibble, is made with high heat, it is unlikely that most dogs are getting any benefit from papain or any other heat-sensitive enzyme in their food.

But this enzyme can be found in great amounts in the flesh of Papaya. So, when dogs eat Papaya, they get a lot of it.

Vitamin A (beta-carotene): Most dogs will get enough Vitamin A from the kibble they eat. But Papaya has beta-carotene, which is a precursor to Vitamin A. Most of the time, the liver changes beta-carotene into vitamin A. But if the dog gets enough Vitamin A, beta-carotene works as an antioxidant instead of turning into Vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient.

Lycopene: It is a phytonutrient, which is a chemical made by plants. It is a carotenoid, which is a plant pigment that works as an antioxidant. But when your pet eats lycopene, it doesn’t turn into vitamin A.

Lycopene is still good for the heart, skin, lungs, brain, and eyes because it is an antioxidant. Scientists have been looking into how lycopene might help keep people from getting Parkinson’s disease.

The Dangers of Papaya for Dogs

So, can my dog eat Papaya? Papaya is dangerous for dogs because of its seeds and peel. If you eat a lot of papaya skin or seeds, you could get a blockage in your digestive tract. A few papaya seeds probably won’t hurt your dog. But you should cut out the seeds before giving them to your pet dog. The skin of Papaya is also hard to digest & can cause a blockage in your intestines if you eat it.

Papaya is thought to be safe, but dogs aren’t meant to eat a lot of fruit, and eating too much can cause stomach problems. Also, it’s hard to know how your dog will react to this fruit because all dogs have different reactions to new foods.

Related: CAN DOGS EAT POMEGRANATE? 

FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Papaya?

Is It OK For Dogs To Eat Papaya?

Another healthy treat for dogs is Papaya. Like the seeds of other fruits, you shouldn’t eat the seeds. Papaya seeds can clog your intestines and have small amounts of cyanide in them. Before giving the fruit to your dog, cut it into big pieces.

How Much Papaya Can I Give My Dog?

That will help keep you from choking or getting a blockage in your gut. Moreover,  it prevents your stomach from getting upset. Remember, a good rule of thumb for feeding Papaya to your dog: Give them 0.5 grammes of Papaya for every pound they weigh.

Can Dogs Eat Papaya Peel?

No, papaya peel is not good for dogs to eat. It is way too hard for your dog’s body to break down, and it could make them very sick. Take off the skin of the Papaya before giving your dog this tasty fruit.

Is Unripe Papaya Good For Dogs?

“Fresh Papaya is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. But it’s best to only give your dog the yellow, orange, or red flesh of the fruit and not the green flesh. Because the peel and the seeds can make your dog sick.