We grow up learning about the health benefits of including lots of fruits and veggies in our diet, but do the same rules apply to our dogs? When it comes to pears, the short answer is yes. They are non-toxic and generally okay for your dog to eat. 

Pears are an overall healthy food for dogs and there are some benefits to giving your dog pears as a treat, however they’re high in sugar content so keep it to the occasional snack. Here’s everything to know before you let your pup chow down.

Sometimes it’s fun to get creative with what we’re feeding our dogs. Switching it up and offering them something different keeps things interesting for them, too. If your dog is into fruits, you can definitely give them a slice of a pear or cut it up into chunks as a healthy snack every now and then. 

Pears are filled with vitamins and minerals that we like to look for in the foods we give to our dogs. For example, they’re high in vitamins C, K, and A, and they also contain calcium and potassium. The fiber content in pears is also great for their digestive tract. 

These good-for-you nutrients make pears a great option to serve to your dog as a snack or treat, but keep in mind, they should not be used as a meal replacement. Think of pears as just one of many fruits and vegetables that you can offer your pup. 

Because pears, like most fruits, tend to have a higher sugar content than you’ll find in your typical dog treat, you’ll want to feed them to our dogs in moderation. That might mean something different depending on your dog’s breed, their size, and level of activity. 

As a rule of thumb, most vets recommend keeping treats to 10% or less of their daily calorie intake. It’s always a good idea to check in with your pup’s vet to get specific dietary recommendations. They’ll also have insights into any potential allergies that could be triggered by introducing a new food into their diet. 

If your dog is into fruit and has shown an interest in pears, there are several ways you can feed them to your dog. Pears can be a quick and easy snack on their own or mixed in with other dog-friendly foods. 

You can serve your dog pears in slices or cut up into little chunks. The size of the pieces will depend on how big or small your dog is, and what they can typically handle. Be mindful that raw pieces of pear that are too large can be a choking hazard. 

If you’re feeling especially chef-like, try blending pears into a puree using a food processor. For a bit more of an indulgent recipe, add it into yogurt and serve it as a smoothie. This one should be given in moderation and keeping in mind what else you have on the menu. 

Grating pears over food is a nice treat, especially if you’ve snuck in medicine or supplements into their meal. Another fun option is to cut the pear up into bite size chunks and freeze them. This is an extra special treat, especially during warmer months.

It’s great to get creative with how you serve pears to your pup, however, whichever recipe you go with, always think about proportions and how it compares with their other treats and snacks for that day.

Don’t choose any old pear to feed to your pup. Be sure to select ones that are ripe and juicy. Unripened fruit can give your dog an upset stomach. 

The biggest risk when feeding pears to your dog is giving them a full pear (do not do this!) or forgetting to remove stems, seeds, and the core beforehand. Not only do they contain trace amounts of cyanide, but the core can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. If your dog accidentally eats a couple seeds or the stem, don’t panic. While we want to avoid having them eat these, it would take hundreds of pieces for them to fall sick or be poisoned.

Stay away from canned pears altogether. The sugary syrup is a big no as overindulging in sweets can lead to obesity or even cause diabetes. Plus, they contain lots of preservatives and extra ingredients that aren’t dog-friendly.

To summarize if dogs can eat pears: yes, dogs can eat pears but only in moderation. They should be considered a snack or a treat. And always remove the pit and seeds as they contain traces of cyanide. 

Pears are a safe, relatively healthy treat for your pet, but remember that your pup will get all of their daily nutrition from their dog food. Sundays is packed with all of the right vitamins and minerals for your dogs size and age, and is the first step in a well-balanced diet.