Can dogs eat pears?

Updated 01/05/2024

Crunchy and refreshing yet perfectly sweet, pears are packed with essential antioxidants that are great for our health. And as a versatile fruit that's ideal for snacking, baking and breakfast food, it's no wonder they're so popular amongst us humans. But if your pup's tail tends to wag as you're digging in, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat pears? Well we're glad to let you know that it's a yes - pears are safe for dogs to enjoy as a treat, but don't get your hopes up that Fido will love the fruit as much as you do. To find out the best way to let your pup try pears, take a look below as we cover the most common questions pet parents have on the topic.

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Are pears poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat pears without any issues, or is there anything to be cautious of when it comes to dogs and pears? Well on the toxicity front, the seeds and leaves contain trace amounts of cyanide, so be sure to remove these before serving up the fruit to your pup. Other than that, you won't find any other toxic compounds in the edible parts of the fruit, so pears are easy enough to prepare.

Can dogs eat Asian pears?

Dogs can eat all pear varieties - just be sure to keep the seeds and leaves away from your curious pup, as these contain cyanide.

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Are pears good for dogs?

So can dogs eat pears and get any health benefits? Technically yes, and we'll explore the nutrients present in pears that make them such a healthy fruit below. But as pears are a treat for your pooch and not a central part of their diet, it's unlikely enough of the fruit will be consumed for your pup to reap the health benefits. Why? Well the majority (at least 90%) of your dog's calories should be coming from a nutritionally balanced diet, so no matter how healthy the treats are you're sharing, it's unlikely they'll eat enough to majorly benefit.

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Health benefits of eating pears for dogs

As we've mentioned, your pooch will be getting the majority of their nutrients from the dog food you've chosen for them, but pears are certainly on the healthier end of the spectrum when it comes to 'people food' snacks for dogs. Pears contain a number of vitamins and antioxidants, such as vitamin C, which can help neutralize free radicals and help with immunity. Pears are also high in vitamin K which is important for the blood's ability to clot, plus pears contain heaps of fiber which helps to support both pups and their human's gut health.

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Feeding your dog pears

So, now we can agree that dogs and pears are a match made in doggy (snack) heaven, you'll need to know the safest ways to share the fruit with your pooch. As we've mentioned, the seeds and leaves contain trace amounts of cyanide, so be sure to remove those first. Then, we advise peeling the pear as it poses a bit of a choking hazard. Our furry friends aren’t exactly known for chewing their food very much, so it’s always best to remove anything that takes a bit of work to gnaw through e.g the stem and any leaves. It goes without saying that the pips should also always be removed before feeding. Then be sure to chop the pear into bite-size chunks to reduce the risk of choking. If your pooch eats particularly fast and you’re worried about choking, you could always stew the pear down into a pulp so that it’s easier to eat. Just don’t be tempted to add any additional sugar, but your pup may well thank you for adding a sprinkle of cinnamon (which is perfectly safe for dogs in small quantities). 

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Other pear products

And can dogs have pears cooked into your favorite cakes, desserts and oatmeal? It really depends - many of the ingredients we humans cook with are either too fatty, salty or sugary for dogs. So, take each product on a case by case basis to review their safety for your furry friend. As a rule of thumb, avoid any foods with added fats or butters, and always check whether any nuts or vegetables present are safe for dogs.

Can dogs have canned pears?

While they're convenient, don't be tempted to feed your dog canned pears. They're preserved in juices that are high in sugar (and potentially harmful sweeteners), so instead opt for freshly peeled pears that have been cut into bite-size chunks or stewed down into a pulp.

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

Other foods that are safe for dogs

Soo, now we’ve cleared up your query - can dogs have pears - explore other foods dogs can eat starting with those below.

• Blackberries
• Peas
• Asparagus