Can Dogs Eat Papaya?
Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Yes, dogs can eat papaya in moderation1 and may even benefit from it. As always, though, keep in mind that humans and dogs do not share the same nutritional needs, and they cannot eat as much fruit as a human without being harmed.
The short answer is yes, but there are a couple of things you need to understand before you let your dog taste this tasty treat.
If you have a lot of tropical fruit in your home, you may be asking yourself, “Can dogs eat papaya?” There are just so many different ways people bond with their animals, and one of them is sharing food. Sharing bites of what you’re eating with your pet can make them feel safe and happy, but it isn’t always good for them. While some human food is toxic to dogs, others can be safely shared but in very little amount. Some vegetables and fruits fall into this category.
Keep in mind that any new food introduced to your dog’s diet may result in an undesirable side effect, i.e., stomach upset. You may talk to your veterinarian before you give your pet some new fruit. For more information, read our guide, What Can Dogs Eat?
Is papaya safe for dogs?
Can Dogs Eat Papaya? In general, papaya is fine for dogs to consume if given properly in moderation. Yet, like any dog treat, it’s also important to be careful and restrict how much is consumed. Remember, treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s total diet. While papaya can be a delicious occasional snack, it should never replace their regular dog food, which provides the complete nutrition they need.
Introduce papaya gradually with just a small piece to ensure your dog doesn’t have any adverse or allergic reactions.
Here are all the things about sharing papaya with your four-legged friend.
Papaya Benefits for Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Papaya? Papaya contains a variety of nutrients that can be very beneficial for dogs, such as:
- Fiber: Fiber is a carbohydrate that travels through the digestive system avoiding constipation and bringing necessary nutrients to the gut-friendly microorganisms.
- Vitamins: Papayas contain a lot of vitamins A, C, and E. Contrary to human beings, however, dogs do not need to acquire vitamin C from a diet because they can synthesize their own.2 Vitamins A and E are useful for dogs to include in their diet, which help in the production of white blood cells, eye functionality, immune system, and help guard the body against damage from free radicals.
- Digestive well-being: Papaya, papaya seeds, and plant extracts have all been used in the past as beneficial to digestion and as a remedy for conditions like bloating, heartburn, and constipation. Scientific evidence has proven some of these applications in human beings that are purported to be due to the enzymes like papain contained in the fruit.3 The enzymes function very much like digestive enzymes secreted by the human and animal pancreas. The same can be observed with dogs, though up to now there has not been any controlled study undertaken in dogs to prove this fact as well.
Need to give your dog a little piece of papaya? Here are some tips for getting the fruit ready for your dog so that they can safely eat it:
- Once the papaya is ripe, take out the seeds and peel off the skin before offering it to your dog. They are difficult for your dog to digest and will make them sick.
- Chop the fruit into small pieces to reduce the chances of choking.
- Go slow! Give your dog one or two bites as a rare treat to start with—not as a substantial contribution to their meal.
- Monitor your dog closely for any issues. Papaya is high in fiber, so it may cause your pet to have loose stools, even if your pet only eats a little bit (or your dog happens to be extremely picky about his digestive tract).
- As with any novel food, check with your veterinarian before offering your pup papaya, especially if he suffers from food allergies or is ill.
How Much Papaya Can Dogs Eat?
Test giving your dog a small amount of papaya first. Even if they love that initial flavor, do it gradually. As with any fiberous, sweet fruit, too much might cause stomach upset or diarrhea. A few bites of little pieces should be okay as an occasional treat, but watch for signs of digestive distress and avoid it if it makes your pup sick.
Here are some general portion guidelines to follow if you’re introducing papaya to a healthy, adult dog:
- Extra-Small Dogs (up to 20 lbs): Give one or two tiny pieces (less than a teaspoon).
Breeds: Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Pugs - Small Dogs (21–30 lbs): Offer three to four small pieces (around a teaspoon).
Breeds: Basenjis, Beagles, Miniature American Shepherds - Medium Dogs (31–50 lbs): Serve five to six small pieces (approximately 1–2 tablespoons).
Breeds: Basset Hounds, Border Collies, Australian Cattle Dogs - Large Dogs (51–90 lbs): Give seven to eight small pieces (about 2 tablespoons).
Examples: Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Australian Shepherds - Extra-large dog (91+ pounds): 10 small pieces or less (not more than a ¼ cup)
Examples: Newfoundlands, Bernese Mountain Dogs, St. Bernards, Great Pyrenees
In summary, papaya can be a nutritious and tasty part of your dog’s diet, if (and only if) used in moderation. Rich with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, this exotic fruit has some unique benefits – a huge one being that it can enhance digestion and immunity. But papaya should be introduced only gradually, and seeds and peels should be removed safely before offering it to your dog. Monitor your dog’s response and make any necessary adjustments accordingly.
It is important to be knowledgeable not only about the benefits but also the drawbacks of papaya to ensure that the proper decisions are made about whether to add the fruit to your dog’s diet and, if so, how to accomplish this. Above all, send your vet for all of your your critical dog-health issues or questions.