If you’re a longtime dog owner, then you’re always looking for new treats to tell your good boy or girl that they have, in fact, been a good boy or girl. In that search, you’ve likely looked for fruit options for your furry friend, but that always begs the question: is this safe for my dog to eat?
If you’ve asked that question about pears, then look no further.
Are Pears Safe for Dogs?
Pears are perfectly safe for dogs! But as with all treats, they should be given in moderation. Veterinarians recommend that you should feed your dog no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake in treats, and pears are, of course, a treat.
As with any new dietary choice for your dog, consult your vet if you’re particularly worried. Pears can be unhealthy if your dog has dietary issues or allergies, so be aware of the risks.
Nutritional Value of Pears
Dogs shouldn’t be getting their nutrients from their treats—that said, here’s what’s good about pears: they are high in fiber and vitamins A and C, but they are sugary and low in protein. Just like with humans, pears fit perfectly into a dog’s well-balanced diet.
If you’re giving your dog pears in moderation they’re a fun way to diversify your treat portfolio!
Tips for Safely Feeding Your Dog Pear
Dogs will eat most things you put in front of them, so it’s often your job to ensure it’s safe for them first. Here are a few tips to make sure your dog doesn’t choke on or overeat your new fruity treats:
Pear & Molasses Dog Biscuit Recipe
USA Pears has an excellent and simple recipe for pear and molasses dog biscuits. Here’s a summary.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chopped pears, cored
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
-
3 tablespoons molasses
Supplies:
- Knife or blender
- Large mixing bowl
- Dough roller
-
Cookie sheet
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease lightly with olive oil.
- Chop your pears using a knife, or by pulsing in a blender.
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix using a large spoon until a sticky dough has formed.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until the dough comes together and no longer sticks to your hands. Add more flour if too sticky.
- Roll dough to ¼ inch thick and cut into desired shapes.
- Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely before serving.
Can Dogs Eat Pears? FAQ
Now, you may have read this and still have some questions. Hopefully, we can answer those preemptively here!
Can dogs eat pears from a tree?
Yes, but you should still take all the precautions listed above. Pears from a tree haven’t been deseeded or chopped up, so they can be a choking hazard.
Can dogs eat pear seeds?
If you miss one or two when you deseed your dog’s pear slices, they won’t fall over and die; however, in greater numbers, they can present a dangerous choking hazard and contain toxic ingredients.
Can dogs eat pear skin?
Yes, but as with seeds, the skin can present an extra choking hazard. You might be seeing a trend here: the primary risk with pears is choking hazards, so your goal is to reduce that risk as much as possible. With all the proper precautions, pears are perfectly safe, but those precautions do need to be taken.
Can dogs eat canned pears?
They shouldn’t. If you’re feeding your dog pears, you should opt for fresh pears. Canned pears have syrups that sweeten them and add a ton of unnecessary sugars that are unhealthy for your dog. Canned pears are not a good idea.
Can dogs have Asian pears?
Yes. Since the only major difference between Asian pears and other pears is when and where the pears are allowed to ripen, there is no extra risk posed to your dog by one pear over another. As long as the pear is good, the type doesn’t really matter.
Rocky Kanaka
Rocky Kanaka is an entrepreneur, pet rescue advocate and dog dad to a rescue boxer named Flip, a blind Cane Corso called Kobe, and a terrier mix named Zoey. He’s also a pet chef and owner of The Dog Bakery, which specializes in dog birthday cakes and fresh baked dog treats. His three dogs can’t get enough of the dog cakes and treats!
Lorna Ladd
Lorna Paxton Ladd is a passionate dog lover and enthusiast of The Dog Bakery. She loves spoiling her 3 rescue dogs with dog cakes and jerky. A 15 year veteran in the pet industry, her aim is to educate pet parents on the best recipes, products, tips and tricks to optimize the human/canine bond. Her favorite product at The Dog Bakery are the customizable dog birthday cakes.