Pet owners would want to give every fruit they eat. It is normal to share with your furry companion. But you must always ensure that it is safe to give every fruit to dogs, especially the lychee fruits? Can dogs eat lychee?
Dogs eating lychee became a thing of concern after people discovered the health benefits of this exotic fruit to humans. But some things we consider beneficial to us may not work similarly with animals. This is why researching this fact is ideal for keeping your pet safe.
As you continue in this article, you will discover whether lychees are safe for dogs or toxic to them. You will also discover the fruit that is ideal for them. Moreover, we’ll uncover the process of making a lychee fruit and the benefits of lychees to dogs. So keep reading to learn more.
Are Lychee Toxic to Dogs?
Lychee fruits are not toxic to dogs. However, this can change if they take it with the lychee skin or pit. Furthermore, feeding your dog with unripe lychee may be toxic to it.
Let us break this down into ways by which lychee fruits can be toxic to dogs:
Lychee Skin/Pit
Although there isn’t enough research to detect the number of toxins in the skin or pit, this part of the fruit is considered toxic to dogs. So if you’re going to give your pet one of these fruits, give the portion that humans consider edible and safe.
Unripe Lychee Fruits.
Unripe lychee fruits contain certain toxins that are harmful the dogs. These toxins can reduce their blood sugar, which usually leads to a change in brain function (Encephalopathy).
Canned Lychee Fruits.
Canned lychee fruits contain lots of sugar, which will prove bad for your dog’s health in the long run. Meaning, regularly ingesting these canned lychee fruits will result in certain unwanted health conditions, such as abnormal weight gain.
Can Dogs Eat Lychee? – Is Lychee Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Due to the notable benefits of lychees, it is quite appropriate to say that dogs can safely eat lychee fruits. Although the answer is valid, there is a caveat to it, which is why we advise you to take caution when giving your pet lychee fruit.
We will now go further to explain the safety of lychees to dogs. Here are the reasons lychees are considered safe for your pet:
Water Content
Generally, good water therapy is one of the ways of maintaining a healthy body system. Having an adequate amount of water helps prevent dehydration, constipation, and overheating, keeping the body at normal temperature.
That said, lychees contain about 82% of water. So with all the benefits of water to the body, it is very apposite to say that this fruit is no less of the safest thing your dog can take.
Vitamin C Fortified
The body needs vitamin C to form cartilage, collagen in bones, blood vessels, and muscles. Also, this nutrient contributes to the healing process of the body.
Naturally, dogs produce vitamin C on their own with no additional assistance from any diet. As a result, giving dogs certain supplements containing vitamin C isn’t necessary. But the fact that this fruit contains a vitamin already present in dogs makes it a safe one for them any time.
The Presence of Mcpg (Methylene-Cyclo-Propyl-Glycine)
This compound in lychee helps your pet fight against some health conditions, such as vomiting, hypoglycemia, and encephalopathy (a brain disorder). The presence of this compound in lychee fruits also makes it safe for your pet, given that the absence of it can result in the above health conditions.
Even though this chemical is not toxic to both dogs and humans, it is still necessary to be cautious in taking and sharing it.
Contains a High Amount of Fiber
Another reason lychees are safe for dogs is the high amount of fiber present in them. Fiber is a nutrient that aids the production of healthy intestinal ph. In addition, this nutrient helps to develop bulk and absorb too much water in your pet’s system. This is what aids the firm forming of its stool, as the bowel regulates properly.
The Presence of Iron
Iron is one of the notable nutrients in lychee fruits. The more iron nutrient in your dog’s system, the better the energy it possesses. This is because iron nutrient in dogs functions as a transmitter of oxygen into the hemoglobin of their blood cells. This then flows throughout the body system for their cells to generate energy.
In addition to this, iron nutrients help to reduce hair loss in your pet, and they are vital for the proper function of some enzymes in dogs.
Contains B Vitamins
If your canine suffers from a lack of B vitamins, the following are certain signs you will notice:
- Bleeding gums
- Anemia
- Hair loss
- Dry skin
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Shortness of breath
- Fleas and skin allergies
- Weakness and more
These are signs you don’t want to see in your pet. But fortunately, there are several edible substances containing vitamin B available out there, which are safe and help prevent these symptoms. And amongst these substances are the lychees. The amount of B vitamins in lychees makes them safe for your canine to feed on.
Extras
Several other nutrients are contained in lychees, such as calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, and sodium. The integrated nutrients in lychees work together to make the exotic fruit safe for your pet.
Health Benefits of Lychee for Dogs.
When it comes to giving your pet a good treat, one of your safest bets would be fruit. Lychee fruits have gained fame across several countries because of the many benefits they offer to humans. Over time, people discovered that the fruit can be beneficial to dogs as well.
Here are the significant health benefits your dog can get from a lychee fruit:
Maintains Sound Liver Health.
Lychee is not the only fruit that offers this benefit. Nearly every other kind of fruit that contains antioxidants (Polyphenols) also gives this same benefit. But one fruit that you must keep away from your pet is grape. Aside from this fruit, many others are safe and good enough for dogs.
These antioxidants aid vigor and maintain pancreas and liver health. So if you wish to see some goodness in your dog’s health, feeding it with some lychee fruits will just be the right thing to do.
Healthy Digestive System.
Different fruits contain diverse amounts of fiber. Although lychee does not contain the most fiber nutrient, the fact that it contains about 82% of water is enough to promote the digestive system health of your canine.
In addition to this, dogs can also benefit from reduced chronic constipation still from the presence of fiber contained in lychees.
Better Immune System.
If you want your dog to stay healthy now and always, lychees are one of the safest options you can opt-in for. The fruit contains a high amount of vitamin C that dogs need to maintain a strong immune system.
Moreover, you can prevent your pet from encountering cartilage and bone health issues by offering it some amount of lychee. To make this feasible, you can do this at least twice a week.
How to Prepare Lychee Fruit for Your Dog?
The size of lychee fruit is almost similar to that of a golf ball. This creates a chance for your dog to choke on it or intestinal blockage. To this effect, chopping the fruit into smaller particles will do some good.
Due to the danger involved in feeding dogs with lychee, we have put down these tips on how to prepare a lychee fruit for your dog to prevent possible errors.
- To prepare lychee fruit for your dog in the proper way, first, peel off the outer body from the actual fruit.
- Take out the big seed embedded on the inside of the flesh, as this can cause the dog to choke. Aside from this, taking in the seed can be dangerous as well.
- Finally, chop the main part of the fruit into smaller particles and offer each particle to your pet one after another.
If you feel a need to feed your pet with lychee fruit, give it the part that contains only the flesh and in a moderate quantity. Always be sure that the fleshy part is properly ripe, as unripe lychee might be toxic to the dog.
Which Fruit Is Good for Dogs?
Some of the fruits that are good substitutes for lychees are pumpkins, apples, bananas, and cucumbers. These fruits also contain the necessary nutrients your dog will need to maintain its health, added to the fact that they are not toxic to dogs.
We will now describe what makes these fruits safe for your pet:
Pumpkins
These are a great fruit for curbing problems with gastrointestinal, such as constipation and diarrhea. Pumpkins contain a high amount of vitamin A and fiber. And for dogs who find it difficult to express their anal glands, this will be a good bet.
Apples
This fruit possesses a high amount of vitamin A and C. Also, they are a perfect low-fat treatment for your dogs, with a delicious taste. However, always take out the seeds before giving apples to your pet.
Bananas
This is another perfect fruit for dogs, as they are rich in vitamins, copper, potassium, and biotin fiber. However, although they provide a lot of minerals and vitamins, they are also rich in sugar. As a result, the quantity you offer your dog should be moderate.
Cucumbers
Indeed, cucumbers are good for dogs, but you must offer them in moderation as with anything else. This is because too much of this fruit can result in stomach upset in dogs.
Moreover, cucumbers contain much water and have low calories, making them a perfect treat when added to your pet’s diet.
Final Thoughts
If you are still asking, can dogs eat lychee? The answer to the question is not completely straightforward. There are guidelines you must follow to make the fruit safe for your dog.
Even though lychees are good for dogs due to their many benefits, you must keep them far from their reach. The guidelines provided in this write-up will help you understand the right way to offer this fruit to your pet. If you must offer your dog a lychee fruit, make sure they get them in small amounts.