 The Short Answer is: |
Dogs and humans enjoy fruits together, but not all fruits are safe for dogs. Despite this, jujube is safe and non-toxic to dogs. However, dogs should only be given jujube in small quantities, no more than 10% of their daily calories. Sugar, proteins, dietary fiber, and vitamin C are abundant in jujube. Sugar and calories are also high in this food, making it less than ideal for diabetics and obese dogs. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Jujube Fruit?“.
Known as jujube the small red date from Asia is a fruit that tastes like apples and has a chewy texture.
As jujubes mature and ripen they become dark red or purple with wrinkles and they contain carbs fiber vitamins proteins calcium and potassium.
There are many health benefits to the jujube fruit for humans as well as our furry friends.
Chinese red dates also called jujubes are not toxic to dogs but only the flesh should be given to them in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Instead of jujubes try pomelo dragon fruit and loquats without seeds if you’re concerned about too much sugar for your dog.
What is jujube fruit also known as?
Jujubes are small oval-shaped fruits that grow on thorny branches of deciduous shrubs (Ziziphus jujuba).
The jujube fruit contains two seeds and its pit is sweet and chewy. It tastes and smells like an apple but with a lower acidity level.
When young the jujube looks like a green apple with a smooth apple-like texture but when mature it turns dark red or deep purple with a wrinkled appearance like a small date.
Despite its popularity worldwide jujube is native to Southern Asia. Its also called Chinese date red date or Chinese apple.
In addition to their use as desserts candies and in cooking this small chewy fruit also has a mild apple flavor that ranges from sweet to tart.
In dry and arid climates jujube shrubs grow more freely but they also do well in colder climates and are very adaptable.
What is the nutrition of jujube fruit?
The jujube fruit has many health benefits and is very sweet.
It contains dietary fiber carbohydrates vitamins A B C potassium calcium iron etc. A 100g (3 oz) serving of fresh jujube equivalent to three jujubes contains 79 calories 1.2 grams of protein 20 grams of carbohydrates 10 grams of fiber 250 mg of potassium 69.0 mg of vitamin C 21 mg of calcium etc.
Jujube is packed with fiber carbohydrates vitamins and minerals.
Fruits in the citrus family do not have as much vitamin C as oranges.
As a result of its high vitamin and mineral content along with its antioxidant properties jujube is excellent for reducing oxidative stress preventing cell damage and boosting the immune system.
Even though jujube is a small fruit it has many health benefits for us but are these benefits also applicable to dogs?
Is jujube toxic to dogs?
Jujubes are not on that list but it does not mean they’re okay to give your dog. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that are toxic to dogs; fortunately jujubes are not on that list.
Our pets can reap some of the health benefits that red dates provide but it may not be ideal to feed them jujubes in abundance.
Sugar is a prominent characteristic of jujubes.
Fresh jujubes tend to have higher sugar concentrations than dried jujubes which have a higher consumption rate.
Drying removes the water from the fruit leaving the sugar behind and since dried fruits tend to be smaller you will tend to eat more at once thus consuming more sugar.
Dogs are also susceptible to this but in this case its much worse since they do not need all that sugar.
Dogs that consume too much sugar are at risk for obesity diabetes dental problems heart problems and a host of other health conditions that can shorten their lives.
Jujube fruits are not toxic for dogs but the amount of sugar and carbohydrates they contain is reason enough to keep them out of reach.
In any case if you need to give them some jujubes as a treat ensure that you only give them very small amounts and as rarely as possible.
The dogs can also consume only the fresh jujube fruits and not the seeds leaves or stalks of the plant.
Dogs should not be given jujube pits and seeds because they can cause choking hazards or intestinal blockages.
To avoid accidents and health hazards always remove the pit and seeds before giving your dog any fruits.
How many jujubes should I feed to my dog?
As a treat make sure to give your dog very small amounts of jujubes since the fruit is high in sugar and carbohydrates.
Jujubes and any other treats should not be used to replace your dogs meals. Fruits and treats should not make up more than 10% of a dogs meal according to veterinary nutritionists.
The following is a good guideline to follow when giving your dog jujube.
If your dog has a calorie requirement of 500 calories every day 90% of those calories should come from dog food while 10% should come from treats.
A real food meal would contain 450 calories and a treat would have 50 calories.
You should keep in mind that a 3-ounce or 100 grams (the size of 3 jujubes) of Chinese dates contains up to 79 calories which is already too much. One medium carrot contains 25 calories while one cup of sliced cucumbers provides only 8 calories.
In spite of not paying attention to how many calories you consume you should keep track of how many calories your dog consumes from treats and meals. This is how obesity diabetes and some other serious conditions are caused.
Your dog should be given low-calorie nutrient-rich treats and you should always follow the 10% rule.
What other Chinese fruits might you feed your dog?
Your dog can also enjoy some other healthy Asian fruits in addition to jujube.
Its a tasty treat thats full of essential vitamins minerals and incredibly healthy for both you and your dog.
You might want to feed your dog these three Chinese fruits.
Dragon fruit
Dogs can eat dragon fruit without any risk of toxicity. With red and yellow skin its a juicy and sweet fruit.
In addition to being full of vitamins minerals and antioxidants dragon fruit is also known as pitaya which provides incredible health benefits for both humans and dogs.
Having the ability to boost a dogs immune system its a snack that dogs love.
In a 100 gram serving dragon fruits contain 60 calories 13 grams of carbohydrates 2.9 grams of fiber 1.2 grams of proteins 7.65 grams of sugar 18 mg of calcium 2.5 mg of vitamin C etc.
Loquat
Japanese plums also known as loquats are bright orange oval fruits with large brown seeds.
Dogs are not poisoned by these tasty treats due to their unique sweetness and tartness. Carbohydrates and sugars are abundant in loquat fruits but proteins and calories are not.
Many vitamins and minerals are found in them and they are high in antioxidants.
The seeds are safe for dogs but you should not feed them to prevent choking or intestinal blockage.
In 100 grams of loquat there are 47 calories 12 grams of carbohydrates 0.4 grams of proteins 1.7 grams of fiber 16 mg of calcium 0.28 mg of iron 288 mg of potassium as well as vitamins A B and C.
Pomelo
Pomelo is a citrus fruit that is also known as Chinese grapefruit. Dogs are certainly safe to consume their juice.
Pomelo flesh is healthy for dogs in small quantities but seeds leaves and skin should be avoided since they can be toxic for dogs.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant and powerful antioxidant in this fruit helping to fight oxidative stress.
A 100-gram serving of grapefruit contains 38 calories 9.6 grams of carbohydrates 0.8 grams of proteins 1 gram of fiber 216 mg of potassium 4 mg of calcium 0.11 mg of iron etc.
What fruits are toxic to dogs?
You can share some fruits with your dog but beware of fruits that can cause a medical emergency for your pet.
Dogs can eat the flesh or pulp of some fruits but can be poisoned by their pits and seeds. The only fruits you should never feed your dogs are avocados and grapes.
Avocado
Avocados are healthy for humans but can be dangerous for dogs due to their persin content.
The avocado pulp contains only a small amount of persin a compound known to cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
Giving your dog avocados is much safer than giving it any at all.
Grapes and raisins
Dogs are poisoned by grapes and raisins both of which can cause kidney failure.
Grapes are not known to cause harm to dogs but they can cause sudden kidney failure which may prove fatal.
Pits and seeds of fruits
Fruit pits and seeds can be both a choking hazard and a source of poison in dogs as well as choking hazards.
Pits and seeds of some fruits especially apricots cherries apples peaches and plums contain cyanide which can cause cyanide poisoning in dogs with symptoms like salivation difficulty breathing dilated pupils convulsions and paralysis.
Wrapping Up
Dogs and humans enjoy fruits together but not all fruits are safe for dogs.
Despite this jujube is safe and non-toxic to dogs. However dogs should only be given jujube in small quantities no more than 10% of their daily calories.
Sugar proteins dietary fiber and vitamin C are abundant in jujube.
Sugar and calories are also high in this food making it less than ideal for diabetics and obese dogs.
Amanda (Author)
With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.
Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)
Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.
