 The Short Answer is: |
Passion fruits are not toxic and can be given to your dog in small amounts. The problem is that their seeds, like apple seeds and cherry pits, do contain cyanide… Additionally, even healthy fruits can cause diarrhea if consumed in excess due to excess sugar and fiber. |
In this article you will know the answer to the query “Can Dogs Eat Passion Fruit?“.
Our pups are often eager to consume anything we deem healthy for ourselves as loving dog parents. Fruits such as passion fruit fall into this category.
However there is a question:
Can dogs eat passionate fruit?
In order to answer your question we did some research and heres what you need to know.
There is no evidence that passion fruit is safe for dogs. Certain components of the fruit like the seeds are toxic to dogs despite the fact that no research suggests the fruit is entirely unsafe. As a result it is advised that you avoid feeding your pups passion fruit.
It is also important to know that some parts of the fruit are safe for dogs to consume. You’ll find out more about them as you read on.
Can Dogs Have Passion Fruit?
Passion fruits are not toxic and can be given to your dog in small amounts if you ask Dr. Kara a veterinarian with over 20 years of experience. It is the seeds however that are a different story!
Dogs can eat small amounts of passion fruit without harm. The problem is that their seeds like apple seeds and cherry pits do contain cyanide… Additionally even healthy fruits can cause diarrhea if consumed in excess due to excess sugar and fiber. You should try to keep her away from the vines if you can.
Why passion fruit may be unsafe for dogs
Before we discuss which parts of passion fruit can be safely given to your dogs lets discuss why you should avoid giving them this exotic fruit.
Passion fruit seeds
In the flesh of the passion fruit there are many little seeds that can be harmful to dogs. It is generally not recommended to give dogs fruit seeds. Seeds contain cyanide which is why they are poisonous. Cyanide is toxic for dogs and can cause diarrhea vomiting and other health issues if consumed. It is even possible to die from cyanide poisoning in the worst-case scenario.
Unripe passion fruit
Ripe passion fruit is a delicious treat but only when its ripe! Passion fruit that is not ripe is toxic to humans as well as to dogs. It is also caused by the presence of cyanide in the seed of the fruit. Cyanide is most concentrated in unripe fruit which is why it should be avoided at all costs. The consumption of green unripe passion fruits poisoned two Costa Rican children in 1972 according to one study. It led to the death of one child.
Latex allergy
Passion fruit can trigger allergic reactions in people who have latex allergies according to studies. As a result of this research we suggest that dogs might be affected in the same way. If your dog has allergies related to latex you should not even try to feed him the fruit.
Purple passion fruit
As a result of the presence of cyanide in the skin of the purple passion fruit its skin is considered toxic. It can also be poisonous when consumed in large quantities. Despite the fact that humans usually do not eat the skin dogs would not either.
Heres whats interesting:
In spite of the fact that passion fruit itself is not suitable for dogs the passion fruit vine is considered safe for them. Lets talk about this in more detail shall we?
Can dogs eat the passion fruit vine?
The passion fruit comes in a variety of varieties. Most commonly purple and yellow varieties are available. The fruit grows on vines that are native to Brazil Argentina and other parts of South Africa and belong to the passiflora family. Even though it would be reasonable to assume that these vines would be dangerous for dogs they are not. It is generally not considered toxic to dogs to consume Passiflora species. They are not purple or yellow at least. In other words if you have one growing in your backyard do not worry about your pup eating its leaves.
The passion fruit vine should still be kept away from your dog however according to experts. The fact that it is “safe” does not mean that it is suitable for dogs. There are also possible side effects for some pups such as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Thirst or excessive panting
It is advised that you seek medical attention immediately if you observe these symptoms.
Having said that
Would you mind telling us what other exotic fruits are unsafe for dogs? Just keep reading to find out what you need to know.
What Benefits Are in Passion Fruit Consumption?
There are many health benefits associated with some parts of this fruit. In terms of fat passion fruit is quite low in fat but it is a great source of dietary fiber. There are 12.5 grams of dietary fiber in only 12 cups of raw passion fruit.
Passion fruit offers the following nutritional benefits:
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins
- Vitamin A
- Phosphorous
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Potassium
- Folate
- Protein
It was discovered a while back in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine that this fruit can reduce cardiovascular risk factors such as fasting blood glucose and systolic blood pressure in type 2 diabetics.
Passion fruit can only be beneficial to dogs suffering from diabetes as we all know.
Other exotic fruits that are unsafe for dogs
The things your dog needs to avoid should be known to every responsible dog parent. Therefore we have compiled a list of exotic fruits that dogs should not consume.
Figs
There is a substance known as ficin in fresh figs. It is possible for humans and dogs to have allergic reactions to ficine. As a result dogs with allergies should not be given this product! Itching rashes and irritation can occur after consuming fresh figs. In spite of the fact that dried figs are generally considered safe
Persimmon
Due to its high sugar content persimmon is considered unsuitable for dogs. Indigestion can be caused by excessive consumption of this fruit. Additionally when ingested the seeds might irritate the intestines posing a threat to dogs.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate also has many small seeds just like passion fruit. If consumed in excess these seeds can cause intestinal obstruction. It is therefore not recommended to feed dogs pomegranates. You can however mash the pulp if you must feed it to your puppy.
Kumquat
Overconsumption of kumquats can cause irritation on dogs’ skin. In addition it has adverse effects on the liver. Therefore you should avoid this fruit at all costs. The peel must be removed if you wish to feed it to your puppy.
Jackfruit
AnJackfruit is another exotic fruit that should be avoided. As a result the hard cyanide-containing rind and seeds are indigestible.
So should you feed passion fruit to your dog or not?
I’ll tell you whats really going on:
Many people believe and state that passion fruit is safe for dogs but it is generally considered unsuitable. As exotic fruits are a relatively rare commodity there is not enough evidence to declare them entirely safe so it is difficult to declare them entirely dangerous. As a result of analyzing the impact of the fruit on humans we have been able to determine all the possible side effects of the fruit.
Oftentimes these side effects may not occur in a certain dog at all and may not even show up in other dogs. There is a very strong correlation between age breed and health of the dog when it comes to how passion fruit reacts to the body of the dog. A large dog may be able to ingest passion fruit seeds without any problems whereas a small dog may be affected by even a small amount of passion fruit seeds ingested.
So what we’re trying to say is that its better to be safe than sorry and thats what we’re trying to convey to you.
When it comes to your pup you must choose only the best and avoid anything that is even remotely dangerous. Our recommendation is not to feed your dog passion fruit.
Related questions
Can I give passion fruit juice to my dog?
There are still seeds in the juice of passion fruit but they have been ground down to a fine powder. Therefore this means that the cyanide that is present in the seeds is also present in the juice of the seeds.
How can I tell the passion fruit is ripe?
It is important to note that when the passion fruit is fully ripe it will be completely colored and plump. The yellow passion fruit will be almost golden in color and the purple passion fruit will be almost black in color when it is fully ripe.
What should I do if my dog eats passion fruit?
In the event that your dog eats passion fruit you should monitor his behavior and keep an eye out for any symptoms that are mentioned above that may indicate that your dog has eaten passion fruit. In order to prevent your dog from ingesting too much fruit you may have to induce vomiting in your dog if you think he has eaten too much. If you find yourself in such a situation you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
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.
