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Can Dogs Eat Pears?

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Does your dog stare longingly at your fruit salad? Pets always seem to know when there is something tasty on the kitchen counter or at a barbecue or picnic. There are some fruits and veggies that are good for dogs and others they should avoid. Can dogs eat pears?

Yes. You can sink your teeth into this tasty fruit, and so can your dog.

Just remember the rule of 10 percent when it comes to pears for dogs. No more than 10 percent of your dog’s diet should consist of treats, and pears are in that category. The rest should be hearty dog food with lots of nutrients and protein.

As with all people food, you should consult your vet before you start offering fruit to your dog. That being said, pears are not on the do-not-eat list for pets like some other popular human foods are.

Is Pear Good for Dogs?

Are pears good for dogs to eat? Do they offer any nutritional value? Yes, and yes, as long as the seeds, core and stem are removed first. Here are some of the health benefits of pears for both dogs and humans:

  • High in dietary fiber Pears in small amounts may help keep your dog regular. In fact, pears have about 3.1g of fiber in each100g serving. If your dog has diarrhea after eating pears, talk to your vet. They may recommend cutting back on the serving size or eliminating them from your dog’s treat list altogether.
  • Good calcium content Pears can also be a good source of calcium, which helps animals maintain stronger bones.
  • Plenty of vitamin C Your dog needs various vitamins and minerals in their diet, and vitamin C is one of them. This vitamin can reduce inflammation, help with cognition as your dog ages, and fight free radicals—unstable atoms that can damage cells in the body.
  • Great source of potassium Potassium is an electrolyte. Dogs need electrolytes to help maintain some of their vital systems—such as regulating heartbeat. Pears have about 116mg of potassium per 100g serving.

Keep in mind that while pears are delicious and nutritious, feeding them as an occasional treat won't make much of an impact on your dog's overall wellness. If the sweet fruit is tempting to your dog's palate and your vet voices no objections, however, they can make a nice addition to your dog's snack list.

Feeding Your Dog Pears

Begin by offering your dog a few bites of fresh, natural pear as a snack. As with many human foods, it’s best to cut fruit into small pieces before providing pears for dogs. This can reduce the risk of choking and make it easier for your pup to digest.

Always remove the stem, seeds and core. The center is not only a choking hazard, but ingesting it can lead to gastrointestinal obstruction. The seeds are also toxic if consumed.

Do not let dogs eat pears that are canned or overly processed. Not only can the sugar content of canned pears make any dog’s stomach upset, but it can also cause a spike in blood sugar, which is particularly dangerous for diabetic dogs. Stick to pears from the fresh fruit aisle.

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

FAQs About Feeding Your Dog Pears

Yes, as long as your pup doesn’t suffer from any underlying health issues like diabetes, you shouldn’t have any concerns when dogs eat pears. Just be sure to remove the stem, core and all seeds first. Like many fruit seeds, pear seeds have a small amount of cyanide, which can be dangerous for dogs. Ingesting the core can cause gastrointestinal obstruction. It’s also a choking hazard, as is the stem. You should never give your dog a whole pear. Cut it into appropriately sized bites and offer up a few slices or chunks at a time.

Many pet parents find that providing pears for dogs usually results in a happy pup. Many canines enjoy the sweet taste and juicy texture of this fruit, and it can make an especially refreshing treat in warmer weather.

In most cases, you shouldn’t see any negative reactions when dogs eat a small amount of pear. But are pears good for dogs to eat when they’re unripe or overripe? A pear that is unripe or overripe can cause canine gastrointestinal upsets due to their varying sugar concentrations. Avoid feeding your dogs pears that have not yet fully ripened, as well as fruit that has become mushy or bruised. Both can upset a dog’s stomach.

These are not the only potential risks with introducing new food to your dog. Be sure to monitor your pet after you give them new food for the first time to watch for any sign of digestive issues.

Yes. When dogs eat pears, the skin shouldn’t cause any issues, as its makeup is similar to its flesh.

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Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Petco’s ACE team is a passionate group of experienced pet care experts dedicated to supporting the overall health & wellness of pets. The ACE team works to develop animal care operations and standards across the organization and promote proper animal care and education for Pet Care Center partners and pet parents, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.