Dogs love treats. They are always eager to check out what you’re eating and maybe try to get a little taste. But what if you happen to be snacking on a guava fruit and you are unsure of whether or not it is safe to give your dog? 

Many fruits and vegetables are perfectly fine to feed to your beloved companion. After all, fruits and vegetables are typically healthier than snacks high in sodium or sugar. Ideally, a dog’s diet should be a combination of meat and vegetation. 

But can Dogs Eat guava? Is guava a safe fruit as a treat for your dog?

What is Guava?

Guava is a tropical fruit native to Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and the Caribbean. It is a type of berry with pink flesh and edible seeds. It has a sweet taste, often described as somewhere between a strawberry and a pear. As well as a healthy snack, it is often blended into a variety of beverages.

Can Dogs Eat Guava?

Guava is a fruit that dogs can have as a treat— in moderation. Like any other canine snack, moderation is the operative word. Too much guava or any other fruit containing citrus may be too acidic for your dog and cause an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea. 

As with many citrus fruits, there is a natural source of sugar in guava. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can result inobesity and other health issues, such as diabetes, cataracts, or urinary tract infections. Candy is sugar with no nutritional value and should be avoided. But a sweet treat like guava for your dog is a much healthier alternative. 

Is Guava Good for Dogs?

Yes, guava is good for dogs. The tropical fruit is a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals that can boost your pet’s health. It is rich in antioxidants beneficial in boosting the immune system. Guava is not a significant source of fat, cholesterol, or sodium.

In addition to guava, fruits that are a safe and healthy snack for dogs include apples (vitamin C, fiber), bananas (potassium), blueberries (antioxidants), strawberries (vitamin C), and pears (vitamin K). Even watermelon is a nice treat since it is over 90% water and can keep your dog hydrated— just remove the seeds first.

Nutritional Benefits of Guava for Dogs

In addition to its pleasant, floral flavor, guava is a tremendous source of nutrients and vitamins that can benefit humans as well as dogs. 

Guava is a good source of fiber. Fiber aids the digestion system of your dog and is also a remedy for treating constipation and diarrhea. Guava has more than four times the vitamin C than oranges! In addition to giving a boost to immune health, vitamin C can help reduce inflammation and slow down the aging process.

Guava is also a good source of vitamin A and iron, instrumental in the promotion of new red blood cells as well as contributing to improved eye health. Guava contains calcium for strong bones as well as potassium which is great for muscle development in canines. 

What Fruits/Foods are Harmful to Dogs?

The last thing any pet owner would want is to make their dog sick. Guava is a nutritional fruit that is good for both humans and canines alike. But while highlighting the benefits of fruits like guava for dogs, it is also important to revisit some of the foods that are not safe for a dog to eat. 

• Grapes/raisins: A concentrated source of toxin and can cause kidney failure. 

• Cherries: Although the flesh of cherries is safe for dogs to eat, the pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide which can prove lethal if ingested in a large enough quantity. The pits also run the risk of causing a blockage in the dog’s intestines.

• Avocado: Contains persin, a fungicidal toxin. The pit of an avocado can also choke a dog and get lodged in the stomach or intestines. 

• Chocolate: Toxic for dogs. Chocolate contains caffeine which can speed up the heart rate and affect the nervous system of your pet. Symptoms can appear within hours so get your dog to the vet as soon as possible. 

• Xylitol: An artificial sweetener commonly found in a variety of candy, gum, and even toothpaste, this compound can cause liver failure if ingested.

• Onions/Garlic: Can be poisonous to your dog, attacking the red blood cells. This includes onions and garlic in any form— raw, cooked, or dehydrated—so be especially wary of food that may include a powdered form in the ingredients. 

• Macadamia nuts: Most of us are aware of how much dogs love peanut butter. But some nuts are far more dangerous than others. Macadamia nuts may cause inflammation of the pancreas in extreme cases.

• Alcohol: As it is with humans, the primary negative effect is to the brain and liver. Even a small amount of alcohol— especially with the smaller breeds—can be detrimental to your canine.

• Coffee/tea/caffeine: Can cause toxicity in as little as 30-60 minutes. Avoid your pet from consuming any form of caffeine at all costs. 

If your dog has gotten into something you know it shouldn’t have, it is important to get your pet to the veterinarian as soon as you can. Let the doctor know immediately what food your dog has ingested, how long ago, and an idea of the quantity if known.

Watch for signs of lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, labored breathing, or loss of coordination. Seek veterinarian assistance immediately. 

In Conclusion – Can Dogs Eat Guava?

Knowing what to feed your dog is a priority for any pet owner. What not to feed your dog is just as important. At times we are all susceptible to falling for those big eyes watching so intently as we put something into our mouths, so it is a natural reaction to share. 

So the next time you sit down with a snack of fresh guava and your dog is giving you those eyes, feel confident sharing it with your loved one.

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