Can dogs eat pomegranate?

Updated 25/04/2024

Jam-packed with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and fiber, it's no wonder pomegranates (the jewels of the fruit world) are crowned pride of place across Middle Eastern cuisines and beyond. And as such tasty little bursts of goodness, we wouldn't blame you for wondering - can dogs eat pomegranate? Or should we avoid sharing these delicious gems with our canine companions? Sadly it's not quite as black and white as you might hope. Too many pomegranate seeds is bad news for dogs, and we'll explore why along with symptoms to look out for below. But, due to their nutrient-dense nature, pomegranate extract has made its way into some dog foods, with some pet parents even adding the stuff to their dog's bowl. To find out why fresh pomegranate isn't the best canine snack choice and for how to help your pooch get some of the health benefits of the fruit, explore below.

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Are pomegranates poisonous to dogs?

So can dogs eat pomegranate seeds at all, or are pomegranates toxic to dogs for some reason? Well if your pooch somehow managed to steal a few seeds from your snack station, don't worry too much as pomegranate seeds aren't toxic to dogs in small amounts. With that said though, eating pomegranate seeds can certainly make your dog sick, and we'll explore why below.

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Are pomegranates good for dogs?

So can dogs eat pomegranate in any way, shape or form? Or is pomegranate simply bad news for our friends of the furry persuasion? Well one or two pomegranate seeds are unlikely to make your doggo sick, but consuming an entire pomegranate's worth of seeds could sadly lead to symptoms including sickness, diarrhea and stomach pain. Why? Well not only are pomegranates high in fiber, but pomegranates also contain tannins. They're chemical substances commonly found in trees and some fruits, and can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs

And on a more tangible note, pomegranate seeds can be difficult to digest - especially as our furry friends may not always chew food as thoroughly as we do. And because of that, the skin, seeds, and rind should never be fed to dogs in large amounts - they could easily cause a choking hazard or a gastrointestinal obstruction if eaten in enough quantities.

Now for the flipside to the question - are pomegranates good for dogs - they're packed with antioxidants and help to reduce inflammation, osteoporosis and even symptoms of halitosis. And because pet parents want what's best for their furry friends, you might have noticed that manufacturers have even introduced pomegranate extract into dog food. So, while we wouldn't recommend feeding your pup fresh pomegranate, you could opt for a dog food containing the extract. That way, you know they can benefit from the fruit's nutrients without worrying about side effects from the pomegranate fruit itself.

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What to do if your dog eats pomegranate

If you've come across your dog eating pomegranate seeds, what you do next really depends on how much was consumed. As you now know, fresh pomegranate for dogs is pretty bad news. So, if it was a couple of seeds, your pooch is unlikely to get sick. But if it was multiple or even an entire pomegranate's worth of seeds, pulp, or skin, you should contact a vet for help. That way, the best course of action and potential treatment can be decided.

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Other pomegranate products

Can dogs have pomegranate juice?

While it's not toxic to dogs, pomegranate juice is high in sugar and contains tannins, which means it's a bad choice for canine health. In fact, consuming tannins can result in sickness, diarrhea, and abdominal pain for your pooch, while sugar can lead to gastrointestinal upset, weight gain, and diabetes. 

Can dogs have pomegranate extract?

As we've mentioned, you might have noticed that some dog foods contain pomegranate extract supplements which means your pooch can get the inflammation-reducing benefits without the risks. If you're thinking about giving your dog the pure supplement though, check with your vet that it's safe and for advice on dosage. 

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Meet our veterinary expert, Corinne

This article has been checked by veterinarian Corinne Wigfall BVMBVS(Hons) BVMedSci(Hons). Corinne is originally from Wales and moved to New Zealand after graduating university. She started her career with a university based equine internship and moved onto mixed and small animal practice. Currently she splits her time between online tele triage and working in an after hours vet clinic.

Other foods that are not safe for dogs

So, now we know that pomegranate and dogs aren’t exactly the best match, check out the foods below to get clued-up on other foods dogs can't eat.

• Pickles
• Ham
• Marshmallows