Papaya is a tropical delight known for its sweet and vibrant orange flesh. Humans enjoy it in salads, smoothies, and even as a healthy snack. And if you have some papaya lying around, you’re probably wondering about your four-legged friend – Can dogs eat papaya?
The short answer is yes. Feeding your pup papaya in moderation can be a tasty and nutritious treat for them.
If you have time, I’ll quickly guide you through its potential health benefits, how to feed your pup papaya safely, and answer some of the most common questions dog owners ask about papaya.
Can Dogs Eat Papaya?
The answer is yes – dogs can eat papaya. This sweet, exotic fruit is a healthy snack for us and our best friends. But although it can benefit your pup’s diet, it can also become an unhealthy habit if you overfeed your pup.
Papaya: Nutritional Table
| Papaya | 3.53 oz/100 g |
| Total fat | 0.26 g |
| Total carbohydrate | 10.8 g |
| Dietary fiber | 1.7 g |
| Sugar | 7.8 g |
| Protein | 0.47 g |
| Potassium | 182 mg |
| Sodium | 8 mg |
| Vitamins, minerals, etc. | % daily value |
| Vitamin B9 | 10% |
| Vitamin C | 75% |
| Vitamin E | 2% |
| Magnesium | 6% |
| Iron | 2% |
| Calcium | 2% |
| Total calories | 43 |
Can Dogs Eat Papaya: Table of Contents
The Benefits of Papaya for Dogs
Papaya is packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, folate, and fiber. These nutrients can offer several health benefits to dogs, including
- Improved digestion: The high level of papaya fiber can aid digestion and prevent constipation in dogs.
- Boosts immunity: Vitamin C can strengthen your dog’s immune system, maintain healthy cognition, and prevent inflammations.
- Healthy skin: Vitamin A promotes healthy skin and shiny fur, making your pup feel much better.
- Plenty of antioxidants: Antioxidants from papaya can combat harmful free radicals in your dog’s body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases and supporting their overall health.
The Risks of Feeding Papaya to Dogs
While papaya has numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of potential risks:
- Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to papaya, so monitor your pet closely when introducing it.
- Digestive upset: Feeding your dog too much papaya can lead to digestive upset due to its natural sugars.
- Loss of appetite: If a dog eats too much papaya due to its carbohydrates (and sugar), it might lose appetite.
How to Feed Papaya to Your Dog
Now that we’ve answered the question, “Can dogs eat papaya?” let’s discuss how to do it safely:
- Choose ripe papaya: Opt for ripe papaya, as it’s tastier and easier to digest.
- Scoop out seeds: Clean the papaya thoroughly and remove the seeds. They can cause choking and damage to your pup’s teeth.
- Remove skin: Try to peel off as much skin as possible. Papaya’s skin can cause choking like its seeds and is difficult for dogs to digest, leading to tummy troubles, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Cut into small pieces: Slice the papaya into small, manageable pieces for your dog. This way you can avoid overfeeding your four-legged friend and introduce this fruit slowly and safely to them.
- Moderation is key: Serve papaya as an occasional treat, not a regular meal. Although it provides healthy benefits, too much papaya isn’t good for a doggo.
Pro tip: Considering it’s a tropical fruit that is mostly popular during summer, you could freeze small pieces of papaya to create a refreshing and healthy summer treat for your doggo. But make sure the pieces are bite-sized.
How Much Papaya Can I Give My Dog?
The portion size depends on your dog’s size. A tablespoon is sufficient for small dogs, while larger dogs can have up to a quarter-cup as an occasional treat.
Extra-small dog (20 pounds) = one or two small pieces (or less than a teaspoon)
| Dog size | Amount of papaya |
| Small dog (21–30 pounds) | 1 teaspoon |
| Medium dog (31–50 pounds) | 1-2 tablespoon |
| Large dog (51–90 pounds) | 2 tablespoons |
| Extra-large dog (91+ pounds) | ¼ cup |
Homemade Papaya Dog Treats
If you’d like to treat your doggo in a more interesting way, you may need a recipe instead of just sharing the plain, dried papaya. But don’t worry – I got you covered.
Here’s a simple homemade, dog-friendly recipe with papaya that you can make for your four-legged friend:
Ingredients
- 1 ripe papaya
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (oatmeal)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Silicone mold or ice cube tray (for shaping)
Instructions
- Start by peeling the ripe papaya and removing the seeds. Cut it into small cubes.
- Place the papaya cubes in a blender or food processor and blend until you have a smooth puree.
Pro tip: If the papaya is ripe and juicy, you might not need extra liquid. If it’s a bit dry, you can add a splash of water.
- Combine the papaya puree in a mixing bowl with plain Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is a healthy option for dogs as it’s high in protein and low in sugar.
- Stir in the rolled oats – oats will provide a little crunch and extra fiber to the treats (don’t worry, they’re also safe for dogs)
- If you’d like to add a touch of sweetness, you can drizzle a bit of honey into the mixture.
Just remember that you should use honey in moderation, and some dogs might be sensitive to it – skip this step if you’re unsure.
- Use a silicone mold or an ice cube tray to shape your dog-friendly papaya treats.
- Place the molds in the freezer and let the treats set for a few hours or until they are completely frozen – freezing helps to make the treats refreshing and enjoyable for your pup, especially on a hot day.
- Once frozen, pop the treats out of the molds and serve them to your dog as a tasty and healthy snack.
Vet Q&A
Is Papaya Good for Puppies?
Papaya can be beneficial for puppies in moderation. Consult your vet for specific guidance based on your puppy’s age and health.
Can Dogs Eat Papaya Skin?
No, removing the skin is best as it can be hard to digest.
What Are the Signs of Papaya Allergy in Dogs?
Signs of an allergic reaction may include itching, swelling, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
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