Is your dog fast to run to taste durian fruit? You may love this fruit, but should you let your Fido approach it so easily?
It’s hard to know precisely just which human foods are safe for your dog, and which are dangerous – after all, dogs are such foodies. They would try anything.
Have you ever left your dog alone with a food on your plate? If so, you know that the plate is always safe, while the food is usually gone (at least this is the most common scenario).
Well-trained dogs will do their best to leave the food alone unless you tell them otherwise.
Did you know that dogs need fruit and vegetable in their diet to thrive? If fact, 10% of dogs’ daily food intake should be based on fruit and vegetable.
Commercial dog food covers this percentage, which is why commercial dog food is always a great choice when it comes to great nutrition. If you decide to serve your dog fresh fruit and vegetable you should make it in really small amounts and as an occasional treat.
Also, dogs usually get bored of same commercial dog food, over and over again, so adding a new flavor can do wonders for both their appetite and happiness.
Some fruit such as bananas are 100% healthy dog snacks, but what about durian?
Dogs can eat durian, as long as you serve it in really small amounts and as an occasional treat. This is the case as long as you serve the creamy part on the inside.
Both the skin and seeds are toxic to dogs. The only way for dogs to eat durian in a safe way is to prepare it in a safe way. By the safe way, we are actually thinking about removing the skin and the seeds first.
Let’s learn more about the durian and dog relation.
Is Durian Toxic For Dogs?
As a fruit, durian is much appreciated due to its health benefits at least that is the case when it comes to the human diet. What about the effect that it has on dogs? While eating durian dogs may experience the same benefits as humans do, but in a smaller percentage, as they should eat it only in small amounts.
As for the toxicity, you should always bear in mind that the inside of durian fruit is safe for dogs. The outer skin and seeds are toxic to dogs. Why? Seeds, or the flash that contains seeds, come with a certain amount of cyanide that’s toxic to dogs.
Luckily, these seeds are large. Fruit that contains seeds such as grapes should never be served to dogs, as they’re highly toxic.
Luckily, durian fruit contains very large seeds that are easy to spot and even easier to remove.
Health Benefits Of Durian For Dogs
Before we elaborate on the health benefits of durian for dogs, don’t forget to serve this fruit in small amounts and occasionally. As for the health benefits of durian, your dog may experience a significant contribution to his overall health thank to this fruit.
Durian is rich in the following nutrients:
- Fiber
- Protein
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin B
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Copper
- Phosphorus
- Manganese
- Iron
- Zinc
As you probably know already fiber is always great for dogs, as it helps regulate gut health and overall digestive system.
Did you know that in dogs, just like in humans, protein is crucial for building muscle tissue? Durian fruit is also a great supporter of nerves and immunity.
Next to these traits, this fruit of unusual appearance is packed with ample antioxidants that are capable of fighting harmful radicals, materials, and other harmful ingredients.
All in all, durian can help with an overall nutritional boost. Now, let’s see how to serve durian to your dog and if a durian ice cream is an option for your Fido.
How To Serve Durian To Dogs?
Dogs can eat the flesh of the durian fruit and that is the only part that is safe. Dogs should never eat the spiky outer skin or seeds that are placed inside the fruit.
Seeds contain cyanide, which is harmful to dogs if ingested in large amounts. Consuming them will lead to many issues and even lethal effects. The same goes for the stem and leaves.
Even if your dog ingests a small number of seeds or leaves, you can expect to witness some vomiting or diarrhea.
How Much Durian Can Dogs Eat?
Just like any other fruit, durian is rich in natural sugar. High amounts of sugar, even the healthy ones, isn’t healthy. Just like humans, dogs can suffer from sugar.
In fact, dogs do have the same ability as humans do to process sugar properly, which is why sugar is toxic for dogs.
When it comes to sweets, dogs should never eat human chocolate or any product that contains xylitol.
To keep your dog safe, limit his durian intake. Cut durian into chewing-size pieces and serve just a few pieces. If you notice that your dog isn’t a durian fan, do not force him to eat it.
You know for sure that your Fido is into fresh apples? If that is the case, serve him apples (remove seeds, of course).
Can Dogs Eat Durian Seeds?
Simple said, no. Dogs should not eat not only durain seeds, but any seeds at all. Seeds are always packed with cyanide which is highly toxic to dogs when ingested in large amounts. If your dog east seeds somehow, make sure ethat you monitor him closely. If you notice any behavioral signs that may be described as not normal, make sure that you contact your veterinarian. If your dog has eaten a really large amount of durain seeds (or any seeds) contact Pet Poison Helpline. When it comes to toxicity in dogs fast reaction is what can save your dog’s life.
Can A Dog Be Allergic To Durian?
Did you know that some dogs can actually be allergic to gluten? It is not uncommon for dogs to be allergic to human foods. Just like they can be allergic to gluten they can be allergic to other foods as well.
This is why you should be extra careful when introducing new food to your dog. When you serve durian to your dog for the first time make sure that you monitor his reactions carefully.
The truth is that majority of dogs won’t be allergic to durian, but some might be. To know for sure how your dog might react to durian, serve him initially one piece of this fruit.
Monitor for any sign of the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Hives
- Vomiting
- Swelling
Anything that resembles allergic reaction is an indicator that you should reach out to your veterinarian. If your dog is sensitive to durian he will react fast. Some dogs may even display diarrhea or constipation.
In some rare cases it is possible for your dog to become extra hyper. Fast breathing, skin problems, dilated pupils… These are just some of the many indicators showing that your dog is experiencing durian-related issues.
Once you are sure that your dog is reactingfien to durain you can continue offering his durian as an ocassional treat.
Pro tip: If you never had durian before, clean it and serve it outdoors, as you will be shocked on how much it stinks.
Can Dogs Eat Durian Cake?
As long as you make the cake without seeds, sugar, or any other harmful ingredient your Fido might have a bite.
Naturally, durian is high in sugar, high in fat and very calorie dense which makes it more fit to human than a dog diet. Not only that food with high sugar content may trigger diabetes in dogs, but can lead to weight issues as well.
Obesity in dogs is on the rise, and you don’t want your dog to be part of this unhealthy trend. Once you get a dog it is up to you to provide the right nutrition, to keep his weight in balance, and to provide enough exercise to keep dog’s joints healthy and strong.
Can Dogs Eat Durian Ice Cream?
Summertime can fall hard to some dogs. In general, dogs are not too big fans of high temperature, as they do not sweat like humans do. This is something that it best seen in larger dogs with thick coat that serves the best for the winter time.
Breeds like Siberian Husky or Bernese Mountain Dog that are located in hot areas know the best how warm period can affect their overall health.
This is also the period when majority of dogs are exposed to threat of heatstroke – a condition that may be very dangerous if you miss to react properly.
This is why experienced dog owners do their best to peorpre well for the summer time. In practice this means that responsible dog owners always provide the following:
- An easy access to clean and fresh water
- A nice shade
- Skin cream if needed
- Open car window
- Delicious summer treats that can lower the body temperature
Food can help dogs feel better during the hot days. One of the most popular vegetables in summer is cucumber. Not sure how to use it? Homemade treats are great starting point to keep yrou Fido fresh and cool on summer day.
Mix cucumebnr with plain yogurt, blend it well, place in ice cubes, let it freeze and serve. Never serve to cold food pieces to your dog, but wait for a few minutes to melt a bit.
Another common summer treat is dog-friendly ice cream. Making this treat should be easy and fast. You can use durian to make ice cream as long as you remove the skin properly and make ice cream without seeds.
All in all, well-prepared durian ice cream is mostly safe for dogs. Yet, be careful. Don’t serve it in large amounts no matter how hot outside it might be, but stick to ocassional serving.
Also, think about lactose intolerance, as it may lead to bloating, gas and even diarrhea. Now, let’s see if you should serve dried durian to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Durian?
If eaten in large amounts, durian will lead to some health issues. Add to that durian seeds and you will have to react immediately and take your dog to the vet’s office.
Again: no durian seeds should ever be served to dog, no matter his size. Whenever in doubt if your dog should eat dried fruit or not, think about cyanide. Dried fruit always contains seeds that are dangerous to dogs.
How To React If Your Dog Eats Too Much Durian?
The very first step is to contact your veterinarian. Depending on how much durian or durian seed your dog ingested, your dveterrinrian will inform you on how to act.
In most cases, veterinarian will recommend to induce vomiting, or to bring the dog to the vet’s office. If you want to avoid any possible durian-related issues, do your best to serve it properly.
Know that less is more when it comes to feeding your dog human foods. If you are a huge durian lover, store it well. Find a spot that your dog cannot easily reach.
Its better to be safe than sorry, because what would you do if your dog grab entire duran basket and east it with seeds while you are away? Sounds like a disaster because it would be one. Again: if you suspect that your dog ate more durian than he should, or any other human foods, monitor him closely and contact your veterinarian.
In the meantime, learn as much as possible on which human foods is safe for dogs and which may cause strong health disturbances.
If your dog refuses to eat durian do not force him. Instaed, serve him fruti and vegetable that your FIdo already knows and enjoys.