Tamarind is a sweet and sour fruit that is often used in the human diet.
Tamarind is packed with calories which makes it a great source of energy. Thanks to very high amounts of amino acids this fruit can be great to prevent inflammation.
Not only that, but tamarind might also help strengthen bones since it is packed with calcium and potassium.
Now, thanks to this feature it’s no mystery that tamarind should be part of the human diet, but what about dogs? Should tamarind be included in your dog’s diet?
Can Dogs Eat Tamarind?
Yes, dogs can eat tamarind in moderation.
Like with any other fruit you should know that human foods are best served to dogs in moderation.
Not only that dogs should enjoy small amounts of human foods, but they should eat them only as an occasional treat.
Another important factor is knowing how to serve fruit to your dog. As for tamarind, as long as you serve it in its natural state and in healthy amounts your dog should enjoy this sour treat.
Although tamarind comes with sour taste dogs tend to like the flavor. If you notice your dog refuses to eat it, do not force it.
Just like humans, dogs might have taste preferences. Some dogs may adore it, while some might refuse to eat it.
If your dog isn’t into experimenting with new flavors, stick to trusted commercial dog treats.
If you love to make food on your own, think about homemade treats that are easy to make and great to serve to dogs.
Is Tamarind Good For Dogs?
Tamarind is a great source of nutrients for dogs. Not only that it provides certain nutrients, but it also gives them a great amount of energy.
Next to the already mentioned potassium, calcium, and vitamin C, tamarind comes with other benefits that your dog might benefit from. Let’s elaborate more on those.
Health Benefits Of Tamarind For Dogs
Tamarind is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants that are perfect when it comes to boosting the immune system.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties tamarind is a great food to improve overall dog well-being.
Since tamarind is nutritious to dogs, your furry friend might benefit from it. Here are some of the benefits of serving tamarind to your Fido.
1. Boosting Your Dog’s Immunity
Just like in humans, the immunity system is what keeps a dog healthy and strong.
Without a strong immune system, not even the best nutrition possible can help a dog’s overall well-being thrive.
That being said, one of the best ways to keep the immune system strong and manageable is to mind nutrition.
By serving the right food to your dog you are actually helping Fido thrive on a daily level.
To achieve this make sure that you provide the following:
- High-quality food
- Right knowledge on dog commercial food
- Knowing when to serve food and how much
- Knowing what a bloat is
- Enabling regular exercise
- Sticking to recommended vaccination
- Following the parasite control guidelines
- Providing regular veterinarian check-ups
Since nutrition is such a big part of a dog’s overall well-being, serving the right food is crucial.
In general, dog commercial food should be enough for your dog to get needed nutrients. Next to this, it is ok to serve safe human foods occasionally as a treat, to mix up meals a bit.
Dogs usually eat the same food every day and mixing their plate a bit will enhance their spirit and happiness.
As for the tamarind you should know that it may help you boost a dog’s overall immune system.
Since this sour fruit is packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, giving your dog this fruit may boost his immune system and help him fight off microbial and fungal infections.
2. May Reduce Joint Pain And Inflammation In Dogs
Joint pain and inflammation in dogs are pretty common when dogs reach certain years.
In fact, joint issues are common for senior dogs, and large dog breeds such as German shepherds are.
To keep their joints strong and vital, providing the right nutrition and the right amount of exercise is crucial.
Since tamarind comes with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties it may help reduce inflammation, arthritis, and even joint pain.
3. May Help Deal With Constipation
Constipation in dogs may happen due to several different reasons. Even the slightest diet change may cause constipation in dogs.
Change in diet may even lead to diarrhea. Just like in humans,s some dogs might have a very sensitive gut.
Some factors such as hormonal diseases, anxiety, and even pelvic injuries may lead to constipation in dogs.
If this happens from time to time it’s usually a sign that you need to think about your dog’s diet.
On the other hand, if it keeps on happening, you should contact your veterinarian.
If you want to help your dog have a healthy and strong gut, think about serving him tamarind from time to time.
This fruit has the power to relieve constipation in dogs. Why? Tamarind has been used as a laxative agent due to its potent malic and tartaric acid content.
4. May Help With Weight Management
Some dogs are prone to weight gain, but most nutrition and exercise regime is what keeps dogs fit.
Still, obesity in dogs is on the rise and you don’t want your Fido to be part of this unhealthy trend.
If your dog is on weight management you will be happy to hear that tamarind can help you fight those extra pounds.
There is a study showing that tamarind can increase the level of good cholesterol, while lowering bad cholesterol content in plasma.
In humans, tamarind has been shown to suppress appetite by boosting the release of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
So far, no dog-related studies are showing identical or similar results in dogs.
5. May Help Manage Diabetes In Dogs
Tamarind may lower blood sugar levels, which is why many believe that tamarind may positively affect dogs with diabetes.
In practice, this means that tamarind may restore his ability to produce the required amounts of insulin.
Can Dogs Have Tamarind?
The reasons listed above should be enough to show that tamarind is OK to serve to your dog.
Like with any other fruit moderation is the key. Even the healthiest food when served in high amounts will negatively affect both person and dog health.
If anything, too much food in the belly may lead to painful vomiting, if not painful constipation as well.
Is Tamarind Safe For Dogs?
Simply said, yes. Tamarind is safe for dogs, as long as it is served in small amounts. To get the most out of tamarind you should think about serving style and quantity.
Tamarind works as a laxative and too much of it will lead to diarrhea.
If you ever notice a bloody diarrhea in your dog make sure that you contact your veterinarian.
It is not uncommon for dogs to have diarrhea. After all, they are living beings and do experience stomach disturbances.
When this happens you will usually see them eating grass, which is simply normal as it helps them work with gut-related issues.
However, if you notice any blood traces in the stool, or you notice diarrhea in your dog more often than usual, you might contact your veterinarian.
Nutrition Of Tamarind
Tamarind is packed with many nutrients that dogs may benefit from. These nutrients contain at least 10% of:
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B3
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Iron
One serving (a half-cup) contains:
- Calories: 143
- Protein: 2 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrate: 38 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 34 grams
Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Fruit?
As long as you serve tamarind to your dog in moderation this fruit is safe for your Fido. However, bear in mind that tamarind is high in calories and a small amount is enough for your dog to get enough energy.
As you probably know already, food rich in calories will eventually lead to weight gain which isn’t beneficial to dogs.
Plus, eating too much tamarind might lead to diarrhea.
Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Seeds?
Tamarind is safe for dogs, but seeds should always be removed. No matter how small seeds might be (in any fruit) they should never be served to your dog.
Do not feed tamarind seeds to dogs as they are not digestible. In general, seeds can result in choking and vomiting. Plus, seeds usually contain cyanide which is harmful to dogs.
Due to same reason you should avoid feeding grapes to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Rice?
When it comes to tamarind rice and dogs you should avoid feeding your dog with this dish.
In general, rice is safe for dogs. Whenever our dog experiences diarrhea or stomach-related issues, your veterinarian will recommend you to feed him with rice and cooked chicken.
Although chicken might be optional, rice is usually highly recommended.
In the human diet, tamarind rice is usually seasoned and packed with salt, which is bad for dogs.
If your dog loves to eat tamarind and rice serve them separately to avoid any possible risks.
Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Pulp?
Dogs can eat tamarind pulp. Tamarind pulp is packed with the proper amount of vitamins and minerals that can boost overall dog health.
Since tamarind is packed with high calories you should serve it in really small amounts. To avoid any risks serve tamarind pulp only as a tasty treat.
How Much Tamarind Can Dogs Eat?
Saying that tamarind should not be served to dogs too often or in high amounts isn’t enough.
In most cases, people follow instructions the best when there are strict guidelines.
Serving tamarind in moderation isn’t precise. So, what doesn’t it mean exactly? When it comes to serving tamarind in moderation it means that dogs can eat one tamarind no more than three times a week.
As for the amount, start with a few pieces, and no need to make it a handful. Tamarind is packed with high calories and too many can lead to many health disturbances.
How To Prepare Tamarind For Dogs?
When it comes to serving tamarind to your dog, you should focus on proper serving. This means that you should know how to prepare it.
The very first step is to choose the right tamarind. Once you have your tamarind set, peel off the skin and take out the seeks.
Cut it into small pieces and serve it to your dog. It is always great to mix tamarind with dog food.
Not sure if your dog will like tamarind? Serve him a small piece first, and monitor him closely for his reaction.
If he likes it and you don’t notice any unusual symptoms, such as vomiting, continue feeding him.
If you want to use tamarind to make a quick and tasteful summer treat blend tamarind with water or plain yogurt, freeze it into an ice tray, and serve.
Be careful when serving cold treats, you don’t want to serve treats that are too cold.
Always wait for a few minutes for the ice treats to reach room temperature.
The Bottom Line
If you want to serve tamarind to your dog for the first time remember to start small.
Make sure that your dog isn’t allergic to this fruit.
If you want to serve another exotic fruit to your dog think about serving apricots, also in moderation and also as an occasional treat.
In the meantime learn which human foods are extremely bad for dogs and which are fine to be shared.
Whenever you are in doubt if any food is safe for your Fido or not, make sure that you contact your veterinarian.
Also, if you are thinking of switching your dog to any new diet regime such as a raw diet, consult your veterinarian first.
