Also known as Asian pears, Korean pears originated in Japan and China and have grown in other Asian nations for more than 3000 years. Records show that Chinese immigrants brought Korean pears to the west coast of the United States during the 1800s. Fast forward to the 21st century, and Korean pears have become a staple in many households worldwide.
Fruits are a must in a human’s diet, but does the same apply to your pets? Is it safe to share some of your Korean pears with them? This article will provide answers to these questions, as well as provide information about dogs and Korean pears.
To answer the question simply: Yes, dogs can eat Korean pears. Similar to its effects on the human body, Korean pears provide plenty of health benefits to canines, namely:
Improves Hydration and Osmoregulation
Korean pears contain at least 80% of water, making them an excellent and effective alternative for keeping your dogs hydrated, especially during hot summer months. Additionally, the high water content of Korean pears also helps with osmoregulation or the balance of salt to water ratio in your dogs’ bodies.
Aids in Digestion and Bowel Movement
Korean pears are rich in fiber that speeds up and eases the digestion of canines. Giving your dogs fiber-rich diets ensures that toxins are removed from their bodies, and they have healthier regular bowel movements.
The fiber content of Korean pears also encourages the reproduction of healthy bacteria in your dogs’ guts, which aids in the breakdown of harmful pathogens. As a result, your dogs will have stronger immune systems.
Improves Vision
Korean pears are packed with vitamin A, which helps improve and maintain the eyesight of your fur babies. Introducing the fruit early to your dogs’ diets will lessen their risk of developing eye problems, such as corneal damage, dry eye, pink eye, eyelid mass, and cataracts.
Prevents Cancer
According to statistics, 6 million dogs are diagnosed with cancer every year, and cancer has become the leading cause of death among canines. Feeding your dogs with Korean pears can help prevent cancer as the fruit contains antioxidants. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins limit the occurrence of free radicals in your dogs’ bodies, thereby preventing the development of cancer cells.
Rich in Vitamin C
Adding Korean pears to your dogs’ diets can significantly increase their vitamin C intake. This vitamin is a must as it helps reduce potentially harmful free radicals in your dogs’ bodies, treat inflammation, and support healthy aging. Vitamin C is also essential in supporting your dogs’ immune systems, increasing their energy levels, and providing relief to the symptoms of UTIs.
Contains Vitamin B1
Korean pears contain vitamin B1 that plays an integral role in your dogs’ organ health and motor functions. This mineral is also responsible for maintaining a healthy brain and boosting the cognitive functions of your four-legged friends. Vitamin B1 also improves the metabolism of your dogs, making it easier for them to lose excess pounds and maintain a healthy weight.
Are There Any Risks in Feeding Dogs With Korean Pears?
Unfortunately, there are. Korean pears can be dangerous to canines when fed in the wrong way. Here’s a list of some health complications your dogs might experience when you feed them Korean pears without any caution.
Choking Hazard
Because of their size, Korean pears can become a choking hazard to dogs. This is especially true when feeding the fruit to puppies or small breed dogs. Aside from the size, the pit of the pears can also become a choking hazard among dogs.
Intestinal Blockage
If your dogs swallow large chunks of pears, the fruit can get stuck and clog their intestines. This can cause unbearable pain and discomfort to your dogs and even become the reason why they’ll become lethargic and lose the appetite to eat.
In worse cases, an intestinal blockage will require surgery. Being in this situation can cause mental and physical stress to your dogs and financial stress to the pet owner.
Cyanide Poisoning
Cyanide poisoning can end a pet’s life within minutes. And because the pit of Korean pears naturally contains cyanide, feeding your dogs with the fruit can put them at risk of poisoning. Cyanide is extremely toxic to dogs because it bonds with the cells and depletes the release of oxygen in their bodies. Over time, this can cause suffocation at a cellular level, resulting in sudden death.
Obesity
Korean pears contain low sugar, but regularly feeding the fruit to your dogs can eventually lead to obesity. Obesity-prone breeds, such as pugs, beagles, golden retrievers, and border terriers, can gain a lot of weight in a short period when fed with too many Korean pears.
How Can You Safely Feed Korean Pears to Your Dogs?
To ensure the safety of your fur babies when feeding them Korean pears, take note of the following tips:
Feed Ripe Pears
Unripe Korean pears are hard, making it difficult for your dogs to chew and digest them. Unripe pears can also become a choking hazard and cause intestinal blockages.
One way to prevent all of these problems is to only feed your dogs with ripe pears. Ripe Korean pears are softer and easier to chew and digest. This will keep your dogs safe from any choking hazards and intestinal blockages.
Slice Pears into Small Pieces
Another way to help your dogs chew and digest Korean pears is to slice the fruit into small pieces. This will make it very easy for you to remove the pit of the pear and assess if the fruit is in good condition. You don’t want to feed your fur babies with Korean pears that contain insects and worms, right?
Feed in Moderation
Korean pears are healthy, but they shouldn’t be fed daily to your dogs. In general, Korean pears should be given as occasional treats, constituting no more than 10% of your dogs’ diets. Feeding your dogs too much Korean pears invites myriads of health issues.
Can Dogs Eat Unpeeled Korean Pears?
Yes, your dogs can eat unpeeled Korean pears. In fact, it’s best if you feed your dogs with unpeeled Korean pears because it contains quercetin, a substance known to reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart diseases. Quercetin also helps maintain a strong immune system and prevents stroke among canines.
Can Dogs Eat Canned Pears?
No, you should never feed your dogs with canned pears. These products are highly processed and stored using excessive amounts of fructose. These can hurt your dogs’ digestive systems, cause diarrhea, and increase their risk of obesity.
How About Salted Pears?
No, salted pears are a no-no for dogs. These products contain too much salt, which can cause salt toxicity and poisoning in dogs. Feeding your dogs with food that has high salt content can trigger several symptoms, such as coma and seizures.
Talk to Your Vet
Korean pears are healthy for your fur babies, but this doesn’t mean that it’s okay to abruptly change their diets and incorporate the fruit. Dogs have naturally sensitive tummies, and feeding them with new food can result in diarrhea and vomiting when not done properly.
If you’re interested in feeding Korean pears to your dogs, ask for pieces of advice from your vet first. Ask what you should and shouldn’t do when feeding Korean pears to your fur babies. With their approval and guidance, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your dogs get to enjoy the health benefits of Korean pears without any side effects!