Longan is a tropical tree species that bears edible fruit. Longan belongs to the soapberry family Sapindaceae, to which rambutans and lychees also belong. Once peeled, longans look similar to lychees but are less aromatic in terms of taste than lychees.
Longans are one of those fruits you can share with your dogs. As long as given in moderation and at irregular intervals, your dogs can get these health benefits from the fruit:
Vitamin C
Longans are an excellent source of vitamin C. This vitamin is an essential antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation and cognitive aging among canines. Vitamin C also boosts your dogs’ immune systems, helping their bodies fight bacteria, viruses, and toxins.
Fiber
Logans contain fiber that keeps your dogs’ digestive systems healthy. A fiber-rich diet also helps produce a healthy intestinal pH in your dogs’ guts to prevent the growth of bad bacteria. Fiber also expedites your dogs’ ability to heal from injuries and ensures a healthy bowel movement.
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte that plays an important role in your dogs’ overall health. Potassium ensures that your dogs’ muscles, nerves, and heart function properly and remain healthy as they age. Potassium also helps your fur babies digest and absorb nutrients from foods faster.
Iron
Longan has iron that is necessary for your dogs to perform vital bodily functions, such as carrying oxygen in their bodies, producing energy, and creating red blood cells. Without sufficient iron, your dogs will be at risk of anemia.
How Should You Feed Longans to Your Dogs?
The seeds of longans are poisonous because they contain saponin. This compound is toxic to both humans and canines, so make sure to remove the seeds before feeding longans to your pets. You can also slice longans into small bite-sized pieces to prevent your dogs from choking.
What Should You Do If Your Dogs Eat Longan Seeds?
It’s best to take your dogs to the vet immediately after you notice that they have consumed the fruits. As mentioned, the seeds of longans are toxic to dogs and can cause several symptoms once consumed, namely vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
How Many Longans Should Dogs Eat?
The answer to this question will depend on the size and weight of your dogs. But in general, you should never feed your dogs more than one longan fruit daily. The fruit should be given as occasional treats or snacks and never an alternative to your dogs’ regular meals.
Can Dogs Eat the Shell of Longans?
No, your dogs should never eat the shell of longans because they can become choking hazards and cause intestinal blockages. This will likely happen to puppies and small breed dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Dehydrated and Canned Longans?
No, you shouldn’t feed your dogs with any dehydrated and canned longans. These varieties contain high amounts of additives and preservatives, which aren’t dog-friendly. For example, canned longans use a sugary syrup mixture to extend the shelf life of the product and maintain the sweetness of the fruit.
Feeding too much sugar to your dogs can increase their risk of obesity and diabetes. These health conditions can affect the quality of your dogs’ lives and make them more susceptible to different diseases and illnesses.
Can Diabetic Dogs Eat Longans?
Since longans are high in sugar, ensure that your diabetic dogs don’t consume any. The high sugar content of longans can cause your diabetic dogs’ sugar levels to increase and worsen any existing symptoms.
Can Puppies Eat Longans?
No, longans and puppies don’t sit well together. Your pups’ bodies are still developing and might develop symptoms after eating longans. In general, the age of the dogs determines their ability to digest fruits — the younger they are, the more challenging it is for them to properly digest human foods.
Can Dogs Eat Lychee?
Yes, they can. But similar to longans, make sure to remove the seeds and shell of the lychee before giving the fruit to your fur babies. Never feed your dogs with canned lychee because it contains too much sugar.
Work With Your Vet
Longans provide several health benefits but feeding the fruit to your dogs also comes with several risks. This is the reason why you should only give longans in moderation to your pets.
Aside from following all of the tips presented here, ask for pieces of advice from your local vet. They can guide you on the do’s, and dont’s when feeding your dogs with longans. With their help, your dogs can enjoy the health benefits of the fruit and remain safe!