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If your dog is like most, they love to eat. They gobble up their food at every mealtime, go after scraps that fall off the table or counter, and investigate anything that they come across outdoors to see if it is edible. So, you are likely careful to keep an eye on what your dog puts in their mouth. You might also wonder whether the things that they want to eat are even safe for them.
A rambutan is one such food that many owners are curious about. Can dogs safely eat this exotic, tasty food? The short answer is yes, but you should only attempt to feed it to them with caution. Read on to learn more about rambutans and whether canines should eat them.
What Exactly Are Rambutans and Are They Healthy for Dogs?
Native to tropical locations like parts of Asia, this sweet fruit grows on trees that can be 80 feet in height when fully grown. Each fruit is about the size of a golf ball and has little hairy spines all over that change color from red or orange to black when ripe. The fruit flesh is sweet with a light floral note. Some people compare the flavor to that of “Juicy Fruit” gum.
Rambutans do not provide any nutrients that your dog can’t get from a well-balanced diet, but they can help enhance the nutrition profile of a regular diet. They are rich in fiber and water, which help keep the digestive system in good health. They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help keep the body healthy as a whole.
How Many Rambutans Can Dogs Eat?
Rambutans should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet; instead, they should only be fed as occasional treats. Offering your dog one or two rambutans at snack time once a week or so is sufficient. Keep in mind that while this fruit has good nutrients, it is also full of sugar, which dogs shouldn’t have too much of because it could cause problems like blood glucose spikes, which may lead to diabetes and weight gain.
Is a Rambutan’s Skin or Seed Safe for Dogs?
The thick skin and interior seed of a rambutan can be a choking hazard and cause an intestinal blockage if ingested. There is evidence that the skin can be toxic and cause problems too, though your dog would need to eat a large amount of rambutan skin to result in toxicity issues. Still, it is important to make sure your dog doesn’t eat a whole rambutan. If they do eat some of the skin or a seed, there is no need to panic. Just keep an eye out for signs of stomach problems and other types of distress. If you get concerned, call your veterinarian.
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How Should Rambutans Be Prepared for Dogs?
Before feeding your dog a rambutan, peel off all the skin and spines of the flesh, then use your fingers or a spoon to break open the flesh and expose the seed. Then, dispose of the seed before offering any of the flesh to your dog.
Here are a few ways that you can feed rambutan flesh to your dog:
- As it is
- Added to their bowl as part of a meal
- Broken into pieces and used as treats during training sessions
- Added to homemade dog cookies
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Final Thoughts
Rambutans are fun fruits to eat and have great health benefits for people. They aren’t bad additions to a canine diet either. The peel and seeds must be removed from the fruit’s flesh before being given to your dog, but the removal process takes less than a minute to complete. Keep in mind that rambutans are full of sugar, so your pup shouldn’t eat too many in one sitting.
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