Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

Can Dogs Eat Loquats? Yes, dogs can eat loquats.  However, dogs can only eat the the juicy loquat fruit interior, but they cannot eat the seeds or pit in the middle since it is toxic to dogs in large quantities.  In addition to being toxic, the seeds are approximately 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter so there is a very serious risk of choking or causing gastrointestinal blockage in your dog.  In general, it is not recommended that you let your dog eat loquats whole with the seeds still inside.  However, if you take the seeds and pit out then dogs can eat loquats.

I have done extensive research into this topic since I have a loquat tree in my backyard that probably drops anywhere between 50 to 200 loquats per year that my dog likes to eat off the ground.  Since loquats typically grow high up in the tree, it’s hard for me to pick all of the fruit off the ground.  My dog will run into the backyard and eat all the loquats whole which gives him major diarrhea.

Are Loquats safe for dogs?

The loquat seeds and pit are not safe for dogs because there is a chemical called cyanogenic glycosides found inside of the seeds.  If the seeds are consumed in large quantities and chewed up by your dog then they can become toxic. In addition, since loquat seeds are approximately the size of a quarter, there is a real risk of choking or gastrointestinal blockage if your have a smaller sized dog.  Gastrointestinal blockage causes severe diarrhea and surgery may be required if it completely blocks the digestive tract.

However, dogs can eat the loquat interior which is the soft portion of the fruit.  The ASPCA lists loquats as a safe fruit for dogs to eat.  There isn’t a ton of nutritional benefit for dogs to eat loquats over their dog food, so it should be fed to them in limited quantities.

Nutritional Benefit of Loquats for Dogs:

In moderation, dogs can eat loquats, but I wouldn’t feed my dog more than 1 loquat since they are high in sugar.  The loquat nutritional value is below:

• Calories: Approximately 70
• Carbs: 18 grams (high in carbs)
• Protein: 1 gram (low in protein)
• Fiber: 3 grams
• Vitamin A: 46% Daily Value
• Vitamin B6: 7% Daily Value
• Folate (vitamin B9): 5% Daily Value
• Magnesium: 5% Daily Value
• Potassium: 11% Daily Value
• Manganese: 11% Daily Value

Are loquats good for dogs?

Based on the nutritional information, loquats are relatively low calorie and high anti-oxidant fruits that contain vitamins.  In moderation, you can dog can eat the soft interior of the loquat fruit, but they should not eat the seeds and pit.  In addition, loquats are not a good replacement for dog’s kibble.

Possible Side Effects of Dogs Eating Loquats:

• Upset stomach.  Your dog may experience an upset stomach if they have never eaten a loquat before.
• Gastrointestinal blockage.  Dogs can experience disgestive issues if they eat the seeds of a loquat.
• Vomiting.  Vomiting is a common sign of a dog’s body rejecting the loquat which could be due to a variety of factors.

Conclusion for Can Dogs Eat Loquats?

Loquats are small yellow and orange fruits that are native to China, but are found all over the world.  Each tree can grow up to 25 feet and produce a ton of loquats that may fall on the ground.  It’s common for dogs to try and eat the loquats on the ground since they smell sweet and can easily fit into a dog’s mouth.  Loquats should never be consumed whole by dogs because the seeds are toxic to dogs and may cause gastrointestinal blockage.  However, dogs can eat the interior soft part of the loquat if you take out the seeds and pit.  Loquats should only be eaten in moderation since they are high in sugar.

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