Can dogs eat mamey sapote? Maybe you’ve enjoyed a fresh and ripe mamey sapote and wondered if it might make for a delightful dog treat. But is this fruit safe for our dogs to consume? Can it be a nutritional addition to their diet?
The short answer is yes, mamey sapote is safe for dogs to eat with proper preparation. Tropical fruits always pose a significant question mark here in the states, with little research available and misinformation aplenty.
Mamey sapote is often confused with mamey, a coconut-like fruit that is toxic for dogs. Make sure you aren’t serving your dog the wrong fruit.
Also, as always, you must run all dietary additions by your veterinarian. Here’s what you should know about why mamey sapote is okay for dogs to eat.
How Is Mamey Sapote Good For Dogs?
With mamey sapote, it’s all about the ripened pulp. Rich in dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, and anti-inflammatory properties, the pulp makes for a sweet and nutritious snack for humans and dogs alike. Dogs do produce vitamin C naturally, however. Lucky pups!
Of these benefits, it’s the dietary fiber that proves most useful for our dogs. It aids in their digestive process, but only when consumed in moderation. Too much fiber can bring about upset tummies. Having balanced gut health is just as important for canines as it is for humans.
Aside from the nutritional value, dogs love a sweet treat, especially one with a satisfying texture. Mamey sapote has a melon-like texture that your dog will love sinking their teeth into.
But, as always, sweet treats should only be offered in moderate amounts.
How Can I Safely Give Mamey Sapote To My Dog?
It’s essential that mamey sapote be properly prepared before serving. You’ll need to remove the parts of the fruit which contain toxic properties, plus ensure the sapote is ripe.
As is the case with many fruits, the seeds (large and small), leaves, and stems of the mamey sapote have toxic saponins. With some fruits, such as the dragon fruit, you don’t have to worry about the seeds, but most are problematic and even contain toxic cyanide.
If you want to offer mamey sapote to your dog, give it a squeeze to ensure it is ripe. Then, simply peel the skin, remove all seeds, and cut the fleshy pulp into small chunks.
At first, you’ll want to offer just a few bits. See how your pup likes it, and how they react in the hours following. Keep an eye out for any lethargy, diarrhea, or hives on the inside of their mouth. You always want to check for an allergic reaction before committing to a new food.
Once your pup has given you the all-clear, feel free to give them a few chunks, a few times per week. Moderation with sweet foods is still important for dietary balance.
Is mamey sapote something you enjoy with your dog? Have they ever had any negative reaction to the fruit? Let us know in the comments below.
