Papayas are not bad for dogs. You can feed your husky chopped-up papaya flesh. This is unless your dog is diabetic – then you should not give them papaya at all. But just because papaya is not all bad for dogs, that does not necessarily mean that you should be letting them have it all the time. When we say this, we are talking about the flesh of the fruit only.
DO NOT give your dog the seeds of the papaya. This is because 1) they are a choking hazard, and 2) the seeds contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic.
Is Papaya Good For Dogs?
Papaya and dogs are an ok mix. We say ok because they can eat the flesh in small quantities with no ill effects. But too much of the flesh could cause your dog’s stomach upsets and diarrhea due to the large fiber and sugar content. So make papaya an occasional thing for your dog only.
Papaya does contain enzymes that aid digestive health, so there’s that. Plus they also contain some important vitamins and minerals, like potassium, folate, calcium which keeps hearts and immune systems healthy, and Vitamins A, C, E, and K.
So like many things in life, you could consider dogs and papayas as a ‘good news, bad news’ story.
Papaya And Dogs
Dogs are omnivores, which means that their digestive systems have evolved to a point that they need not only meat but also plant matter in their diet. This means that they can eat some fruits, like papaya, some vegetables, and some grains. Many people think that like their ancestors the wolf, that dogs are carnivores and eat only meat. This is simply not true.
If Papaya Is Not Good For Dogs, What Other ‘Human’ Food Is Good For Them?
Just because you can’t feed your dog lots of sugary fruit, it does not mean that there aren’t any human foods that have some real health benefits for your dog. Here is a quick run-down of the main foods that you can give your dog without a worry:
Chicken
Chicken is a fantastic source of protein that is low in fat. Baked is a good option; avoid giving your dog fatty fried chicken. Remove the skin to keep it low-fat.
Turkey
Turkey, like chicken, is low in fat and high in protein. Once again, cook the meat so that there is no oil. Turkey is known to be dry meat, but this is unlikely to bother your dog!
Lean Pork
Yep, you guessed it, low fat and high protein. Once again, keep cooking fats to a minimum.
Beef
Just make sure it’s lean beef. Lean minced beef that has been fried is a dish that most dogs adore.
Salmon
The Omega-3 fatty acids in this fish is good brain food! Many commercial dog kibbles that are good for skin and stomach sensitivities have this fish as an ingredient.
Sardines
This oily fish has lots of health benefits, including calcium for strong bones. Just make sure that you drain all of the oil off, or buy tinned sardines that are packed in spring water.
Cooked Eggs
Another good protein source, and essential fatty acids. You can feed eggs to your dog raw or cooked.
Yogurt
A source of dairy for strong bones, but do not overfeed this food as it can upset a dog’s tummy due to the lactose which dogs find hard to digest.
Banana
Only feed in small amounts due to the sugar. Bananas are a good source of potassium.
Blueberries
These are packed full of antioxidants and are the perfect size for training treats.
Apples
Many dogs enjoy the crisp fresh crunchiness of an apple.
Watermelon
This fruit is a great source of water on a hot day, especially frozen. Just make sure you remove all the seeds.
Carrots
Another good source of vitamins, just make sure it is cooked.
Green Beans
Chopped and steamed, vets agree that this makes for a good treat for dogs, and some dogs like them!
Green Peas
Rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Just make sure they are fresh or frozen and not out of the can, because these canned varieties have too much sodium.
Grains
Some grains are also a good choice for dogs, such as brown rice and oatmeal.
Pumpkin
This sweet vegetable is a good source of beta-carotene and Vitamin A. Just ensure it is properly cooked so that it is soft, and do not feed the skin or the seeds of pumpkin to your dog.
Now Speaking Of Pumpkin and Oatmeal…Pumpkin Oatmeal Dog Treat Recipe Coming Up…
Here is a winning recipe for oatmeal pumpkin dog treats that you can bake and store so that your dog never has to feel left out at snack time again!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups old-fashioned oats (not instant oats)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (or 176 C.)
- Put oats in the food processor.
- Process until there is a flour-like consistency.
- Add the pureed pumpkin and the eggs, mix it all up until it’s blended.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop out some dough then drop it onto a baking tray lined with baking paper.
- Squash each cookie with a fork that has been dipped in flour.
- Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, rotate, then bake for a further 8 to 9 minutes.
- Let them cool completely before letting your dog have their tasty treats!
Conclusion: Is Papaya Good For Dogs?
The takeaway message on papaya for dogs is:
- A small amount of the flesh is ok, but do not feed them too much due to the high fiber content and the sugar in it, which can lead to tummy upsets.
- Do not feed papaya to a dog that is diabetic.
- Do not feed them the skin and NEVER give them the seeds of the papaya as they are TOXIC.
- There are better ‘human’ foods that dogs, which are omnivores, can enjoy – these foods include: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, certain types of vegetables, and a few grains.
Read more about: Can Dogs Eat Frogs?