Can Dog Eat Jackfruit? Is It Safe Or Dangerous?

Jackfruit is a nutritious and delicious product rich in essential nutrients such as vitamin C, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.

When enjoying this tropical fruit, you may be tempted to share it with your pup, but can a dog eat jackfruit?

Let’s find out!

You can moderately share small amounts of raw or cooked jackfruit with your pup.

However, remove the rind as it’s too hard for a dog to digest, leading to gastrointestinal issues.

Additionally, get rid of the seeds as they contain antinutrients like trypsin which inhibit the digestion of proteins, causing a condition called Protein-losing enteropathy (PLE).

If you are wondering whether you can feed your canine friend this delicious fruit, keep reading.

This article sets the record straight regarding feeding your dog jackfruit.

Can Dog Eat Jackfruit

What Is a jackfruit?

Scientifically referred to as Artocarpus heterophyllus, jackfruit is a tree-borne fruit grown in South America, Asia, and Africa.

This exotic fruit belongs to the breadfruit family and is one of the heaviest fruits globally, weighing between 70 and 100 pounds. 

Most people take the jackfruit alone as a snack or add it to sweet foods like cake when ripe.

Unripe jackfruit has a meaty texture and neutral flavor, making it a popular meat substitute that you can add to food dishes, desserts, or curries.

Numerous individuals love this fruit due to its strong fruity aroma that resembles pineapple and banana.

Jackfruit
Edible part of the jackfruit. Original public domain image from Wikimedia Commons

Is Jackfruit Healthy For Dogs?

There are no definitive studies explaining the safety or dangers of jackfruit to dogs.

This is because it’s a relatively new fruit that dog parents are starting to give their dogs.

Nonetheless, scientists argue that the jackfruit is safe as it belongs to the mulberry plant family, and fruits in this group are good and healthy for dogs. 

Health Benefits of Jackfruit to Dogs

Jackfruit is rich in numerous nutrients that are beneficial to your dog’s health in the following ways:

Boost Immunity

Jackfruit is rich in vitamin C, which increases the number of antibodies that fight against toxins and viruses in the body, strengthening your pup’s immunity.

Healthy digestion

According to research, one serving of jackfruit contains 2.5 g of fiber which is 10% of the recommended dietary intake.

The high amount of fiber combined with a high water content (15–18%) promotes healthy digestion and fast absorption of nutrients in dogs.

Improves Fur growth

If you have a dog like a poodle that sheds a lot, making jackfruit part of their regular diet is advisable.

Jackfruit contains Beta-Carotene, an organic element that improves fur growth and reduces shedding in dogs.

Promotes a healthy skin

Studies indicate that the jackfruit is rich in antioxidants which neutralize your pup’s free radicals, leading to healthy and beautiful skin.

This delicious fruit also has flavonoids that fight the free radicals responsible for aging in dogs, helping them live longer.

How To Prepare the Jackfruit Before Feeding It to Your Dog 

Before feeding jackfruit to your furry friend, do the following:

Remove the seeds

Jackfruit seeds are high in phosphorus, thiamine, and magnesium, essential in dogs’ strong bones and teeth formation.

However, they contain cyanide, a toxic compound that causes paralysis, difficulty breathing, convulsions, and even death in dogs.

The seeds are also hard for dogs to digest, leading to stomach upset and constipation.

Remove the Skin 

Remove the peels before feeding jackfruit to your pup; it contains an inedible latex that’s hard to digest, causing intestinal blockage.

Slice Into Small Pieces

Though the jackfruit flesh is soft, it’s advisable to cut it into small pieces before feeding it to your pup.

Serving your dog large jackfruit chunks may cause choking or digestion problems.

Cook

If you choose to feed your pup ripe jackfruit, you don’t need to cook it as it’s soft enough.

Before serving your dog an unripe jackfruit, steam or bake it for about 20 minutes; when cooking, avoid adding oils or seasoning as they may cause stomach upset.

How Do I Feed My Dog Jackfruit?

You can feed your pup jackfruit in three different ways;

  • Cutting the fruit into small pieces and feeding your pup directly 
  • Pureeing the jackfruit flesh and add it to your canine friend’s food
  • Drying the fruit and adding it to your dog’s food.

Can Dogs Take Dried Jackfruit?

You can feed your pup home-made sun-dried jackfruit pieces directly or add them to the food.

Avoid feeding your canine family member jackfruit chips from grocery stores because they contain additional seasonings and flavorings that can cause digestion problems.

Can My Dog Eat All Kinds of Jackfruit?

All jackfruits( yellow, pink, and green) contain high levels of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, and vitamins, making them healthy treats for our canine friends.

Different jackfruits have unique flavors; therefore, your pup may prefer one kind of jackfruit to another. 

To confirm the kind of jackfruit your pup likes, feed them the three types separately and observe their reaction.

If they finish the amount you have served, stick to that type of jackfruit; in case they smell it and leave, try another one.

Can Dogs Have Jackfruit Allergies? 

According to research, jackfruit allergy is rare; only 1% of dogs globally experience it.

If your pup is allergic to jackfruit, you’ll observe the following symptoms on ingestion:

  • Vomiting
  • Nasal congestion
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching on the mouth
  • Stomach ache

How Much Jackfruit Should I Feed My Dog?

When feeding your pup for the first time, start with a very small amount (a teaspoon or less) and monitor the reaction.

If you realize any allergic reactions, contact your vet immediately for guidance. 

In case the pup doesn’t show any negative symptoms within 48 hours after intake, you can add the jackfruit to your pup’s menu.

Half a cup weekly is enough for your dog; exceeding this amount may cause stomach upset.

Conclusion

There you have it!

Everything you need to know regarding your dog eating jackfruit.

Before feeding your pup jackfruit for the first time, consult a veterinarian for guidance on the right portions and the possible side effects.

Additionally, adhere to the above feeding guidelines to prevent abdominal upset or severe allergic reactions.

Can Dog Eat Jackfruit?

Can Dog Eat Jackfruit

You can moderately share small amounts of raw or cooked jackfruit with your pup.
However, remove the rind as it’s too hard for a dog to digest, leading to gastrointestinal issues.

Is Jackfruit Healthy For Dogs?

Jackfruit

There are no definitive studies explaining the safety or dangers of jackfruit to dogs.

Megan Turner

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *