Lychees are a popular fruit in many parts of the world, but can dogs eat them? The short answer is yes, lychees can be beneficial for your canine companion. However, like any other food, there are some things to keep in mind when feeding your pup lychees. Before we take a look at why and how you should feed your dog this delicious treat, let’s take a look at what is lychee.
What Is Lychee?
Lychee is a type of tropical fruit that originates from China’s southern region and is grown on the evergreen lychee tree, also known as Litchi chinensis. On the other hand, there are a vast variety of cultivars found all over the world, from the Indian subcontinent to Hawaii.
You can peel away the bright red, fibrous, and scaly outer shell of ripe lychee fruits to expose a tender, gently acidic fruit that is surrounded by a single big seed. Lychees are a type of fruit that grows in clusters and each bunch can include anywhere from three to fifty individual fruits.
Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog Lychees
Lychees are packed with vitamins and minerals that can help support overall health in dogs. They contain vitamin C, which helps boost immune systems; iron, which can help prevent anaemia; magnesium, which aids in muscle development; and even fibre, which helps keep digestion regular. Additionally, lychees are low in fat and calories – making them a great snack for overweight or obese pups!
Risks Of Feeding Your Dog Lychee
There are some potential risks associated with feeding lychees to your dog. Firstly, the seeds of the lychee fruit can be toxic if ingested so it’s best to remove them before giving any to your pup. Secondly, too much sugar can be bad for dogs so make sure you limit their intake of lychees as too much could cause digestive problems such as diarrhoea or vomiting.
Last but not least, an unripe lychee fruit has a chemical called methylene cyclopropyl-glycine (MCPG) inside of it. This chemical causes the levels of sugar in your dog’s blood to plummet, which can result in hypoglycemia or, in more severe situations, encephalopathy, which is a kind of brain malfunction. Unripe lychees also have a higher concentration of the stomach-churning and poisonous chemical known as saponin.
It is possible to have major health issues as a result of eating an excessive amount of unripe lychee. Muscle spasms, urine that is black in colour, and profuse drooling are some of the symptoms of lychee poisoning in dogs.
How To Feed Your Dog Lychees
It is important to note that lychees should always be fed in moderation. Too much of this sugary fruit could lead to an upset stomach or even diabetes if consumed too often. When feeding your pup lychees, remove the pit first so that it cannot be swallowed by accident. You can then cut the fruit into smaller pieces – no larger than an inch long – before serving it to your dog. This will prevent choking hazards and make it easier for your pup to digest the treat.
You should also avoid adding sugar or sweeteners like honey or syrup to the lychee as these ingredients are not good for dogs either. It is best to serve the fruited plain so that you know exactly what your pup is eating! Lastly, never give your dog canned lychee fruits as they may contain preservatives or added sugars that can be bad for their health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dogs can eat lychee as long as it is served plain and without pits or skin attached. Remember to feed this treat in moderation and always remove pits beforehand! By following these simple guidelines you can give your canine companion a safe and healthy snack they’ll love!