Loquats are native trees of China. The trees bear small, rounded fruits which go by the same name. Loquats are known for their sweet taste. The fruit grows in a cluster and has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years owing to its various health benefits. Loquats not only appeal to humans but dogs too.
Dog owners often give their dogs loquats as a snack. However, as a responsible dog owner, you might wonder, can dogs eat loquats? So, let’s find out!
Can dogs eat loquats?
Yes, dogs can eat loquats, but only the juicy interior part of the fruit. They cannot eat the seeds as these can cause gastrointestinal blockage, or the middle part as this part contains toxins like cyanide.
Also, the seeds of loquat are usually ½ to 1-inch long. Hence, there is a fair chance that the seed might get stuck in the dog’s esophagus (food pipeline) and cause choking.
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) considers loquats as safe food for dogs to eat. However, loquat seeds are not considered safe because of the presence of a toxic chemical known as cyanogenic glycosides.
What are the benefits of loquats?
Loquat has many benefits. Some of them are:
- Prevents constipation
- Boosts immunity
- Aids in weight loss
- Improves skin
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Promotes bone health
- Great for eyesight
- Good for the respiratory system helps ease cough by removing mucus from the air passage
- Helps ease diabetes
Moreover, the inner fleshy part of the fruit is rich in minerals, so it can be beneficial for dogs. Furthermore, loquat is an antioxidant; hence it fights free radicals, which weaken the immune system.
Thus Loquat in small quantities without its seeds in it can be beneficial. Make sure that your dog is not eating the whole fruit.
What can happen if my dog eats loquats?
If the dog has never eaten loquat before, he can have an upset stomach. Ingestion of loquat seeds can result in choking and gastrointestinal blockage. Considering that cyanide is present in loquat, there is a chance that your dog might get cyanide poisoning from eating it.
Cyanide poisoning can begin within 15-20 minutes to a few hours after the ingestion of foods containing cyanide. The following are the primary symptoms of cyanide poisoning;
- Excitement
- Rapid respiratory rate followed by dyspnea
- Increased heart rate
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Watery eyes
- Voiding of urine
- Salivation
- Muscle spasm
- Bluish discoloration of the red mucus membranes otherwise
Are loquat leaves poisonous for dogs?
Loquat leaves are slightly less poisonous than loquat seeds. Small concentrations of cyanogenic glycosides (including amygdalin) are present in the leaves, which can release cyanide and hence cause cyanide poisoning.
Even though poisoning due to ingestion of cyanide leaves is unheard of, it is recommended that you keep your dog away from Loquat leaves. The interior of the fruits, which is used to make jams and jellies, is delicious and is safe for dogs to eat.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can loquats
Are loquats harmful to dogs?
The ASPCA does not consider loquats as toxic. A toxic substance called cyanogenic glycosides are present in loquat seeds, which can lead to release of cyanide. Hence if loquat seeds are chewed and taken in large quantities, then they can be toxic for your dog.
What can happen if loquat seeds are swallowed?
The large brown seeds of loquat should never be swallowed as they can lead to toxicity. Loquat toxicity can be might, but it can lead to anaphylaxis (loss of breathing)
How can you remove loquat seeds?
You can remove loquat seeds by scooping out the white seed coat which surrounds the seeds.
Concluding on whether dogs can eat loquats
Dogs can consume loquats only in small quantities. Ingesting large quantities can result in many detrimental effects, including sudden death. The owner should make sure that their dog is especially far away from its seeds, leaves, and the middle pitted part.
Make sure to never leave your pup alone in a garden full of loquats because those playful creatures literally put everything in their mouths.
