Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Pears? Yes, Without the Core or Seeds
Yes, dogs can eat pears, as long as you remove the core and seeds first. Fresh pear flesh is not toxic, and a few slices make a sweet, crunchy treat with some fiber and vitamin C. The seeds contain traces of compounds that release cyanide, and the core is a choking hazard, so slicing matters. Canned pears in syrup carry too much sugar to be a good option.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why pear flesh is safe
A ripe pear is mostly water, natural sugar and fiber, with a little vitamin C and vitamin A. The AKC lists pears as safe for dogs in moderation, and nothing in the flesh or the thin skin is poisonous.
The reasons to hold back are ordinary ones. Pears are high in fiber and sugar relative to a dog's usual food, so a whole pear can cause loose stool, especially in small dogs. A few slices is the sensible serving.
The seeds and core: what to know
Pear seeds contain amygdalin, which can release cyanide when crushed and digested. A dog would have to chew a large number of seeds to be poisoned, so one swallowed pip is not an emergency. Still, there is no reason to feed them, and the AKC advises keeping seeds away from dogs.
The core itself is the more immediate risk. It is tough, holds the seeds and can lodge in the throat of a dog that gulps. Never toss a dog a pear core from the fruit bowl. Cut the fruit into slices and discard the center.
How to prepare pears for your dog
Wash the pear, cut it into quarters from top to bottom, and slice out the core, stem and every seed. Leave the skin on if you like; it is thin and digestible. Then cut the quarters into pieces the right size for your dog, blueberry-size for a 10 lb dog and inch-wide chunks for a big breed.
Ripe but firm pears are easiest to handle. Very soft, overripe pears can be mashed onto a lick mat. Avoid pears canned in syrup and pear desserts, which are heavy on sugar and may contain spices or sweeteners you would not want your dog to have.
For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.
How much pear by dog weight
Treats should make up about 10 percent of a dog's daily food. A medium pear has roughly 100 calories, so a whole one is a lot for most dogs. As a rough guide: under 20 lb, one thin slice; 20 to 50 lb, two or three slices; over 50 lb, up to a quarter of a pear.
Pears work best as an occasional treat a few times a week. Introduce them slowly and watch the stool the next day. Dogs with diabetes or a weight problem should have sweet fruit only if the vet who manages their care agrees.
Can puppies have pears?
A weaned puppy can try a very small piece of peeled, cored pear. Puppies chew less carefully than adults and their stomachs upset more easily, so a small, soft piece is the place to start. Offer it on its own, on a day when nothing else in the bowl is new, so you can tell what caused any upset.
Keep fruit a minor part of a puppy's day. Their growth depends on a complete puppy food, and filling up on extras can mean they eat less of what they actually need.
Signs pear disagreed with your dog
The most common reaction is soft stool or a bit of gas within a day, usually because the dog ate more than its gut is used to. That normally resolves on its own if you stop the fruit for a few days.
Call a vet the same day if your dog swallowed a whole core and then gags, vomits repeatedly, stops eating or strains to pass stool. If a dog has chewed through a large number of seeds and shows bright red gums, labored breathing or dilated pupils, treat it as an emergency and call your vet, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.
Common questions
Can dogs eat pear skin?
Yes. Pear skin is thin and digestible, and it carries some of the fruit's fiber. Wash the fruit first. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, peeling the pear can make it a little easier to digest.
Can dogs eat canned pears?
They are a poor choice. Pears canned in syrup carry a lot of added sugar, and even juice-packed fruit is sweeter than fresh. Fresh, ripe pear slices are the better option for your dog.
Are pear seeds poisonous to dogs?
They contain traces of amygdalin, which can release cyanide. A dog would need to chew many seeds to be harmed, so one or two swallowed seeds is rarely an emergency. Remove them anyway when you slice the fruit.
Can dogs eat Asian pears?
Yes, Asian pears follow the same rules as other pears. Cut out the core and seeds, slice the crisp flesh into small pieces and keep the serving small. Their firm texture makes them easy to portion.
Can dogs eat dried pears?
Dried pear concentrates the sugar into a small, chewy piece, and many brands add more. A small piece of unsweetened dried pear is unlikely to harm a healthy dog, but fresh slices are the better treat.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
