Can Dogs Eat Pears? Get to the Core of This Classic Fruit

Whether they’re raw, stewed, or brewed into cider, pears are one of the world’s most beloved fruits. It’s only natural to want to share the things we love with our furry companions. But can dogs have pears? Fortunately for your pooch, pears are one of the fruits and vegetables that are completely dog-safe!

Are Pears Good for Dogs?

Thinking of adding pear to your dog’s diet? First, be sure to talk to your vet. While pears are safe for dogs to eat, introducing your dog to new foods always comes with risk. Your vet may be able to give you feeding safety tips and could help determine if your dog has any potential allergies.

Once your vet has signed off, you can feel good about adding pears into the treat rotation. That’s because, in moderation, this fruit is a healthy snack. Pears are packed with fiber (good for digestive health) as well as vitamins A and C.³

Just remember, moderation is key. Pears are also high in sugar, which could upset your dog’s stomach and lead to obesity over time. Veterinarians recommend a daily treat intake no higher than 10% of your dog’s total daily food intake.

Can dogs eat Asian pears?

The flesh of all pear cultivars is dog-safe and dog-approved. There are, however, some differences to be aware of.

Asians pears, as well as the d'Anjou pear, have much firmer flesh than a Bartlett or Comice (also known as Christmas pears). They remain hard even when ripe. Because of this, Asian pears could pose a higher choking risk. Be sure to cut up all pears into small pieces before giving them to your pup.     

Can dogs eat canned pears?

As a rule, canned fruits do not make good treats for dogs. Canned pears have higher concentrations of sugar, as well as preservatives and other artificial additives. Stick to fresh, ripe pears.

How To Give Your Dog Pears

Fresh, diced pear is the best way to give your dog this sweet treat. Start slow with just one or two small pieces, then monitor their reaction. If your dog displays signs of an upset stomach (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.) don’t give them any more pear. Contact your vet to find out if your dog requires an examination.

Because pears have thin skin, you don’t need to peel them. Just make sure to remove the stem and keep the core away from your dog. Not only is the core dense and tough to chew, but it also contains the seeds, which have small amounts of cyanide. It would take a lot of pear seeds to make your dog ill, but the threshold is lower with smaller breeds. Your dog could also choke on the seeds, so it’s best to avoid them altogether.   

Be Ready for When Things Go Pear-Shaped

Pears are a safe, nutritious, and delicious treat that you can enjoy with your dog. If you’ve taken all the precautions — spoken to your vet and properly prepared the fruit — you should have little to worry about. However, life with our pets is always unpredictable. On the off-chance that something does go wrong, you’ll want to get your pooch the care they need. A dog insurance policy from MetLife¹ can help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills, giving you one less thing to worry about.²