Can dogs eat longan?
In this brief discussion, we will answer the question “Can dogs eat longan?” We will also talk about the benefits of eating longan and how it should and shouldn’t be fed to a dog.
Can dogs eat longan?
Yes, it is okay for dogs to eat longan but since there is very little research done on the topic there is no definite answer. However, if the intake of longan is moderated then it will not cause any harm. It is best safe that longan is given to dogs very occasionally because there is a grey area.
What is Longan?
Longan is a tropical fruit found in China and mostly in warmer regions of Asia. It has a structure and appearance similar to lychee with a hard shell that covers the white fruit. The flavour of longan is sweet and sugary. At the centre of the fruit is a seed also known as a pit, just like lychee has one.
Can eating longan cause harm to dogs?
As long as dogs are not regularly fed longan, they should be fine. Longan is a fruit that has several contents which can lead to gastrointestinal concerns. So it is best to avoid any possible short-term and long-term health concerns regarding your dog.
Is eating longan good for dogs?
Since there is not enough research available on dogs eating longan, this is uncertain. However, longan is actually low in calories and also provides a good source of vitamin C as well as antioxidants which are generally good for dogs.
However, due to the high sugar content in longan, give the dog a small amount as a treat.
Can dogs eat the longan shells?
No, they cannot. While it is okay for dogs to have longan sparingly, as a treat, make sure your dog does not eat the shells or pits. Eating the shell can be a choking hazard for dogs and if it gets lodged somewhere else inside a dog it can cause serious health issues.
Can dogs eat canned longan?
No, dogs should not be given canned longan. Awareness about the additives and preservatives that are added to dehydrated food on dogs is very important as some of them can be very harmful to dogs.
If you decide to give your dog dehydrated longan, always look out for the ingredients. Make sure to ask yourself, are these ingredients safe for a dog? Humans and dogs react differently to different foods.
Moreover, the syrup in canned longan has a very high amount of sugar content which can cause serious health problems for a dog.
Longan is generally safe for dogs if given as a treat occasionally. However, please refer to a veterinarian if you are unsure about what and how much to feed your dog.
How can I feed Longan to dogs?
There are some important things to keep in mind if you have decided to feed your dog longan:
- Do not let your dog eat the shell. It is a choking hazard to dogs. Dogs can’t chew hard chunks. If a dog swallows a shell, it might lead to the intestinal obstruction which can be fatal to dogs.
- The longan should be ripe as fruits are toxic to dogs and can lead to stomach issues. A bit of fresh longan is okay to eat. Keep an eye out for allergic reactions as there is not enough information about dogs eating longan.
- If you find out that your dog has cracked open the entire longan, consult your vet immediately.
How many longans can dogs have?
Dogs can have about 3 longans twice a week. This is because dogs cannot take a lot of salt or sugar as they have a very small stomach and there would be a lot of sugar content if your dog has more than three longans.
Can diabetic dogs eat longans?
No, dogs that are diabetic are best kept far away from longans. The sugar present in longans can be dangerous for a diabetic dog.
What other risks are there of giving longan to a dog?
There is also a risk of allergic reactions because some dogs are allergic to certain fruits. It would be very helpful to look into how your dog acts and feels after eating longan. Dogs who have kidney problems are also unable to handle certain fruits.
Always start slowly with new foods and offer less amount to your dog. Start observing your dog and if no health issues become apparent after your dog eats longan then there is probably nothing to worry about. However, do watch for allergic reactions as they can start to shower later too.
Moreover, eating longan can also lead to diarrhoea in dogs due to indigestion so start slow and with less quantity and decide what’s best for a dog based on your experience.
Conclusion
We answered the question “Can dogs eat longan?” We also talked about the benefits of eating longan and how it should and shouldn’t be fed to a dog.
