Dogs get into all sorts of things, including carcasses and trash, so a little loquat might not seem like a big deal. As a responsible pet parent, you may wonder if loquats are safe for dogs. According to the ASPCA, loquats don’t make the list of dangerous foods. However, they are also less common here in the US. Like many uncommon foods, they may not have seen any real testing. Unfortunately, the seeds inside loquats contain some chemicals that are toxic for dogs. A little bit of ‘just the fruit’ may be alright, but too much could be a serious problem. Luckily, there are plenty of pup-safe fruits like pumpkin that your canine best friend can enjoy. In general, it’s best to stick to vet-approved snacks. I will help you sort out the loquat situation and share some other toxic fruits your dog should never eat.
Are loquats safe for dogs? Loquats are not officially considered unsafe for dogs, but they may be toxic in large quantities. The seeds of the loquat contain cyanogenic glycosides, which break down into hydrogen cyanide when chewed. If your dog ate a loquat, it’s probably alright, but if they had several, you should see a vet or animal emergency hospital right away.
Is Loquat Poisonous
Even though it’s not really safe for dogs to eat, the loquat isn’t classified as poisonous. Humans who eat a large amount of loquat may notice a sedative effect. However, the flesh and skin are considered okay for both humans and dogs.
The trouble with loquats is in the seeds, younger leaves, and pips. This part of the fruit contains cyanogenic glycosides such as amygdalin. When chewed and ingested, this releases cyanide.
When choosing safe plants and especially fruits for your dog, it is never okay to guess. Critically, you need to ask a vet or even visit the ASPCA’s petcare website for information on any new food for your dog.
It’s also important to avoid giving your dog sugar. Some people do this, but it can lead to tooth decay and even diabetes in your pet. Safer options include strawberries, blueberries, pumpkin, banana, and apple flesh (but never the seeds). Dogs can also enjoy oats and peanut butter in their treats for some natural, nondamaging sweetness.
In nature, dogs have ironclad stomachs that can handle some nasty things. Regrettably, that doesn’t make them immune to accidental poisoning from unsafe foods. As good as their noses are, dogs can’t always tell what’s safe. Your pet needs you to protect them and keep them safe from food-based harm.
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What Parts Of The Loquat Fruit That Is Bad For Dogs
The flesh of loquat is likely safe for dogs. What you need to worry about most are the seeds. That said, it’s better to avoid giving them any of the flesh as it will make them more likely to try to eat whole fruits in the future.
Your dog will follow their nose. If you acclimate them to eating loquats, they won’t know the difference between the entire fruit on a plant and a small, safer piece you hand them as a treat. Furthermore, the leaves of this plant contain cyanogenic glycosides, which will release cyanide if chewed.
Even the smartest dogs are subject to their instincts and natural drives. A hungry dog will eat something that seems like food. Rather than creating an expectation that they can eat loquat, prevent the risk of the seeds by keeping them full and far away from these semi-dangerous fruits.
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What Other Fruits Are Toxic To Dogs
Like the loquat, many fruits are unsafe for your dog to eat. Some are all-around bad, but others are more a seed issue. Below is a brief list of fruits your dog should never eat. However, if you’re not a hundred percent sure it is safe, keep it away from your dog’s mouth.
- Apple- While the fruit of an apple isn’t a concern, the seeds inside an apple contain cyanide, which will certainly make dogs sick and can kill them in large enough quantities.
- Avocado- The persin inside avocados can make your dog vomit or have diarrhea. Not only is it messy for you, but it’s also uncomfortable for your pet. Extreme diarrhea or vomiting can cause additional issues, such as damage to the throat from stomach acid. Dehydration is also a serious concern.
- Grapes/Raisins- Whether you like wine or enjoy a fresh cool bunch of grapes for a snack, do not give any form of grapes to your dog. This particular fruit can cause liver and kidney failure in your pet.
- Peach- The pits of peaches have cyanide in them. Broken pieces and whole pits can scratch your dogs’ insides, causing damage and bleeding as well.
- Persimmon- Persimmon pits can cause serious intestinal distress for your best friend. Keep them away from these fruits.
- Plum- Like a peach, your dog can have internal damage after eating these cyanide-packed pits even if they don’t get poisoned.
- Rhubarb- Oxalates in rhubarb cause bloody urine, diarrhea, drooling, lethargy, tremors, vomiting, and weakness.
- Tomato- Both the leaves and unripe fruit of this plant are a problem for doggy digestion. The leaves, in particular, contain oxalates like rhubarb.
Additionally, it is best to avoid feeding your dog any stems, seeds, pips, or other hard and crunchy parts of plants. These can damage the intestinal tract even if they aren’t poisonous on their own. Instead, offer your pet sugar-free fruit-based treats such as blueberry and pumpkin snacks.
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How To Keep Dogs From Eating Loquat Fruit
Since loquat fruit isn’t completely safe for dogs to eat, keeping them away from it will certainly help. Some dogs will stop chewing and eating when they are full, so feeding before they go out works. However, that’s not a foolproof method.
A well-trained dog will usually listen if you tell them no. However, with potential toxins, it’s always better to be sure. After all, no one wants a sick pet.
You could keep them far away from loquats or opt for leash-only time if you’re near loquat plants. That is also an imperfect method. Especially if you grow loquat in your yard, there are better ways to handle the situation.
Fencing is an obvious choice if you cannot relocate the loquats to somewhere out of reach. Make sure you use a fence your dog cannot climb or jump over. Place it far enough from the plant that fruit won’t hang within reach.
The other option is to use chemical deterrents. There are many options for sprays and powders that make a scent that dogs despise. You’ll need to reapply regularly to keep the barrier.
Make sure you offer your pup lots of reward-treats for staying away from dangerous foods and for listening. No single method is ever perfect protection, but a dog who has healthy snacks and treats available is always less likely to eat random fruit. Whether you’re puppy training or working with a well-behaved older pet, feed them dog-safe fruity treats.
Please keep your dog away from the loquats by giving them plenty of healthy Fruitables Pumpkin Baked Crunchy Dog Treats from Amazon. These vegetarian snacks have apples, bananas, sweet potato, blueberry, and cranberries to satisfy your fruit-loving pet. Best of all, these calorie-smart snacks are made in the USA. To get yours delivered fast, click here.
Final Thoughts
When in doubt, never feed your dog a new human-safe food. Loquats, like many uncommon fruits, contain seeds that could put your canine companion in peril. Sharing your snacks can be a fantastic bonding experience, as long as you eat first, and you always check to see if your pooch can safely consume your food.
Some human treats like sugar don’t pose an immediate risk. However, in the long run, they can damage your dog’s health. Diabetes will significantly impact your best friend’s quality of life. Other treats like chocolate may kill one dog and leave another untouched. It’s never worth the risk.
When you grow loquats in your garden, ensure that you keep your pets away from them for safety’s sake. Keeping an eye on feisty dogs can be a chore, but don’t let them free-roam in an unsecured garden if you want them to have a long and healthy life.