Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? 8 Facts That Will Keep Your Dog Safe
Your Guide To: Can Dogs Eat Rambutan?
Fact checked and reviewed by:
Dr. Joseph Menicucci, DVM, MBA
Dogs are the sweetest and most troublesome beings you can have around. This is because they are quick to explore the environment and feast on anything their mouths discover. Are you a dog owner who is concerned about your dog’s diet? Let’s navigate through the age old question – Can Dogs Eat Rambutan?
Can Dogs Eat Rambutan?
Dogs can feed on the rambutan flesh, but not on the skin. This is also to be done in moderation.
Rambutan is known as a fruit from the rambutan tree native to Southeast Asia, but it is also used as an ingredient in foods like jam. Lychee (which is not recommended) or logan fruits belong to the same family as the rambutan.
The rambutan flesh consists of water, sugar, and fiber, which is suitable and nutritional, while the skin, though not toxic, has a hard texture that makes it uncomfortable for dogs to consume.
Dogs should also stay away from the rambutan seeds. This is because they contain saponin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues.
What Fruits Are Toxic to Dogs?
Not all fruits are suitable for consumption by our dogs as some are very toxic.
Grapes and raisins top the chart for fruits that are toxic to dogs, as even the tiniest amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. The cause of this toxicity hasn’t been recognized; therefore, to avoid any heartbreak, dog owners should keep them out of sight.
Lemons, limes, oranges, and any kind of fruit that contains citrus should also not be served to dogs. The reason for this is because of their acidity, which dogs cannot tolerate, which could lead to severe stomach and gastrointestinal issues.
Another fruit that dogs should avoid is avocado. It contains a substance called persin that is harmful to dogs.
Is Rambutan Poisonous?
Rambutan isn’t poisonous but can cause harm when not taken in moderation.
The flesh is great to ingest because it has a lot of sugar, but be careful to avoid excess sugar. When feeding your dog rambutan, you should remove the seed, as it can cause indigestion and a choking hazard.
It also contains cyanide, which can be fatal for your dog and manifest as diarrhea, suffocation, increased salivation, and, in some situations, death*.
Feeding your dog too much rambutan can also expose it to diabetes and obesity. Your dog can also experience allergies, which include face swelling, itching, rashes, or even ear infections.
Can Dogs Eat Rambutan Skin?
Your dog can eat rambutan skin, but it can be dicey. While rambutan skin isn’t entirely dangerous, it can pose many health risks.
Rambutan skin has many compounds that can cause obstruction and indigestion in your dog. This is because the digestive system of dogs varies from that of humans and can be weaker than that of humans.
Also, dogs stand the risk of ingesting insecticides and chemicals since these things are mostly sprayed on the skin to kill insects and grow the fruits faster. Be sure to wash the skin thoroughly if you ever consider feeding it to your dog.
What Health Benefits Does Rambutan Have?
Rambutan does have several health benefits.
While rambutan can’t contain all the nutrients that your dog gets from its everyday diet, it can serve as a complement to boost these nutrients. Rambutan is rich in fiber and water, which makes the digestive process smoother.
Rambutan is blessed with a mixture of vitamin C and vitamin A, which aid the vision and immune system; vitamin B, which supports enzyme function; potassium, calcium, choline, folate, and phosphorus; and antioxidants, which cure inflammation*.
Small amounts of rambutan also help with constipation and indigestion.
Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? What’s The Best Way To Serve Them?
Feeding rambutan to your dog is one of the most important things because one wrong step can damage everything.
First of all, consider washing the skin of the rambutan thoroughly to get rid of any chemicals that might have been used on it. The next thing you should pay attention to is to completely remove the seeds and get them out of your dog’s sight.
Consider feeding it in tiny bits to your dog to watch out for any negative effects.
Most importantly, you should remember that feeding your dog should be done in moderation to avoid harm.
How Much Rambutan Should I Give My Dog?
As little as possible.
Rambutan should not be served to your dog in large amounts for some reason. We all want energetic and happy dogs, but overfeeding can cause gastrointestinal issues, indigestion, bloating, choking hazards, and blockage of the digestive system.
Too much rambutan can also cause allergies, as some dogs can be susceptible to certain foods or fruits. These allergies can manifest as itching, swelling, bloating, etc.
You should remember that the dietary needs of dogs are specific, depending on their age, size, and medical needs. You should also make your veterinarian your best friend, as they are in the best position to know what’s best for your dog.
Can Puppies Eat Rambutan?
The fleshy part of rambutan isn’t poisonous; dogs are weaker, and their digestive systems cannot take certain fruits. Rambutan has a high concentration of sugar, which can cause high blood levels and intestinal issues for your dog.
Puppies are more sensitive when changes come to their diet, and the best way to introduce this fruit is to do it gradually. Take it one piece at a time.
The seed of rambutan also poses a disadvantage to puppies. The way adult dogs will find it hard to swallow and choke is less compared to what puppies will face.
Looking For Some Healthy, Homemade Dog Food Recipe Inspiration?
So, Can Dogs Eat Rambutan? What’s The Verdict?
Dear dog owners, your dog’s life is of the utmost importance to you. You can’t imagine spending a lot of money on food, hygiene, and medication only to find out that your pet will face death at the hands of a rambutan.
Make sure not to leave Rambutan lying carelessly on the ground. When attempting to feed this fruit to your dog, wash the skin thoroughly, peel off the skin, and cut the flesh into bits.
While making sure your dog is safe, also make sure that it gets all the benefits of this fruit. If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things in canine health.
Can Shih Tzu’s Eat Rambutan?
Yes, Shih Tzu’s can eat rambutan, but, in moderation.
