Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? Can Dogs Have Tamarind?

Pet parents with picky eaters are often at wit’s end on what to include in their dog’s diet. Most pet owners resort to offering fruits as a topping or a reward to their beloved furry companions for a rewarding, hassle-free feeding time. In most cases, such an approach delivers exceptional results.

But you’ll need to tread carefully since fruits are not created equal—some of your favorite treats may not be healthy for your pooch. So, where does tamarinds, a tropical fruit renowned for its sweet and sour taste profile, fall on the safe dog food scale? Read on to find out.

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind?

Dogs can eat tamarinds in small amounts, but it’s not recommended. Tamarinds contain a high concentration of tartaric acid. ¹ Tartaric acid is a known toxin that causes kidney damage in dogs and can often prove fatal. It’s the compound that makes grapes and raisins toxic for dogs. ²

Compared to grapes and raisins, tamarinds have a surprisingly high tartaric acid content. Depending on the variety, tartaric acid in tamarinds ranges from 8% to 18%. The acid levels in grapes range from 0.35% to 1.1%. ¹

Since the amount that may cause toxicity in dogs is unclear, you’re better off not taking chances. Typically, it doesn’t take too many tamarinds to endanger your dog’s health. A documented medical study found consuming tamarinds and cream of tartar was potentially fatal for dogs. ³ The study found that ingesting 6 to 7 tamarind pods can have life-altering health consequences for dogs. Four of the dogs in the study became critically ill and had to be put down.

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Candy

Dogs shouldn’t eat tamarind candy. The confectionery comprises a tamarind fruit layered with sugar and chili powder ⁵ —none of these ingredients is good for your pup. For starters, there is the apparent danger of tamarind. Secondly, sugar is not healthy for dogs as it may lead to gastrointestinal upsets. Lastly, there’s the chili powder, laden with capsaicin, the ingredient that gives pepper its fiery kick. Capsaicin is a no-go for dogs as it may subject them to severe pain or trigger allergies and sensitivities.

Is Tamarind Good For Dogs

Tamarinds aren’t good for dogs because, like raisins and grapes, they contain tartaric acid. Tamarinds are incredibly high in tartaric acid. ¹ Depending on the variety, the tartaric acid content in tamarinds can be as high as 18%, which is dangerously high for dogs. In comparison, grapes, which are toxic for dogs have less than 2% of this acid.

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Seeds

Dogs shouldn’t eat tamarind seeds because they compound the dangers the fruit poses. The seeds have a hard, dry shell that’s difficult to digest. Consuming the seed in their shell can lead to intestinal blockage. Due to the hard shell and small size, tamarind shells also pose a choking hazard for your dog. Ideally, you should avoid giving shelled or unshelled tamarind seeds to your pooch as a precautionary measure.

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind Ice Cream

Dogs shouldn’t eat tamarind ice cream or any ice cream whatsoever. ⁵ Ice cream isn’t a dog-safe treat because it contains many unhealthy ingredients. It’s high in sugar, artificial sweeteners, dairy products, and other additives. Most dogs have trouble digesting lactose, the milk sugar, which often leads to digestive distress, including diarrhea and stomach discomfort. ⁷ The high-fat content of ice cream can potentially lead to pancreatitis. Tamarind ice cream can pose an additional health risk for your pooch because of its high tartaric acid content.

Why Dogs Can’t Eat Tamarind

Dogs can’t eat tamarinds because they contain tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate, which are toxic to dogs. ¹ Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that makes grapes and raisins toxic to dogs. Tamarind, especially the pulp, is harmful to dogs due to its high tartaric acid concentration.

If your pooch overindulges in tamarinds, they may develop signs of tamarind poisoning. ¹ These symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, excessive thirst, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Your dog will likely show a marked decrease in urine production within 24 to 72 hours after consuming tamarinds. In severe cases, dogs completely lack urine, which is a sign of oliguric renal failure. ¹

Some people advocate feeding tamarinds to dogs because they’re nutritious. ⁷ These fruits contain vitamins, dietary fibers, antioxidants, and essential minerals. While these nutrients benefit your dog’s health, they’re hardly unique to the tamarind fruit. The health downside of feeding your dog tamarinds is too high. The tartaric acid may irreversibly damage your dog’s kidney, lowering your dog’s quality of life while racking a tab at the vet’s office.

What Do I do if my Dog Eats Tamarind?

Dogs may potentially eat tamarinds in small amounts without adverse effects on their health. However, dogs also have different levels of sensitivities, while some may be allergic to the tamarind fruit.

Your course of action depends on the number of tamarinds your dog eats. If your pooch eats one or two pods, they will likely be okay. But keep a keen eye on them and watch for signs of distress. The initial signs include vomiting and diarrhea. Call the vet for advice if you notice these symptoms.

However, you should take your pooch to the vet immediately if they eat many tamarind pods. Early intervention can save your dog’s health because it prevents the absorption of tartaric acid in the kidneys. ¹ That helps mitigate the symptoms, lowering the risk of kidney damage. Severe kidney damage sets in within hours and is irreversible. The condition may require lifelong management or drastically reduce your dog’s lifespan.

Research shows that overindulging in tamarinds and cream of tartar can be fatal to dogs—4 out of 6 dogs in the study had to be put down. ³ Taking quick action can help minimize the risk and save your pup’s life after consuming many tamarinds.

What Can I Feed My Dog instead of Tamarind?

Tamarinds are rich in beneficial vitamins, flavonoids, essential minerals, and carotenes. However, they also carry an unacceptable downside for dogs—they can lead to liver damage. Luckily, other safe and healthier alternatives ⁸ can keep your dog healthy without endangering its health, including:

• Apple
• Bananas
• Green bean
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Oranges
• Peaches
• mangos

Are There Any Safe Tamarind for Dogs?

Some dogs can eat tamarinds in small amounts, but it’s not a recommended dog treat. While these fruits are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and essential minerals—they are known to be toxic to dogs. Moderation is vital when you wish to safely feed tamarinds to your dog. An occasional tamarind is unlikely to harm your pooch—unless they have unknown sensitivities and allergies. Ideally, it’s best not to take a chance since a mishap can permanently alter your dog’s life forever.

So, Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? What’s The Verdict?

Dogs shouldn’t eat tamarinds since they pose a significant health risk. The fruits have an exceptionally high tartaric acid content—an organic acid that causes kidney failure in dogs. It only takes 6 to 7 tamarind pods to send your dog to the ER, so adding them to your dog’s menu amounts to playing Russian roulette with your dog’s health and wellbeing. One slight misstep can drastically alter your dog’s health and burden you with ongoing medical bills. While tamarinds may potentially have some health benefits for dogs, the risk of kidney damage is too much of a gamble. As such, you’re better off striking tamarinds off your dog-safe list.

Source

1. https://www.kingsdale.com/the-dangers-of-tamarinds-for-dogs-what-you-need-to-know
2. https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/toxic-component-grapes-and-raisins-identified
3. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/journal-review/journal-review-wegenast-ca-et-al-acute-kidney-injury-in-dogs-following-ingestion-of-cream-of-tartar-and-tamarinds-and-the-connection-to-tartaric-acid-as-the-proposed-toxic-principle-in-grapes-and-r/
4. https://thetakeout.com/what-is-tamarind-candy-a-sweet-spicy-tangy-history-1849175454
5. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-ice-cream
6. https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/can-dogs-drink-milk
7. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-tamarind
8. https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/what-are-safe-fruits-for-dogs-to-eat

If you’re looking for more nutritional advice for your pet, The American Canine Club is a great starting point for all things canine health.

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