Can Dogs Eat Durian? Vet-Approved Benefits & Risks

Throughout Southeast Asia, durian is known as the king of fruits. It’s a large, intense fruit with a thick outer husk covered in sharp, pointy spikes. And if that is not enough to pique your interest, maybe its smell will.

It has a smell so putrid that it has been banned from hotels and public transportation around the globe! Yet despite its foul smelling odor, it has a sweet, custardy taste that’s highly enjoyable for many foodies, but is it safe for dogs? Yes, durian fruit can be given as an occasional treat. Find out more below!

But Is It Safe For Your Dog? Absolutely!

However, that doesn’t mean you should feed your dog a durian-rich diet. And there are a couple of things you should avoid when giving it to your beloved pooch. That said, there are a few health boosts that they’ll receive from consuming durian.

Let's take a closer look at some of the benefits and things you should avoid when giving durian to your dogs.

Benefits of Giving Your Dog Durian Fruit

Aside from being culinarily adventurous, durian fruit is packed to the brim with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folic acid, riboflavin, thiamin, niacin, vitamin A, potassium, iron, calcium, and much more! It’s considered by many to be a superfruit due to its high level of nutrition.

It’s similar to avocado in that it’s full of healthy fats. Dogs need healthy fats to help them get through long working or playing sessions. Durian also has a great deal of fiber that breaks down to contribute to overall positive gut health. The fruit’s flesh contains antioxidants too, which are compounds that neutralize free radicals within your pup's body and can have great benefits.

What to Avoid When Feeding Your Dog Durian Fruit

Just because durian fruit can be a powerful occasional treat for your dog, that doesn’t mean you can just go tossing it to them whenever the mood strikes. There are a few things you should avoid when feeding your dog durian.

Seeds

First, the seeds can be dangerous if consumed in mass quantities. They aren’t easily digestible, and if your dog consumes several, they may cause upset or even blockage of your pup’s GI tract. This can lead to serious consequences, and your pooch may end up in surgery for foreign body removal.

Rind

Another part of the fruit you should avoid giving your dog is the rind. While the rind doesn’t contain any toxic compounds, it is very tough to chew. Not only is it thick like leather, but it’s also covered in sharp pointed spikes that can cause serious damage to your pup.

Overconsumption

Like with any food not specifically designed for dogs, you need to practice moderation when feeding durian to your pets. You can offer a bit of durian as an occasional treat, but feeding too much may cause gastrointestinal upset. It should also never substitute any of their complete and balanced meals.

Should I Feed My Dog Durian?

Whether or not you feed your pup durian is entirely up to you. If you can stomach the stench and enjoy the flavor, it is a great thing to keep around. And it won’t harm your pup at all if you feed them a piece on occasion.

However, you need to be careful to keep the seeds away from them along with the rind. The seeds can cause internal damage when swallowed, and the rind will give them a sharp surprise if mishandled.

See also:

• Can Dogs Eat Bologna? Is Bologna Safe for Dogs?

• Can Dogs Eat Shellfish? Is Shellfish Safe for Dogs?

• Can Dogs Eat Swiss Chard? Vet Approved Facts & Tips