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Can Dogs Eat Lychee?

can dogs eat lychee

Lychee is one of the juiciest fruits every one of us likes, and thankfully, it is safe for dogs too. Some people are curious whether they can feed Lychee to their dogs or not. Well, the answer is “yes”. In moderation, Lychee can be a treat for your furry friend. However, you should be aware of the quantity and other pertinent information.

In this article, we are sharing all the related questions that might hit you, like us, while thinking of feeding your pup with lychees. Let’s get started!

Can dogs eat Lychee?

Indeed, Dogs can eat Lychee in moderation only. Be sure to remove the outer coat (peel) and seeds of the lychee fruit before feeding it to your dog. Well, a moderate amount is suggested because it is high in sugar and regular consumption makes your dog diabetic and obese.

Also, this fruit is high in fiber, which leads to an upset stomach in him. So, while feeding your dog with it, keep the quantity under consideration.

Nutritional components in Lychee

NutrientAmount (per 100g)
Protein0.83g
Total lipid (fat)0.44g
Water81.8g
Carbohydrate16.5g
Fiber1.3g
Sugars15.2g
Source: USDA FDC

Benefits of feeding dogs with lychees

Several benefits are also there for dogs if they have lychees. These are:-

  • Being high in antioxidants, it prevents cell aging in dogs.
  • Being high in fiber, it aids digestive issues (if fed in moderation only).
  • Being high in Vitamin C, it promotes a better immunity system.
  • Being high in water content, it improves kidney functioning.

Is there any difference between Litchi/ Lychee fruit?

Lichi

Well, do not feel confused because the scientific name of Lychee is “Litchi chinesis”. Both are the same, so you don’t need to feel like these are different and come up with different properties. Also, this fruit is safe for your dog, so don’t worry about anything.

What will happen if my dog has lychee seeds?

First of all, be sure to remove the seeds from the fruit before feeding your dog lychees. But unfortunately, if they had it, they would reach out to the veterinary doctor immediately. Lychee seeds are known to cause choking hazards, so keeping them away from your dogs is important.

Also, the lychee seeds have MCPG. It is a poisonous compound known to cause

  • A sudden drop in blood pressure
  • Unconsciousness
  • Altered mental status with lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Coma
  • Death

Thus, it is advisable to keep the lychee seeds away from your dog.

Is it safe for me to feed my dog unripened Lychee?

There is a big “NO” to unripened Lychee for dogs. It has Hypoglycin-A. It is an amino acid responsible for causing vomiting in dogs and even in humans too. Also, it is quite sour in taste, which leads to oral irritation in dogs. Thus, do not think of feeding your dog with unripened Lychee.

Can I feed my pup with lychee jam?

You have probably seen a big jar of lychee jam and are probably thinking of feeding it to your dog. Drop this idea immediately because these are high in fat, and some preservatives, along with artificial sweeteners, are also added to them. This makes them high in calories, which will ultimately make your dog obese and diabetic too. Occasionally you can think of feeding them with jam, like once a month, but regularly is not advisable.

Note: Being high in calories, the lychee jam lacks other nutritional values, so yes, it is not for dogs.

Can lychee consumption be poisonous to dogs?

Unless you are taking all the precautions while feeding your dog with Lychee, no such condition will arise. Do not forget to remove the seed and coat while feeding him with it to keep him safe.

What are the consequences of giving your dog Lychee on a regular basis?

For various reasons, feeding your dog regularly with Lychee is not recommended. These are:

  • Lychee fruits are high in sugar, which means if your dog eats them regularly, they will suffer from diabetes and become obese too.
  • Being a high-fiber fruit, it is not advisable to feed your dog with it regularly. These fruits are known to cause gastric issues in dogs.
  • Your dog will become accustomed to having it, and they will not like having other nutritional food options.
  • Lychee fruits also have a large seed in them that is known to cause a deleterious effect on your dog’s health.

Can Lychee be toxic to dogs?

Unripened Lychee is toxic to dogs, but ripened Lychee is not. It has high quantities of Hyploglycin-A amino acid, which is known to cause Jamaican vomiting sickness.

What to do if my dog consumes unripened Lychee?

If, unfortunately, your dog has consumed unripened Lychee, this is the time to monitor them and take them to the veterinary doctor immediately. If it takes time for you to reach the doctor, take note of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Muscle spasms
  • Head-shaking
  • Seizures
  • Dark urine
  • Weight loss
  • Drooling

Remain in constant contact with your veterinary doctor, and do the things he or she is suggesting.

How long will it take my dog to recover after consuming unripened Lychee?

It entirely depends on the dog and how soon you take him to the doctor. The rest depends on multiple factors like:

  • the amount of Lychee consumed
  • Your dog’s stature
  • Your canine’s age
  • General health
  • Care you are doing

Can I feed my dog with a lychee outer cover?

The outer cover of Lychee (the reddish-orange colored coat, or say, the peel) is not a safe option for dogs. First of all, it is not edible, so it is integral to remove it. Secondly, the Lychee fruit outer cover is quite rough in texture, which will cause oral problems for your dog.

Is there any way to feed my dog Lychee?

Lychee is a safe option, and you can feed the fleshy part to your dog in moderation. High quantities are not advisable and do not feed your dog with it regularly either.

Things to avoid while feeding your dog with Lychee:

  • Remove the lychee skin or the pit:

It is not advisable to feed lychees with skin or the pit because they are responsible for causing choking hazards.

  • Do not feed canned Lychee to them:

Canned lychees are also available in the market but do not give them to your dog as they are high in sugar, which can cause an upset stomach and, in the long term, it is harmful to them.

Can I feed my dog other fruits that are different or the same as Lychee?

Fruits are also good for dogs. There are so many other options available that you can consider. Some fruits are like lychees, and some are different. You can check it out here: Fruits for Dogs.

Can I feed my diabetic dog Lychee?

Not at all! If your dog is diabetic, do not feed him with it because it is high in sugar and ultimately leads to disturbance of the blood sugar level in your dog.

The takeaway from all this

Lychee is a safe option for dogs in moderation. Being high in sugar, it is not advisable to feed your dog with it regularly. Also, there are certain things you need to consider before feeding it to your dog. If, after consuming it for the first time, your dog behaves inappropriately, do understand that they do not like it, and you need to approach the veterinary doctor to fix this behavior. Therefore, before introducing any new fruit or food item to your dog, check with their veterinary doctor so that things can remain under control and no such problem will take place.

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anuja saxena author at anifirm

I am a pet lover who spent her childhood in the company of a friendly Labrador Retriever. I believe that pets make our lives more enjoyable and stress-free. Currently, I have two budgies Kiwi & Koko as pets, and planning to adopt a pup soon. So, here I am, attempting to share my experiences and knowledge to improve the lives of pets and pet owners.