Why
Papaya is not toxic to dogs. PetMD calls it a healthy treat when fed in moderation. It is rich in vitamins A and C and contains potassium and fiber, along with papain, a digestive enzyme.
The skin and seeds are hard to digest and can upset the stomach, so remove them before serving. Papaya is also high in fiber and natural sugar, and too much can cause diarrhea or loose stool.
What to watch out for
- Seeds and skin: remove before serving
- Diarrhea or loose stool from too much fiber
- Choking on large pieces
- Sugar content for dogs with diabetes or weight problems
- Dogs on prescription diets
How to serve it
- Use only ripe papaya. Cut it open, scoop out all the seeds and remove the skin.
- Cut the flesh into small pieces to reduce the risk of choking.
- Start with one or two bites and watch for loose stool over the next day.
- Skip dried or candied papaya with added sugar.
How much?
A small dog can have one or two small pieces of papaya and a giant breed up to about ten small pieces.
Papaya seeds and skin
Papaya is full of small, round black seeds wrapped in a slippery coating, and they are easy to miss when you cut the fruit in a hurry. PetMD advises removing all the seeds and the skin, because both are hard to digest and can upset a dog's stomach.
If your dog eats a few seeds that slipped past you, it is unlikely to be an emergency. Watch for vomiting or diarrhea, and call your vet if your dog ate the seeds and skin from a whole fruit, if it is small, or if it seems unwell.
Green papaya, papaya milk and smoothies
In Taiwan and Southeast Asia, papaya is eaten ripe, blended into papaya milk, and used green in salads and soups. PetMD recommends feeding only ripe papaya to dogs. Green papaya salads are also usually dressed with garlic, chili, fish sauce or lime, and garlic is toxic to dogs.
Papaya milk is usually sweetened, and many dogs do not digest milk well. If you want to share, set aside a few plain pieces of ripe fruit before you blend. Any yogurt you use for a dog-friendly smoothie should be plain and free of xylitol.
Does papaya help dogs with digestion?
Papaya is often recommended for digestion because of papain, the enzyme also used as a meat tenderizer. PetMD notes that papaya's fiber and enzymes may support digestion, but it also warns that the high fiber content can cause digestive problems if a dog eats too much.
Papaya is a treat, not a treatment. If your dog has ongoing vomiting, diarrhea or a poor appetite, see your vet rather than trying to fix it with fruit. Dogs on prescription diets should not have any foods outside the diet unless the vet approves.
Common questions
Is papaya good for dogs?
Yes, as an occasional treat. Papaya is not toxic to dogs. PetMD calls it a healthy treat when fed in moderation.
Is papaya bad for dogs?
Not in sensible amounts. The main thing to watch: seeds and skin: remove before serving.
Are dogs allowed to have papaya?
Yes. Use only ripe papaya. Cut it open, scoop out all the seeds and remove the skin.
Sources
- PetMD. Can Dogs Eat Papaya?
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Toxicology section.
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat…?” article series.
If your dog has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital right away. Do not wait for symptoms. In the US you can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (fees may apply).