Given pet owners’ close bond with their pets, it is no surprise that we commonly allow our dogs to eat the same meals as ourselves. Humans often make the mistake of feeding our pets foods that are toxic to them. In the case of star fruit, this is exactly the case. Can dogs eat starfruit? In a word, “No.” Although delicious, starfruit can seriously harm your dogs. Starfruit is highly toxic to dogs and has even been linked to death. Let’s use Canvas Personalized to figure out why star fruit is bad for dogs and how to prevent canine poisoning.
What Is Starfruit?
The star fruit (Averrhoa carambola) is a citrus fruit native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Besides these areas, it is cultivated in Asia, the Caribbean, and Africa. The fruit, which resembles a long, five-pointed star, contains the neurotoxic carambola. Despite this, star fruit is safe for human consumption and may have positive health effects. Antioxidants like vitamin C are abundant and contain trace levels of vitamin A, magnesium, and potassium.
Can Dogs Eat Starfruit?
Is star fruit poisonous for dogs? Because the star fruit contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals, it can poison dogs. If dogs take too much of this drug, it will harm their kidneys. Calcium in a dog’s body combines with oxalate salts to create a complex. A sudden drop in calcium levels leads to renal calcification and long-term kidney damage.
Star fruits can poison humans, but only if they consume a sizable amount quickly. Small, unique animals that they are, dogs are significantly more susceptible to the effects of starfruit poisoning than humans are.
Signs of Dog Star Fruit Poisoning
One to six hours after eating star fruit, your dog may begin exhibiting symptoms of star fruit poisoning. Depending on how much starfruit your dog ate, the symptoms will range from mild vomiting and recurrent hiccups to death. Confusion, agitation, and seizures are some neuropsychiatric symptoms that might emerge in mild to severe poisoning. If left untreated, a coma and eventual death may result. Intoxication from star fruit typically manifests with symptoms including:
- Urine containing blood
- Coma
- Alterations in urine frequency or volume
- Severe dehydration
- Loss of Appetite
- Fatal epileptic episodes (status epilepticus).
- Fluid retention (abdominal swelling)
- Hiccups
- Diarrhea
- Insomnia
- Disorder of thought
- Nausea
- Disrupted cognitive and motor function (psychomotor agitation).
- Seizure
- Vomiting
- Weakness
If you suspect your dog has consumed this fruit, prompt veterinary attention is necessary. You should know the above signs if your dog has consumed star fruit.
>>> Read more: Can Dogs Eat Pesto? Everything You Need To Know
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Star Fruit?
Observe Your Dog
Watch your dog’s actions and symptoms closely. Puking, diarrhea, weakness, loss of appetite, tremors, convulsions, and even kidney failure are all possible side effects of star fruit poisoning in dogs.
Contact A Veterinarian
If you think your dog has eaten a lot of star fruit, contact your vet immediately. The veterinarian will conduct a brief examination to ensure your dog’s heart rate and respiration are normal. After that, they’ll be on the lookout for and treat any of the above-mentioned side effects that may occur.
Can A Dog Eat Star Fruit In Moderation?
No. Starfruit is not safe for dogs and should never be fed to them. The high levels of acid and oxalate in star fruit make it toxic to dogs.
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Suggestions For Other Fruits That Are Safe For Dogs
Varieties of fruit Dogs can safely consume items that aren’t typically fed to them. Before making any drastic dietary changes for your dog, consult your vet first. Dogs would benefit from eating the following fruits occasionally and in small amounts:
- Apples
- Banana
- Blue Berries
- Strawberries
- Cantaloupe
- Peach
- Pears
- Pina Coladas
- Red Currants
- The Watermelon
Can Dogs Eat The Skins Of Star Fruit?
Star fruit is toxic to dogs because of the peel. Never feed your dog star fruit peels due to their high oxalate content. Starfruit is extremely toxic to dogs and should never be given to them.
>>>Further reading:
- Can Dogs Eat Choziro? Read Before You Feed
- Can Dogs Eat Brown Sugar? The Best Answer In 2023
- Can Dogs Eat Goat Cheese? Exploring The Benefits and Risks
Can dogs eat starfruit? Starfruit is not safe for dogs to consume. Dogs should not eat star fruit because of its high acidity and sourness. In addition, ingesting the seeds can be dangerous. Star fruit may seem like a tasty treat, but it’s actually harmful to our pets.
