Can Dogs Eat Loquats?
In moderation. The flesh of a ripe loquat, peeled and seedless, is safe in small amounts. The seeds are not: they are large, can cause a blockage and contain compounds that release cyanide.
What it gives your dog
The loquat (Eriobotrya japonica) has about 45-50 kcal per 100 g, lots of water, fiber, beta-carotene and potassium. Its flesh is juicy and soft, and in spring, when loquats ripen, it is an easy fruit to share in small pieces.
Each loquat has one to five large, smooth brown seeds, 1.5-2 cm (about 3/4 inch) long. Their size and shape mean they can get stuck in the intestine of a small or medium dog. In addition, like those of other fruits in the rose family (peach, plum, cherry), they contain cyanogenic glycosides such as amygdalin, which release cyanide if the seed breaks when chewed; loquat leaves contain them too. With one seed swallowed whole, the main risk is a blockage; with many chewed seeds, poisoning. In mild-climate yards where loquat trees are common, like in California, Florida or along the Gulf Coast, dogs often eat fallen loquats whole.
How to serve it
- Ripe, washed and peeled
- Without a single seed or the membrane around them
- In small pieces, as a treat or with their food
- Pick up fallen loquats if you have a tree
- Never in syrup or as jam
How much can they eat?
Now and then, in season: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), half a seedless loquat (10-15 g of flesh); medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), one loquat (20-30 g); large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb), 2 loquats (40-60 g).
Risks
- Seeds: intestinal blockage
- Chewed seeds and leaves: cyanogenic glycosides (cyanide)
- Fallen, fermented loquats
- Diarrhea if they eat many
- Syrup and jam: sugar
Frequently asked questions
Are loquat seeds toxic to dogs?
Yes, they can be. They contain cyanogenic glycosides that release cyanide when the seed breaks during chewing, and they are also large and can get stuck in the intestine. A seed swallowed whole is usually more of a concern for blockage than for cyanide. Always remove them and, if your dog swallowed several, call the vet even if they seem fine.
Can dogs eat loquat skin?
The skin is not toxic, but it is a little rough and some dogs find it hard to digest. If the loquat is fully ripe, a small piece with the skin on is not a problem. For small dogs or dogs with a sensitive stomach, peel it: it comes off in a moment with your fingers. What you must never skip is removing every seed.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.