Can Dogs Eat Longan? Vet-Approved Health & Nutrition Guide
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
It’s alarming to realize your dog has eaten something he wasn’t supposed to, especially if you aren’t sure how it may affect him. If your dog snuck a bite of longan, rest assured that one bite shouldn’t cause too many problems.
However, that doesn’t mean longan is safe for your dog. Compared to other fruits, there is not as much evidence pointing to any benefits or risks to feeding your longan; still, there is enough information to suggest that longan could pose a risk to your dog’s health so they should not eat it. To learn more about the potential consequences, keep reading below.
What Is Longan?
Longan is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Asia and was later brought to other places around the world. It is a part of the soapberry family, like the lychee. This white-fleshed fruit is typically eaten fresh, dried, or canned with syrup. It is known for its sweet and musky flavor.
- Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
- Potassium
- Vitamin C
It is so high in vitamin C that one serving can nearly supply a human’s daily vitamin C requirement. Below is the nutritional profile for serving 20 pieces of fresh longan.
| Calories: | 38 |
| Carbohydrates: | 10 grams |
| Protein: | 1 gram |
| Fat: | 0 grams |
| Fiber: | 0 grams |
Longan is relatively high in carbohydrates and low in fiber. This can make it tough on your dog’s digestive system.
Why Longans Are Not Advised for Dogs
One reason that longan is not recommended for canines is that the shell and seeds are hard. If your dog tries to munch on this fruit with the shell and seeds still intact, he may swallow them accidentally and get them lodged in his throat. If he manages not to choke, there is a risk that the shell or seed may cause an intestinal blockage.
Another point to consider is that, unlike humans, dogs create their own vitamin C. While humans need to eat foods high in vitamin C (such as longans) to sustain their vitamin C levels, dogs do not need as much. Additionally, Longan is a sweet fruit and high in sugar, and so it can contribute to weight gain and obesity if fed regularly.
Longan also contains a compound called hypoglycin A which can be dangerous to dogs. When dogs consume too much hypoglycin A, they may experience vomiting, low blood sugar, ataxia, and depression.
What to Do if Your Dog Eats Longan
If your dog has eaten the flesh of the longan fruit, he will likely be fine. Still, monitor your dog closely for any adverse reactions and reach out to your vet anytime you are concerned.
If your dog has swallowed an entire longan fruit (shell and seed included), you should contact your vet immediately. Consuming indigestible parts of this fruit can cause serious digestive issues for your dog, so keep longan fruits secure and out of reach.
Alternatives to Longan
If you want to feed fruit to your dog, the first step you should take is to consult your vet. Your vet can tell you which fruits are safest for your dog and which amounts are appropriate. Due to its high sugar content fruit should only be fed as an occasional treat.
- Apples: This is a perfect choice if you want a fruit for your senior dog that is low in protein and fat. Just be sure to remove the core and seeds and cut them into bite-sized chunks.
- Bananas: In moderation, this sugary fruit can provide an excellent source of potassium, fiber, biotin, and copper.
- Blueberries: This superfood is rich in antioxidants.
- Cantaloupe: This is a low-calorie, fibrous, hydrating treat. However, it is high in sugar, so only feed it occasionally.
- Cranberries: Although your dog may not love this tart fruit, you can feed it safely if he accepts it.
- Cucumbers: Believe it or not, cucumbers are a fruit! They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and moisture, making them an excellent snack for your pup.
- Mangoes: Mangoes are high in sugar, so feed them in moderation. Likewise, be sure to remove the seeds and rind.
Final Thoughts
Longan is a healthy fruit for humans but not so much for dogs. While it isn’t toxic, longan poses enough health concerns to make it unsafe for your canine companion. Also, most fruits are high in sugar and should not be part of your pup’s regular diet. If you want to feed your dog fruit as a treat, there are plenty of other fruits to choose from but consult your vet first.
Featured Image Credit: Left (Dog) Pexels, Pixabay; Right (Longan) falco, Pixabay
