Many people don’t know that vitamins and minerals are one of the most essential nutrient elements for both humans and dogs. It improves the immunity system and gives strength to fight many diseases. The best natural source of vitamins and minerals is fruits. Out of all fruits, the Jackfruit contains lots of essential vitamins and minerals. For this reason, many new dog owners often wonder whether it is alright to feed the dog a jackfruit or not. However, there is no simple answer to this question. The dog owner needs to evaluate different conditions before feeding the dog a jackfruit.
What is Jackfruit?
The jackfruit grows on a jack tree. It is a type of fig tree belongs to the breadfruit family. The fruit grows in tropical lowland areas. Most of these fruit weighs around 80 to 100 pounds and it can be 20 to 30 inches in size. Hundreds of blunt thorns surround it. The fruit emits a strong fruity aroma when ripe. It smells like a mixture of pineapple and banana. Many people find this aroma enjoyable and many don’t.
Jackfruit can only be eaten raw when it is ripe. At this time, people only eat its flesh, which is pulpy and sweet. Each pulp flesh contains one hard seed inside. Every jackfruit contains around 50 to 80 pulp flesh. Jackfruit can also be eaten when it is unripe. People use it in different dishes when it is unripe. It is a very fiber-rich fruit that contains lots of energy.
Is Jackfruit suitable for dogs?
The answer to this question is yes. Around 99% of dogs can eat this fruit. They can eat its sweet pulpy flesh when it is ripe. However, the dog cannot eat it raw when it is unripe. The owner needs to cook for the dog when it is unripe. Out of 100 dogs, only 1 or 2 suffers from some mild side effects. However, these side effects are not any breed-specific and vary from dog to dog. Even with lots of research, scientists have found any particular reason behind this phenomenon. Many people think the weak digestive system of the dog amplifies these side effects.
Nutritional values of jackfruit
There are lots of nutritional values present in jackfruit. When ripe, this fruit is very sweet. It contains lots of glucose and starch in it. The fruit can make the dog healthy and strong from inside. Here is a list of different nutritional properties of jackfruit.
- Carbohydrates
Jackfruit subsumes with carbohydrates. This nutrient element is the most contributing factor behind its energy opulence. 100 grams of jackfruit contains around 95 calories of energy. As a result, the dog becomes very active after having this fruit. This high level of energy helps the dog active throughout the day.
- Protein
Protein is a recognized building block of muscles. No dog can have its body mass without having this element. Jackfruit contains only 2% protein. However, it quickly dissolves in the body. 73% of watery properties make it easily digestible. Therefore, the dog can have it without any digestion problems.
- Fat
Most people know fat is an element that makes people and dogs obese. However, it is an important nutrient element for dogs. Jackfruit contains only 0.5% fat. This low level of fat helps the dog lean. It also stores in the body as a reserve source of energy. In an emergency, it melts and gives the dog a high level of energy when needed.
- Vitamins
Vitamins are the backbone of health. This nutrient element boosts the immune system and keeps most diseases away. Jackfruit is loaded with multiple vitamins like Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, and Vitamin A. All of these vitamins are essential for a dog’s health and well being.
- Minerals
Minerals are important for the rapid rate of development. Jackfruit contains an abundant amount of minerals like Calcium, Potassium, Manganese, Iron, and Phosphorus. Calcium is a mineral that makes bone stronger, while minerals like Potassium and Manganese help intelligence development. Phosphorus is good for the eyes and iron improves blood production. Therefore, Jackfruit is very beneficial for young dogs.
- Beta-Carotene
It is an organic element, which is available in huge proportion in jackfruits. This element improves hair growth and reduces shedding in dogs. Beta-Carotene also makes the fur longer and stronger. Dogs like golden retrievers and poodles need this element more.
How to serve jackfruit to dogs
Whether it is ripe or unripe, a dog cannot eat the Jackfruit a whole. The owner needs to prepare it for the dog. Here are some easy recipes for Jackfruit. The dog owner can try any of these recipes for the dog. Sometimes the dog also gets bored just eating one type of dish. Alteration in the recipe also gives some variety in taste.
- Jackfruit Chips
These chips are similar to potato chips but more healthy and full of nutrients. For preparation at first, choose unripe jackfruit. Then slice away its hard skin. The next step will be making thin slices of its flesh. After making thin slices, fry them in hot oil. These chips remain fresh for a long time. The dog owner can store them in an airtight container for a long time. Many trainers often use jackfruit chips as a dog treat.
- Cooked Jackfruit
Contrary to popular belief, cooking unripe jack fruit is not that difficult. At first slick off the thick skin. Then chop its meat in dice proportion. After that boil, the jackfruit meat for 15 minutes, then drain the water and sauté it in hot oil. For taste, the owner can also add some salt and chilli flakes to it.
- Raw Jackfruit
Raw jackfruit can only be eaten when it ripe well. At this time break the fruit with a hand, and remove pulpy jackfruit meat out of its shell. All of these meat cubes contain one hard seed. Before feeding it to the dog, remove these seeds from the jackfruit meat. Otherwise, these seeds can create a choking hazard for the dog.
- Jackfruit Seeds
Jackfruit seeds also have lots of nutrient properties. After removing these seeds from the jackfruit, the owner needs to boil it with water and salt. Hot water and salt remove unwanted sticky properties from the seeds and make them soft. The dog can eat the boiled seeds well. These seeds are full of calcium and good for the dog’s bone.
- Jackfruit juice
With the usage of a blender, jackfruit pulp can be made into juice. It contains all health benefits and easy to store. However, only ripe jackfruit can be turned into juice. To make the juice, first separate seeds from the pulp, then put the pulps in a blender and blend it for two minutes. This juice is very beneficial for old and very young dogs.
Benefits of feeding the dog Jackfruits
Many dog owners say that they are already feeding their dog high nutrient food. They wonder why should feed the dog jackfruit. In a recent scientific study, it has been proven that jackfruit is a super food and it benefits the dog in multiple ways. Here are some benefits of feeding the dog jackfruits.
- Instant energy
Jackfruits are loaded with carbohydrates and sugar. These nutrient elements dissolve in blood quickly and give the dog instant power. Whether it is a hot summer day or a cold winter night, jackfruit will recharge the dog with energy instantaneously. It can make a lethargic dog very active quickly.
- A lean and fit body
Jackfruits contain protein and fat to a proportionally low extent. Therefore, the fruit does not cause obesity in the dog. However, its balanced amount of protein and fat help the dog develop faster. All of these proteins and fat are natural. As a result, it does not cause any harm to the dog.
- Resistance against diseases
Jackfruits are abundant with essential vitamins and minerals. These micro-nutrient elements are very important for a dog’s health. These elements boost dogs immunity power and help them fight various diseases. Therefore, a dog eats jackfruits regularly to live a healthy life.
- Healthy coats
Jackfruits are also good for the dog’s coat. This fruit contains lots of Beta-Carotene. It is the building block of the hair. This nutrient element makes Dog’s fur grow longer and stronger. Dogs like a poodle and golden retrievers get lots of benefits from this fruit. It makes the dog look healthier and shinier.
Side effects of Jackfruits
Jackfruits are very energy-rich. Therefore, in some cases, it can cause some side effects to some dogs. However, these side effects are not bred specifically. It can occur in any dog at any time. Only 1% or fewer dogs suffer from these side effects. Here are some common side effects of Jackfruits.
- Vomiting
Many dogs don’t like the taste of Jackfruits; the strong smell of the jackfruit often makes them nauseated. This effect completely depends on the dog’s preference. It can be found in a handful of dogs only. Do not feed these types of dog jackfruit next time.
- Diarrhea
It is a common side effect of Jackfruits. The jackfruit contains lots of energy and sometimes a dog with a weak stomach cannot digest it all. Therefore, the dog releases the excess amount through defecation. Most of the time this side effect only lasts for a day or two and the dog don’t need any medical attention for it.
- Stomach ache
This symptom is only noticeable in those dogs who are suffering from liver problems and has a weak digestive issue. It is very common in old dogs. The weak digestive system of these dogs isn’t able to process the high starch of the jackfruit and give stomach aches. Give these dogs only jackfruit juice in moderate quantity.
- Allergy
Only 1% or fewer dogs get an allergic reaction from jackfruit. This reaction causes an itching sensation in the body. It may also generate red rashes on the skin. This reaction is not bred specifically. Any dog with any breed can have it. For such dogs, it would be better if the owner doesn’t feed it jackfruit again.
Conclusion
Jackfruit is suitable for 99% of dogs. This food only makes them healthy and strong from inside. It can be eaten both in ripe and unripe condition. Even though ripe jackfruit can be eaten raw, but the dog owner needs to cook unripe jackfruits. This fruit contains lots of nutrient elements like carbohydrates, protein, fat, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It gives the dog instant energy and refreshes its taste buds. This fruit not only keeps the dog lean but also makes its bone strong. The Beta-Carotene of this fruit also makes its hair shiner. Compared to other fruits it has fewer side effects and only affects less than 1% of dogs.
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