Can dog eat Tamarind?

Can dogs eat Tamarind? Most people love the mixture of the tangy, sour, and sweet taste of Tamarind. And the tamarind liker always asks that can my dog eat Tamarind.  So that answer is YES! Your dog can eat Tamarind.

But keep in mind that you are not giving the seed and the shell of Tamarind. Because the seed and shell are rigid structures and are difficult for the dog to digest. The tamarind pulp is safe for dogs.

What is Tamarind?

The Tamarind belongs to the family Fabaceae, which are leguminous plants. The scientific name of Tamarind is Tamarindus indica.  This has a more sour and less sweet taste. It is used as the additive flavor in the dishes.

It locally grows in Africa, India, Pakistan, and many other tropical regions. The tamarind pods are first green and then ripe and convert into brown color. The outer part of Tamarind is hard and has a wood-like texture. When the Tamarind ripens, its inner pulp becomes paste-like which contains the tamarind seed inside it.

Due to its color and texture of inner pulp, it is sometimes called as Dates of India.

Nutritional value of Tamarind

1000 kJ (240 kcal) energy is present in the 100 g of Tamarind. The nutritional value of 100 g of Tamarind is as follow

Benefits of Tamarind to dog

As the Tamarind contains a lot of nutrients so, the Tamarind has a lot of health benefits as follows

Helpful in constipation of dog

The Tamarind contain laxatives. If your dog is suffering from constipation, you can give tamarind pulp by adding in some dish. This will help to treat constipation.

Helpful in weight management

The Tamarind stimulates the production of serotonin in humans; this will suppress the appetite. This suppression of appetite is also observed in dogs. So by the use of Tamarind, your dog will not feel hungry again and again. This will help him manage the weight.

Boost immunity

The Tamarind is a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants. The vitamin C present in the Tamarind will prove very beneficial to boost your dog’s immune system.

Reduce inflammations

Lupeol is present in the Tamarind, which is very effective in the reduction of inflammation. Due to the presence of this anti-inflammatory compound, this will be helpful to reduce the swelling, canine gout, joint pain, and arthritis

Prevent artery blockage

Tamarind is also very helpful in alleviating atherosclerosis. So, Tamarind will prevent the dog from suffering from artery blockage.

Amount of Tamarind safe for the dog

Well, Tamarind is not used in high quantity in the dishes. Because it has a very prominent sour and sweet taste. It is usually used very low because its low dose will properly give its different flavor in the food. In moderation, 20- 40 g of tamarind pulp in a single meal is safe for the dog.

But if you are going to add tamarind pulp in your dog’s food, keep in mind not giving too much Tamarind. Because it contains a compound tannin, and if the usage of this compound increases, then your dog can suffer from fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and an increase in heart rate.

What if the dog overeats Tamarind?

Tamarind has a sharp taste so, there are most chances that your dog will not like its taste in raw form. You must be careful when you are adding Tamarind to the dog’s food. But if accidentally your dog has eaten the Tamarind too much. Then you must keep an eye on your dog. If you notice any illness symptoms in your dog, leave every activity and take your dog to the vet.

Serving tips

You must know the serving tips about Tamarind while giving Tamarind to your dog. you can serve the Tamarind to your dog in the following ways

You can Give the pulp of Tamarind to your dog.

Don’t give Tamarind to your dog with the seed and shell.

You can give the tamarind pulp by adding it to some dish which your dog likes.

Limitations of Tamarind for dogs

In some cases, the Tamarind should be avoided to give to your dog as follows

Tamarind should not be given to the dog suffering from diarrhea. Because the Tamarind contains natural laxatives, which can make diarrhea severe.

The dog on the medication related to blood pressure and heart problem should avoid giving Tamarind.

It should not be provided to dogs suffering from sore throat, respiratory infection, and cough.

A dog who has a liver problem should not be provided with the Tamarind.

Despite giving all this information, you must consult your dog vet before giving Tamarind or anything new to your dog.

FAQs

Is Tamarind poisonous to dogs?

The Tamarind is safe for your dog but in moderation. The Tamarind in high amounts can cause problems to the health of your dog.

Can dogs eat tamarind seed and shell?

It is not safe for the dog to eat tamarind seed and Tamarind shell because it is hard and can cause health problems to your dog.

Conclusion

The Tamarind is not toxic in nature. And it is safe for your dog to eat but in moderation. Don’t give tamarind seed and shell to your dog.

When your first-time giving tamarind to your dog, gives only a tiny amount and observes your dog’s activities if your dog is not showing any symptom of illness in your dog. You can give it to your dog, frankly. But if you observe any signs of disease in your dog. Take the dog to the vet as soon as possible.

In the end, I want to say that don’t take any risk with the health of your pet. Always consult with your vet before giving anything for the first time to your dog.