Can Dogs Eat Durian?

What a fun, exciting, and exotic fruit—durian is a tropical fruit that can be safe for dogs, but it’s really not recommended. The main issue is that it’s high in sugar and fiber, and it smells a bit odd! Plus, it has seeds that are not safe for dogs.

a bunch of durian fruits and a dog with one cut open durian fruit in the center

Table Of Contents

Is durian safe for dogs?
- Durian flesh is safe for dogs
Why durian seeds and rind are dangerous for dogs
- Which parts of the durian fruit can dogs safely consume?
How much durian can dogs eat?
Is durian good for dogs?
Other fruits dogs can eat instead of durian
FAQs

Popular in Singapore, durian is a creamy, tropical fruit that’s incredibly juicy to eat, but it’s not really meant for dogs! If you’re eating durian fruit, you can share a tiny piece of ripe, creamy flesh with your dog, but I would stop there and not include it as a regular fruit snack.

Is durian safe for dogs?

The good thing is that durian smells funky, and your dog probably won’t touch it! So, there’s minimal risk that they’ll eat any durian seeds, which can be dangerous for them.

Durian flesh, especially when it’s ripe, is absolutely safe for dogs. Similar to durian flesh, dogs can also eat jackfruit, but it’s not recommended.

Durian flesh is safe for dogs

If your dog sneaks a small piece of ripe durian fruit (the flesh), they’ll likely be fine—similar to when they eat a little jackfruit. However, durian isn’t the best option for dogs.

The main problem with durian is that it’s so high in natural sugars. A small amount won’t cause digestive discomfort, but if they eat a lot, the natural fruit sugar can cause temporary diarrhea and stomach upset.

In the long run, too much fruit sugar can also lead to weight gain, especially if you overfeed your dog.

Why durian seeds and rind are dangerous for dogs

Durian seeds are the most dangerous part of the fruit! The seeds are very large and super hard to chew, which means there’s a chance your dog will try to swallow them whole. Every scenario is a bad one—they will either try to chew them and hurt their teeth or swallow the seeds whole and risk intestinal blockage.

Then there’s the rind—the spiky outer layer of the fruit. Durian rind is hard, indigestible, and can cause injuries to your dog’s mouth.

Which parts of the durian fruit can dogs safely consume?

The only part of the durian fruit that dogs can safely eat is the ripe flesh. Avoid seeds, rind, and unripe durian fruit as they can cause choking and digestive issues.

How much durian can dogs eat?

Dogs can only have a small amount of durian fruit! Think of it as an occasional treat, and please limit the amount. A small cube, less than an inch, is okay for them, or you can think of it as a spoonful. Since it’s rich in sugar and fiber, durian can cause stomach issues if given in larger amounts.

Is durian good for dogs?

Even though durian has lots of vitamins and minerals, it’s not something we’d classify as good for dogs. There are better fruits out there that don’t cause upset stomachs and that have less sugar and fiber.

Other fruits dogs can eat instead of durian

Some of the best tropical and dog-friendly fruits are:

Pineapple: A tropical fruit rich in vitamins. Dogs can eat pineapple; you just need to peel it and cut it for them.
Dragon fruit: Dogs can eat dragon fruit (pitaya) in moderation, and it’s a super juicy and interesting snack for them.
Bananas: One of the most popular fruits for dogs. Bananas are safe for dogs, they’re a great source of potassium and easy on the stomach.
Mango: Sweet, tasty, and hydrating. Mango is safe for dogs, but it’s best to cut it into small pieces and use it as an occasional fruit snack.

FAQs