Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat pears?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Yes. Fresh pear is a juicy, gentle fruit that most dogs digest well. Remove the core, seeds and stalk, then cut the flesh into bite-sized pieces. One or two slices is a good treat for a small dog, and a quarter of a pear suits a large dog.
Preparing pear pieces
Pear seeds contain small amounts of amygdalin, the same compound found in apple seeds, so coring is sensible. The skin is soft and fine to leave on. Ripe pears are easier to chew than hard ones, which makes them a good option for older dogs with dental wear.
A medium pear has around 100 calories, so portions stay small.
Asian pears, which are rounder and crunchier, are prepared the same way. Their extra crunch appeals to dogs who like chewing, but cut them small for toy breeds.
Fresh versus canned
Canned pears in syrup are soaked in sugar. Even those labelled in juice are sweeter than fresh fruit. Pear drops and pear-flavored sweets have no fruit value at all. Stick with plain fresh pear.
Trees in the garden
Pear trees drop fruit in late summer and autumn. Bruised fallen pears ferment quickly and bring wasps. Dogs that gorge on windfalls often end up with an upset stomach, and whole pears can be swallowed along with their cores.
Pick up fallen fruit every day or two while the tree is producing.
Pears for older dogs
Soft, ripe pear is one of the easier fruits for older dogs with worn teeth or missing molars. Peel it if the skin seems tough, cut it into small cubes, and offer one or two pieces as a treat. Senior dogs often need fewer calories than they did at middle age, so keep portions modest and count them toward the daily total.
Key takeaways
- Fresh pear flesh and skin are safe for dogs.
- Remove the core, seeds and stalk.
- Canned pears in syrup are too sweet.
- Clear fermenting windfalls from the garden.