You know what they say — everything you have, you should share with a friend. However, does that saying still stand even when it comes to our furry friends?

If your dog has been whining and begging you to share your fruit plate with them, you’re probably wondering — can dogs eat papaya?

Well, sure they can, but the question is — should they? We all love our canine companions and enjoy nothing more than to share a bite or two of our meals with them.

Still, not everything that’s safe for humans is safe for our pets as well.

That’s why it’s crucial to keep a close eye on what our furry friends can get their paws on. Many things that we enjoy will harm them.

But, what’s the verdict on papaya? Can dogs eat papaya, or should we keep it away from them?

Papayas are exotic even for most humans. Therefore, it’s perfectly reasonable to wonder whether they are a suitable snack for your pet.

Like most fruits, papayas are safe for your dog — if you don’t overdo it. Giving it as a small treat or a supplement is fine, but too much papaya will cause some unpleasant consequences.

Remember, a few bites are more than enough!

Furthermore, it’s also important to pay attention to the type of papaya you feed to your dog. Fresh papayas are always a better choice than the canned options.

What’s more, fresh papayas are not only safe but also beneficial for your dog’s health.

Here’s why it’s a good idea to include a couple of bites of papaya into your dog’s nutritional plan every now and again.

Papayas are commonly known as a “superfood,” just like carrots, kale, and fish. In fact, most dog foods contain a certain percentage of papaya or papain, due to the numerous health benefits.

Firstly, papaya is rich in fiber. That means that it can prove to be quite helpful when it comes to the health of the digestive tract of our canine buddies.

What’s more, papaya also contains very healthy enzymes that further improve the regularity of the gastrointestinal tract. This also means that you can use it as a supplement should your dog fall ill to any digestive diseases or get a parasite.

The superfood that is papaya is full of vitamins that will boost your dog's immune system and make them energetic and resistant to diseases. Vitamins A, E, K, and C will also keep your pet’s fur and skin healthier and shinier.

Papayas are a great source of all kinds of goodies:

Those are all fantastic for your dog’s health. What’s more, these elements keep your hound’s heart ticking just like it should be.

As with every other type of fruit — fresh is always better. You can also give your dog dehydrated papaya, but we don't really recommend it.

Dehydrated papaya has a low percentage of water and high levels of concentrated sugar. Therefore, it’s best to avoid it, especially if your dog is diabetic.

Furthermore, it’s also best to choose the papayas you give to your dog.

Papayas are safe to eat if you serve them to your dogs with care and in small portions. That means that a cube or two a day is more than enough.

Furthermore, you should peel the outer skin of the papaya before you let your dog enjoy their snack.

The surface has been in contact with pesticides and other pollutants, and it’s better to be safe. Furthermore, it’s also a choking hazard.

You must always remember that fruit isn’t a natural part of a dog’s diet. Therefore, it’s relatively easy to over-do it.

Make sure you don’t give in to those puppy eyes too often, or both you and your canine friend will regret it.

Too much of anything can never be good for your pet. The sugar in the papaya can cause vomiting and diarrhea, so ration the portions and use papaya as a treat rather than a regular meal.

Furthermore, the high level of fiber in papayas can quickly turn from a benefit into a problem.

Generally speaking, papayas shouldn’t have any adverse effects on your dog's health or behavior. That’s of course if you feed it to them moderately.

However, in some cases, papayas can cause digestive problems.

For example, if your dog is on a low-protein diet, you shouldn’t give them papayas. Like we already mentioned, specific enzymes in papayas help dissolve protein faster, and with a low-protein diet, that can lead to irregular bowel movements.

Well, there you have it! It’s normal to ask questions like “Can dogs eat papaya?” because we all want to avoid all health scares and potential issues when it comes to our furry friends.

You can rest assured — it’s perfectly safe to give your dog papaya from time to time.

What’s more, papayas will also come in handy when it comes to the health of the digestive, vascular, and immune systems, as well as the growth of bones and cartilage.

However, make sure not to overdo it. Although they are very nutritional, papayas are still just an addition to a protein-based diet.