Do you know what DOG ESSENTIALS you are missing out? Find out now!
Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Picture this: You’re whipping up a scrumptious salad, with your furry companion drooling beside you, and suddenly, a heart of palm slips through your fingers.
Inevitably, you’re left with a perplexing dilemma – should you let your canine buddy chow down on this cylindrical treat, or snatch it away like a game of fetch gone awry?
Can dogs eat hearts of palm?
In this post, you will learn both the benefits and dangers of feeding this fruit to your dog, so let’s dive in!
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- What Are Hearts of Palm?
- Can Dogs Eat Heart of Palm?
- Are Hearts of Palm Hard to Digest for Dogs?
- What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Palm Hearts for Dogs?
- What Are the Dangers of Giving Your Dog Heart of Palms?
- What is the Best Way to Feed Hearts of Palm to Dogs?
- What Are Some Foods That Can Contain Heart of Palm?
- How Often Should You Give Your Dog Hearts of Palm?
- Better Alternatives to Give Your Dog
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Hearts of Palm?
What Are Hearts of Palm?
Hearts of palm are a popular ingredient in many dishes, and you can find them fresh or canned in most grocery stores.
This vegetable comes from the center of the trunk of palm trees.
They have a light, nutty taste, and the slightly crunchy texture reminds me of artichokes.
It’s quite a versatile vegetable really, and salads and stir-fries are just a few dishes that you can use it for.
And because hearts of palm are nutritious for humans, you might be wondering if it’s safe to share them with your furry friend.
Can Dogs Eat Heart of Palm?

Good news! There is no report of this veggie being toxic to dogs.
However, there’s very little info about its effects on dogs, so it’s still best to get the vet’s go-ahead when it comes to adding hearts of palm to your pet’s diet.
Or, if you’re willing to try, feed your pooch a tiny bit of the ingredient and see how they like it.
Are Hearts of Palm Hard to Digest for Dogs?
We often hear that fiber is beneficial for digestion, right?
However, in the case of the heart of palm, its high fiber content and tough texture can pose a challenge to your pet’s digestive system.
Eating something too fibery such as this may cause your pet to experience bloating, constipation, and tummy aches.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat mandarins?
What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Palm Hearts for Dogs?
What can this unusual vegetable offer in terms of nutrients?
A lot, as it turns out.
Good source of fiber
The heart of palm is a good source of fiber that helps regulate digestion.
If your pet has a hard time pooping or needs to maintain a certain weight, this vegetable will surely help with those.
Contains some essential minerals
The heart of palm is packed with essential minerals that are important for your dog’s overall health.
These include potassium, calcium, zinc, phosphorous, copper, and magnesium.
Low in calories and fat
Not only is the heart of palm a yummy ingredient, but it can also help your furry friend shed a few pounds if they’re carrying some extra weight.
Low in fat and carbs, this veggie can be a good choice if you are looking for a nice treat for your pet.
Good source of protein
The heart of palm is surprisingly rich in protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in your dog’s body.
Helps with blood circulation
The heart of palm contains vitamin B6, which is important for healthy blood circulation in dogs.
Low in sugar (no risk of diabetes)
Eating too much sugar is not just bad for humans, but also for our furry friends!
That’s why it’s a good thing that the heart of palm is low in sugar, making it a healthier choice.
You won’t have to worry about diabetes and obesity with this ingredient.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat farro?
What Are the Dangers of Giving Your Dog Heart of Palms?
Although hearts of palm are generally considered safe for dogs, it’s important to be aware of potential risks.
Here are some of the dangers of giving them to your furry friend.
May trigger allergic reactions
Like any new food, a heart of palm has the potential to cause an allergic reaction in some dogs.
If your pet suddenly experiences itching, swelling, or vomiting after eating this veggie, then it may be allergic to the stuff.
High in oxalates
Hearts of palm contains oxalates, and your dog may suffer from kidney stones if you feed them this ingredient in large quantities.
Thus, it’s not advisable for you to include it in your furry pal’s diet if they have a history of kidney problems.
Too much fiber
While fiber can be beneficial for digestion, too much of it can lead to gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Try to introduce the heart of palm gradually and in moderation.
May contain additives or preservatives
If you’re feeding your dog canned heart of palm, be sure to check the label for any added ingredients that may not be safe for your pet.
Sodium should be at the top of your watch list.
Unbalanced diet
Variety is the spice of life, and that’s true for our furry friends too!
Although heart of palm can offer some fantastic health benefits, it’s important to remember that it should only be part of a well-balanced diet for your dog.
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Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat wild rice?
What is the Best Way to Feed Hearts of Palm to Dogs?
Have you decided to share your love for hearts of palm with your furry friend?
If so, here are some tips on how to feed them this delicious ingredient safely:
Fresh, raw, or cooked
Hearts of palm can be fed to dogs in various ways.
They can be given fresh or cooked, depending on your dog’s preference.
Opting to give them raw? Don’t forget to give the veggie a good wash to get rid of any dirt or debris.
If you choose to cook them first, skip the spices or seasonings. Those may be harmful to your pet.
Wash them thoroughly
As mentioned, it’s important to wash hearts of palm thoroughly before feeding them to your dog.
Rinse them under cold water or soak them in a bowl of water for a few minutes.
Chop or dice into smaller pieces
To make it easier for your dog to digest and chew, it’s recommended to chop or dice hearts of palm into smaller pieces.
This will also reduce the risk of choking or intestinal blockage.
Get rid of the tough or fibrous parts before feeding them to your dog.
Incorporate into a treat or meal
Hearts of palm can be incorporated into your dog’s regular meals or as a healthy treat.
You can mix them in with their kibble or add them to a homemade dog food recipe.
They’re also good as a standalone snack, but make sure to monitor your dog’s intake to avoid overfeeding.
What Are Some Foods That Can Contain Heart of Palm?
Heart of palm is pretty versatile and can be used in lots of different dishes. It’s great in salads, stir-fries, soups, and even rice dishes.
You can add them to chopped mangoes and avocadoes for a tasty salad. It can also be turned into a creamy dip like artichokes.
Alternatively, you can enjoy them stir-fried. Simply toss the chopped heart of palm into the wok with other ingredients like celery or carrots.
How Often Should You Give Your Dog Hearts of Palm?
Think of hearts of palm as a treat for your pet.
It should not replace their regular dog food as it doesn’t contain all of the necessary components required for your dog’s diet.
You can serve them a little of this yummy vegetable every mealtime if you wish to, or, you can also use a small piece as a reward for doing something good.
Better Alternatives to Give Your Dog
While a heart of palm may offer some nutritional benefits to dogs, it’s not exactly the best treat option in my opinion.
Good news! There are plenty of other healthy foods you can offer to your furry friend.
Some examples include fresh fruits like sliced apples, bananas, strawberries, and mangosteens.
Carrots, green beans, and sweet potatoes are also great veggie options.
You can also consider giving your dog lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish as a treat.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Raw diet for puppies
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can puppies eat hearts of palm?
Yes, they can. Hearts of palm should not cause your pup any harm since the ingredient is not toxic. It is best to serve this cooked without added seasoning. Cooking will make the hearts of palm easier to digest.
Can dogs eat raw hearts of palm?
Yes, dogs can eat hearts of palm raw. It is an ideal treat since it contains a good amount of protein and fiber. If you are serving your pup raw hearts of palm from a can, check the sodium content. Salt is harmful to dogs.
Is canned hearts of palm healthy?
Yes, canned hearts of palm is quite healthy. It’s a good source of protein. This vegetable contains different amino acids. Plus, it’s low in sugar and fats while high in fiber. All of those are needed in keeping your pet healthy.
Do hearts of palm contain a high amount of histamine?
It’s not clear if the hearts of palm contain high levels of histamine, as there’s not enough research available. If your vet has recommended a low histamine diet for your furry friend, it may be safer to stick with other ingredients until you get more information.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Hearts of Palm?
I think that with this newfound knowledge, you can confidently navigate your culinary escapades, knowing when to share or withhold this tropical treat with your dog.
As with all kinds of food, start off with only a tiny amount and see how your dog reacts, and of course, you should consider tested and proven sources too.
Wanna read more about what dogs can and cannot eat? Check these out too: