Soursop, also known as Graviola, is a tree species that is native to Central and South America.
Some parts of Asia savor this fruit as one of their usual meal desserts as well.
The taste of the fruit is, precisely as one of its names suggests, pretty sour.
Nevertheless, this fruit never fails to quench the thirst after a long day, primarily when refrigerated.
There have been many claims that indicate the health benefits of this fruit to humans.
But if our dog happens to be wondering and wagging its tail when we eat Graviola,
would it be safe for them as well? Can dogs eat soursop?
The following will shed light on the credibility of soursop as fruit and its nutritional values.
It is filled with antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds of either vitamins, minerals, or other origins that fight against cellular damage.
One of the essential antioxidants highly present in Graviola is Vitamin C.
These ascorbic acid compounds help fight against wounds and inflammation and provide energy to our canine friends.
Graviola is a rich source of potassium
This macronutrient is essential in maintaining water balance and the acid-base balance in the tissues.
They do this in cooperation with the sodium (Na) nutrient.
Through the traveling of potassium in and out of the cell, proper nerve and cardiovascular functioning are maintained.
It has a fair amount of folate in it
Folate or sometimes called folic acid, are types of B vitamins also present in Graviola fruits.
These are beneficial to dogs as supplementation of folic acid to pregnant dogs can decrease the progeny’s incidence of cleft palates.
Moreover, folates play specific roles for growth, neural development, and nucleoprotein synthesis, to name a few.
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They are believed to have anti-cancer properties
The locals believe that this fruit species contains compounds that have healing properties, specifically against cancer.
However, some studies have shown Graviola to have anti-cancer properties against cancer cells like prostate, ovarian, lung cancer cells, etc.
Although studies are limited yet in the fruit’s viability for chemotherapy, both humans or canines alike, nothing can be concluded yet.
Can those boldly lift the banner proclaiming Graviola’s safety for canine consumption with the benefits mentioned above?
Can dogs eat soursop?
Well, there is a catch to the benefits.
Conclusion
Provided that there are studies showing soursop’s reputation as a cancer-fighting machine, some have even capitalized on these by creating non-food.
Drug administration registered cancer-healing drugs that use soursop as the main ingredient.
There have been findings that Graviola contains compounds linked to brain syndromes linked to Parkinson’s disease.
It is due to the compound annonacin found in soursops.
Moreover, the ratio of potassium to sodium content in each serving of soursop is very uneven.
It means that excessive consumption may cause toxicity in the potassium content, leading to hyperkalemia, paralysis, and heart problems.
There is a scarcity in terms of studies regarding the overall safety of Graviola to both humans and dogs.
With that in mind, can dogs eat soursop?
The answer is a resounding “no.”
Or “not yet,” at least.
