Pomegranate

179 foods contain this ingredient

Fruit

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About Pomegranate

Pomegranate is a fruit added to some pet foods and treats in small amounts for its polyphenol antioxidant content and natural flavor.

Pomegranate is used in pet foods and treats primarily as a flavoring and source of fiber and antioxidant polyphenols, contributing luteolin/ellagic acid-type compounds that may support immune and cellular health. It can be offered to dogs and occasionally cats in small amounts for antioxidant and fiber benefits, but it is high in natural sugars and can cause gastrointestinal upset or dental issues if overfed, so use in moderation and avoid large quantities or whole seeds in animals with digestive sensitivities or diabetes.

Derived from: pomegranate fruit, typically flesh or peel extract
Primary role: antioxidant and flavor addition

Why it's used

Pomegranate flesh, skin, and seeds all carry polyphenol compounds, including punicalagins, that have documented antioxidant activity in laboratory and animal studies. A peer-reviewed crossover study in dogs found that supplementing pomegranate peel extract improved several red blood cell antioxidant markers and reduced lipid peroxidation, supporting its inclusion as a functional rather than purely decorative ingredient.

Common concerns

Digestive obstruction risk from skin or whole seeds Pomegranate skin and flesh are poorly digestible, and ASPCA Animal Poison Control has noted this can pose a digestive tract obstruction risk if fed in larger, unprocessed pieces.
Toxic potential of the leaves ASPCA Animal Poison Control has identified pomegranate leaves as containing higher levels of concerning compounds, so plant material beyond the fruit itself is not considered appropriate for pets.
Sugar and GI upset in excess Pomegranate flesh carries natural sugars, and overfeeding has been associated with gastrointestinal upset in some pets.

Also relevant

The dog study on pomegranate peel extract used a controlled supplemental dose rather than whole fruit, so its findings apply to a formulated extract rather than a pet eating pomegranate directly.

2 sources cited