Kiwis are small fruits that offer a burst of sweet and tangy flavor. These tiny fruits are packed with essential nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium for humans. But what about for our four-legged friends? Yes, dogs can safely eat kiwi, just as they can enjoy coconut and pears, but a few precautions are necessary before sharing this fruit with your pup.
Continue reading to learn more about how to safely share kiwi with your dog, including the appropriate portions and any health concerns to watch out for.
Is Kiwi Safe for Dogs?
Absolutely, kiwi is safe for dogs to eat. It’s best to remove the skin and seeds before offering kiwi to your dog as a treat. Varieties such as yellow or golden kiwi are also safe, and dogs can even snack on kiwi berries.
Kiwi offers several potential benefits to dogs, such as vitamins A, C, E, and K. It also contains potassium, calcium, beta carotene, and lutein, which supports eye health.
As with introducing any new food, introduce kiwi gradually to your dog’s diet. This approach will help you monitor for any adverse reactions, such as allergies, intolerances, or digestive issues. While the benefits of kiwi are well-documented in humans, they are not as clearly understood in dogs. Thus, feeding kiwi to your dog won’t necessarily enhance their overall health.
How to Safely Share Kiwi with Your Dog
Here’s a guideline on how to prepare kiwi for your dog:
Remove the Skin
Though not toxic, kiwi skin is challenging to chew and may pose a choking hazard for smaller dogs. If swallowed whole, the skin could potentially block the digestive tract, causing severe health problems. Additionally, the tough texture of the skin makes it difficult to digest, increasing the chances of gastrointestinal upset.
Don’t Feed Whole Kiwi
Because of their small size, whole kiwis should never be given to dogs. While smaller breeds like Chihuahuas may struggle to fit a whole kiwi in their mouth, larger breeds such as Labrador Retrievers could gulp one down in a single bite, creating a choking risk. To avoid any dangerous situations, slice the kiwi into small, manageable pieces before feeding.
Feed in Moderation
Too much kiwi can lead to stomach issues. If your dog shows any of the following symptoms after eating kiwi, contact your veterinarian:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Painful or bloated belly
- Lethargy
Always Select Ripe Kiwi
Kiwis are available year-round. Choosing a ripe kiwi makes the treat better for your dog. A good kiwi should be firm, brown, and fuzzy without bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. Avoid feeding bruised, shriveled, or moldy kiwis to your dog as they are likely overripe.
Ways to Serve Kiwi to Your Dog
As with all fruits, wash the outer surface thoroughly before preparation. Remove the skin and cut the kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces based on your dog’s size.
Offer kiwi as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of their diet. You can use it as a healthy stuffing for treat toys like a Kong, providing mental stimulation for your dog without overfeeding.
Kiwi can even be mixed into a healthy frozen fruit or veggie popsicle to help your dog cool down on a hot day or simply share a tasty snack.
In summary, kiwi can be given to dogs as an occasional treat, provided the skin is removed, and it is not fed whole.
FAQ
How Much Kiwi Can I Give My Dog?
A few small pieces of kiwi are safe for dogs. Although dog-safe fruits and vegetables are relatively healthy and low-fat treat options, overfeeding can lead to stomach upset. Excessive treats, even healthy ones, can contribute to obesity.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi with Seeds?
Both the seeds and the skin are potential choking hazards, so it’s best to avoid sharing kiwi seeds with your dog.
Does Kiwi Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
Feeding too much kiwi at once can upset a dog’s stomach. Introduce it slowly and feed in moderation.
