Kiwis are small fruits that pack a lot of flavor and they are sweet and tangy. This little fruit is packed full of nutrients for humans like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium, but what about for dogs? Yes, kiwi is safe for dogs, like coconut and pears, but there are a few things to keep in mind before feeding it to them.
Read on to find out more about sharing your kiwi with your pup, such as how much is safe for them and any potential health concerns.
The short answer is yes, kiwi is a safe fruit for dogs to consume. It is recommended to remove the skin and seeds prior to feeding as a treat to your dog. Yellow or golden kiwi is also safe for dogs—dogs can even eat kiwi berries.
Some of the potential benefits of kiwi for dogs are the vitamins A, C, E, and K. Kiwi also contains potassium and calcium, beta carotene, and lutein (which supports eye health).
As with any new food, it is always wise to introduce kiwi to your dog slowly, so you can easily determine if your dog has an allergy, intolerance, or any digestive issues. Although there are many benefits to eating kiwi for humans, the benefits that may be touted are not really fully understood for dogs, and feeding it to them does not necessarily mean it's benefitting their overall health.
Here's exactly how to prepare a kiwi to share with your dog to keep them safe.
Although it is not toxic, kiwi skin is tough to chew and can possibly pose a choking risk for small dogs and if swallowed whole, it could also potentially block the digestive tract causing severe health issues. The tough skin is also just generally more difficult to digest, and this means it is more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.
Because kiwis are small in size, you should never feed your dog a whole kiwi. While smaller breeds, such as a Chihuahua, won’t be able to get a whole kiwi into their mouths, a larger breed, like a Labrador retriever, could potentially devour it in just one bite. To help prevent a hazardous situation, such as a kiwi getting lodged in your dog’s throat, cut the kiwi into small pieces and feed your dog small amounts at a time.
Too much kiwi can also lead to stomach upset. If your dog experiences any of the following after eating a kiwi, consult with your veterinarian:
Kiwi’s are available year-round. Picking a good, ripe kiwi can also make the treat that much better for your dog. A ripe kiwi fruit should be firm, brown, and fuzzy, have no bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, then the fruit is not good for eating and is probably overripe.
As with all fruit, it is important to wash and scrub the outer surface thoroughly prior to preparation. Remove the skin and slice the kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces, depending on the size of your dog.
Feed kiwi to your dog as a special treat and not part of their regular diet. It can be used as part of a healthy stuffing for a treat toy like a Kong. This is a great way to provide mental exercise for your dog without overfeeding.
It can even be combined in a healthy frozen fruit or veggie popsicle to keep your dog cool on a hot day (or to just share a tasty snack).
In summary, kiwi can be given to dogs as a rare treat, provided that the skin is removed and the fruit is not fed whole.
A few pieces of kiwi are safe for dogs to eat. Even though doggy-safe fruit and veg are generally considered healthy and low-fat treat options, feeding too much can lead to upset stomachs. Too many treats, no matter how healthy, can lead to obesity.
The seeds, along with the skin, are potential choking hazards for dogs, so it is best to avoid sharing kiwi seeds with your dog.
Too much kiwi at once can upset a dog's stomach, so feed slowly and in moderation.
Whether you let your dog on the furniture or not is a hotly debated topic. Some people are very passionate about their stance on their dog's couch sur
While dog bites can happen for many reasons, fear aggression is a common concern. Just like humans, dogs can inherit a tendency to be anxious, and the
There are a number of reasons to crate train your dog. Most puppies and adult dogs feel more secure in a small, enclosed den-like area, and young pupp
A dog throwing up yellow foam or bile might simply be hungry; when the stomach is empty, gastric acids irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea. Ho
Flu viruses occur in many species of animals, and dogs are no exception. Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious virus that causes respiratory i
The Carolina dog is a medium-size breed known for its tall and pointed ears, long snout, and lithe frame. They are also known as “American dingoes” or
The soft-coated wheaten terrier is a medium-size terrier dog breed from Ireland with a fun-loving, energetic, and bouncy personality. This dog sports
The Belgian Sheepdog is a medium-sized herding breed from Belgium with pointed ears, a long snout, elegant posture, and a thick double coat with coars
We are a comprehensive and trusted information platform dedicated to delivering high-quality content across a wide range of topics, including society, technology, business, health, culture, and entertainment.
From breaking news to in-depth reports, we adhere to the principles of accuracy and diverse perspectives, helping readers find clarity and reliability in today’s fast-paced information landscape.
Our goal is to be a dependable source of knowledge for every reader—making information not only accessible but truly trustworthy. Looking ahead, we will continue to enhance our content and services, connecting the world and delivering value.
