Can Dogs Eat Kiwi

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi

Author WDF Staff

05.04.2021.


Kiwi is a delicious superfruit packed with healthy nutrients. It has more potassium than bananas, and more vitamin C can be found in a kiwi than in an orange. If you love kiwi, you probably wondered, “Can dogs eat kiwi?” or “Is kiwi safe for dogs?” Luckily, dogs can have kiwi. However, there are a few things you should know before freely feeding your dog kiwi.

Is kiwi healthy for dogs?

Yes, kiwi is very healthy, and if you feed your dog kiwi, there are different benefits they can get from eating it. Kiwi is packed with healthy nutrients, and vitamin C and potassium are just some of them. The nutrients your dog will benefit from are;

  • Dietary fiber - One of the best things about kiwis is that it is packed with insulable dietary fiber. Fiber is necessary for healthy digestion, and insulable fiber will make sure your dog doesn’t get constipated. Check out this article for more info on dietary fiber’s importance in your dog’s diet - Fiber sources for dogs.
  • Vitamin C - Vitamin C is probably the most famous of all vitamins - and rightly so. It is necessary for the development, growth, and repair of all body tissue. It will also boost the immune system, help maintain bones, cartilages, and healthy teeth. Vitamin C helps with iron absorption and collagen production.
  • Vitamin E - Vitamin E is the vitamin you, or your dog, should take to promote eye and skin health. This is one of the essential vitamins. It will help boost your dog’s immune system by enabling their natural defenses.
  • Vitamin K - The importance of vitamin K is often neglected. Still, this is the vitamin the body needs for blood clotting and wound repair. Some scientific studies even suggested this vitamin helps keep the bones in perfect health.
  • Potassium - Potassium is an essential mineral the body needs for several functions. Potassium helps with fluid balance regulation, muscle and nerve signals, and helps prevent osteoarthritis, kidney stones, and stroke.

If you want to know more about the best vitamins for dogs, check out this article - Best vitamins for dogs.

Can kiwi be bad for dogs?

There are some precautions dog owners should take when giving kiwi to their dogs. One of the first things they should keep in mind is never to give a whole kiwi to their dog. Smaller dogs might not be able to put an entire kiwi in their mouths, but breeds like the Bernese Mountain Dogs or Golden Retrievers will have no problem with that. Eating a whole kiwi can lead to choking. If you want to feed kiwi to your dog, make sure you do it safely.

kiwi closeup

Kiwis have seeds, and you should avoid feeding kiwi seeds to your dog. Kiwi seeds could be toxic to dogs if eaten in large quantities, so make sure you avoid feeding them to your dog. Another issue can arise if your dog has access to kiwi. Make sure your dog cannot get to them when you are not looking. Another part of this fruit dogs should avoid is - skin. It can be hard for dogs to digest and can cause digestive blockage. Peel the kiwi and remove the seeds before you share it with your dog.

Kiwi allergies

All food could potentially cause an allergic reaction, and kiwis are no different. If you want to give some to your dog, make sure you start with small amounts and see how they react. Who knows, your dog might not even like the taste of kiwis. One of the first things you should look for is an allergic reaction. If you notice these symptoms, stop feeding kiwi to your dog immediately;

kiwi slices

How to safely feed kiwis to your dog?

There are safe ways you could feed kiwis to your dog. The first time you give kiwi to your dog, make sure you give your dog only a tiny bit. Make sure they don’t have any trouble digesting it or that the kiwi won’t cause an upset stomach. Try to treat feeding kiwis to your dog as you would giving them treats. That means you shouldn’t overfeed your dog on it. Although kiwi is healthy and safe for dogs to eat, and dogs can have kiwis, that doesn’t mean they should be overfed. Overfeeding your dog on kiwis can lead to an upset stomach and gastrointestinal distress.

Pick a ripe kiwi for your dog. Make sure you remove the skin and seeds, and feed your dog only the tasty, fruity part from inside. Slide the kiwi into smaller, easily consumable pieces. Avoid any choking possibilities, and make sure kiwi doesn’t become more than 5% of your dog’s daily food intake. All human foods should be used as treats for your dog. Fruits are not a part of their natural diet, so be careful when feeding your dog things dogs don’t usually eat.

If you love cooking and preparing treats for your dog, you can mix kiwi with plain Greek yogurt. Mix it until the mixture is smooth and pour into a mold. Place the mold in the freezer for 24 hours, and you will end up with delicious, frozen treats your dog will absolutely love. It is an excellent way of providing some much-needed refreshment on warm summer days.

World Dog Finder team

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