Kiwis are great fruit and we all love them. They have a lot of potassium (more than bananas) and they are delicious. But many fruits and foods that we like are not safe for dogs. Can dogs eat kiwi? We will give you the answer you are looking for. We will also explain the topic in detail and give you all the things you need to know.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?
Yes, dogs can eat kiwi. The fruit is not toxic to dogs and it will not cause any health-treated issues or complications. Most dogs even love kiwis so this is a win-win combination. The most important thing here is to feed kiwi to your dog in small pieces. If you give him a whole kiwi, he will try to eat which can cause problems or your pet can choke! Slice it and then feed your pet. The size of the slice will depend on the size of your dog. Smaller breeds need smaller pieces.
The next thing to know is that the skin of a kiwi is not ideal. First of all, it is extremely hard to digest. It can cause blockage and it can even choke your pet. There are no health benefits to the skin here so you will want to eliminate it from the diet of your pet.
As always, start with a very small amount of kiwi. Your dog may be allergic to kiwi. As such, a small piece will help you notice the minor symptoms but won’t cause big problems. This is a trick that you should use with all fruits, vegetables, and all new types of food you will feed your dog. It is a safe way.
If you believe that kiwi will provide countless health benefits to your pet, you are wrong. There are some benefits but nothing important. Kiwi is much more beneficial for humans than for dogs. Yes, it is still safe but don’t expect too much. If you want to feed your pet with only fruits that provide benefits to his health, kiwis are not one of those fruits.
Potential Risks
There are no major issues or problems here. But, moderation is something you must know about. Dogs love to eat and they can eat a lot. When this happens, they can gain weight or end up with an upset stomach which is a huge problem. The situation is the same with kiwis. Too much of them can cause an upset stomach and your pet will show some of the symptoms from below. Usually, dogs have all or a few of these signs:
- Lethargy
- Painful belly
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
As you can see, a dog can have all of these or just 2 signs. Regardless of the number, take your dog to a vet immediately. He may have to start therapy in order to help your dog. A vet can induce vomiting if your pet has vomited yet. One way or another a vet can help and you can’t. This happens only if a dog eats a lot of kiwis. We believe that the ideal amount is a few slices per day, less than a whole kiwi. Use this as a treat and addition to the diet and not a replacement for the dog food. Smaller dogs need smaller amounts of kiwi. Larger dogs can eat a bit more but still less than a whole kiwi per day. It is a rare treat for your pet.
Too much of anything is bad. This is the case with fruits as well. If you feed your pet a lot of kiwi every single day, a lot of treats, and a lot of food in general, he will gain weight. Dogs can gain weight much quicker than humans. Once this happens, he is at a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia or issues with the joints. Some breeds have predispositions for these conditions hence they must maintain proper weight throughout their life.
Only Feed Ripe Kiwis To Your Pet Carefully Prepared
This is something you may know already. But, some of you don’t. Hence, we must explain the issue. You will have to feed ripe kiwis to your dog only. They should be firm and fuzzy. If you see kiwis that have dark spots or even mold on them, avoid these at all costs. They can cause a lot of problems to your pet and this is not something you will want to see.
If possible, always find organic kiwis for your pet. These have the same healthy ingredients as ordinary kiwis, but they don’t contain pesticides, artificial chemicals, or anything similar. Most dogs are unable to tolerate artificial chemicals and many are deadly for dogs. Once again we can see that you can use this rule for all fruits you want to feed your pet with.
The next thing you must know is that you always have to wash kiwi before you feed your pet with it. This is obvious but still something you need to keep in mind. You can feed kiwi to your pet raw, in small pieces. You can even stuff toys with this treat. Dogs love this and they will play and get a treat at the same time.
When the outside temperature is high you can make a popsicle using kiwi and frozen fruits (use only that are safe for dogs). A dog will enjoy this and he will decrease his temperature which is difficult for dogs when exposed to a high temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Can Dogs Eat Kiwi
Is Kiwi Safe for All Breeds of Dogs?
Yes, kiwi is generally safe for all breeds of dogs as long as it’s given in moderation. However, each dog is unique and may have different dietary needs and preferences.
Can Dogs Have Kiwi Skin?
Although kiwi skin isn’t toxic to dogs, it’s recommended to remove the skin because of its tough texture and to prevent potential digestive issues.
Can Kiwi Cause Allergies in Dogs?
While it’s rare, dogs can be allergic to kiwi. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, like excessive itching or difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately.
Can Puppies Eat Kiwi?
Yes, puppies can eat kiwi in small amounts. It’s important to introduce any new food gradually and under supervision to observe any adverse reactions.
What Other Fruits Can I Feed My Dog?
Most fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries are safe for dogs when served in moderation. However, some fruits like grapes, cherries, and avocados are harmful to dogs.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Much Kiwi?
If a dog eats too much kiwi, it may result in gastrointestinal upset due to the high fiber content. Symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting.
Can I Feed My Dog Kiwi Every Day?
While kiwi isn’t harmful to dogs, it shouldn’t be a daily treat. A dog’s diet should primarily consist of high-quality dog food.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Kiwi?
Dried kiwi often contains added sugar, which isn’t good for dogs. It’s best to stick to fresh kiwi.
How Should I Serve Kiwi to My Dog?
Always serve kiwi in small, bite-sized pieces to prevent choking.
Is Kiwi Good for Dogs?
In moderation, kiwi can provide dogs with beneficial nutrients, including vitamin C and fiber. However, it should not replace a balanced, nutritious dog diet.
The Final Word
This was an interesting topic. Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, they can but only in moderation. Kiwis are a great, rare, and occasional treat for a dog but not so good if your pet eats kiwis every single day. Always remember that the skin of this fruit is bad and you should avoid feeding your pet with it. In fact, most fruits are bad for dogs.
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