Fruits can be a tasty and delicious treat for people and pups. They are especially a refreshing food in the hot summer months. Kiwis are appealing to both humans and dogs with their outer fizzy layer, and juicy, vibrant, green insides.
Dogs are able to eat many fruits and veggies with no issue. So, can dogs eat kiwi? Are they safe for dogs? Kiwi is packed with nutrition and fiber to keep people and dogs healthy. However, here are some things to consider when giving your dog kiwi.
We’ll take a dive into the world of kiwis and find out just how safe(or unsafe) these delicious fruits are for your pup to consume. We’ll also examine other fruits that can boost your dog up in energy levels and hydration just as kiwi can. Lastly, we’ll take a look at fruits to avoid giving your dog.
Can Kiwi Kill Dogs? Are They Poisonous?
Kiwi is a relatively safe fruit for dogs to eat and have many amazing health benefits. But before we discuss the benefits of giving kiwi to your dog, let’s look at some potential issues.
One issue or drawback is the size of the kiwi. Because it’s so small, it has the possibility to block your dog’s intestinal tract or stomach. This will only happen if the kiwi is swallowed whole without chewing.
But some dogs, especially larger ones, will have no problem swallowing a fruit whole. Especially if they’re hungry! You can get an idea if this situation will be true for your dog by the way they eat their dog food or dog treat before even giving them kiwi for the first time.
Another cause of a potential blockage is the high amounts of insoluble fiber that kiwi fruit skins have. This makes it more difficult for your pup to digest and the skins may bind together and cause a blockage in the stomach.
What happens as a result of gastrointestinal blockages? The blockage causes a need for surgery if you get to them in time. Sometimes, it’s hard to notice the symptoms of a blockage because some dogs will keep eating and drinking normally.
They won’t be vomiting profusely or having diarrhea right away, which are signs of intestinal blockages. This means that you’ll likely get them to the vet far too late, and unfortunately, this can result in death.
Although kiwis can be dangerous due to their skins, the interior (the good part) isn’t harmful or poisonous to dogs and is actually quite nutritious. However, beware that if you do decide to give your dog kiwis with the skin on, the high amount of fiber may cause upset stomach or diarrhea.
To avoid blockages and a huge mess to clean up, it’s best to remove the skin before feeding your dog kiwi.
The Benefits of Kiwi for Dogs
You might still be wondering, is kiwi good for dogs? Is kiwi safe for dogs? Can dogs eat kiwi?
You’ll be happy to know that antioxidants and nutritional benefits are packed into kiwi. Kiwi fruit contains a great amount of potassium, vitamin K and beta carotene (vitamin C). They are loaded with digestive enzymes and have a high water content to keep your dog nice and hydrated.
Kiwi good for dogs!
Let’s take a closer look at each of the benefits that will be reaped if you feed your dog kiwi fruit.
Digestive Enzymes
One of the amazing things about the kiwi fruit, is that they have enzymes called actinidin. This enzyme helps to break down proteins which is great for your dog since a lot of dog foods are packed with protein. Also, actinidin helps improve digestion by reducing uncomfortable bloating and gas.
Sometimes you’ll notice that enzymes are added to certain dog foods. Adding kiwi fruit or oranges oranges to your dog s diet can help them avoid painful gas and stomach upset.
High Water Content
Kiwis are 80% water making them a delicious low-calorie treat for your dog. Kiwis will also keep your dog hydrated which makes them a great option for a post-playtime snack.
It’s recommended that dogs get 25-50ml/kg every day. So, if your Golden weighs 30kg, they require about 750-1500ml of water a day.
Of course, just as with humans, these measurements fluctuate depending on environmental factors, amount of exercise, age, and your dog’s current diet. Still, it’s important to keep your dog adequately hydrated at all times. Dehydration can a weak pulse, rapid heartbeat, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, it can cause death.
Introducing kiwis to your dog’s diet can help make their water intake more dynamic and delicious.
High Fiber Content
Eating fruit high in fiber is great for the digestive system. Fruits with a lot of fiber can help alleviate your dog of painful constipation and also diarrhea.
Just as in us people, fiber can also help a canine maintain a healthy weight. It helps them feel more full without consuming as many calories. So, if your dog has been put on a diet by your veterinarian, you might want to consider more high fiber foods like kiwi.
Just be considerate as to how much of the skin your dog is eating. As mentioned earlier, too much kiwi skin can cause blockages.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential to help dogs’ blood clot and prevent bleeding problems. It can even be used in very high doses to treat dogs with blood clotting disorders. A kiwi can dogs eat contains vitamin K, but not so much as to harm dogs without blood clotting disorders.
Vitamin C
Did you know that dogs can make their own vitamin C unlike humans? They are able to synthesize it in their own livers! However, a little extra from kiwi kiwi won’t hurt them. It actually has the potential to boost a dog s immune system by enhancing white blood cell functioning and helps them fight. A kiwi can dogs eat is especially helpful for older dogs to eat, whose immune systems have weakened.
Potassium
Kiwi contains potassium and helps maintain a healthy muscle and nervous system. This mineral helps boosts muscle growth along with boosting metabolism. Potassium is also known to enhance cognitive functioning to keep your pup’s brain healthy and efficient.
Other Fruits Dogs Can Eat
Dogs aren’t just limited to enjoying kiwi! They have a wide range of other fruits they can eat too. Just like kiwi, the fruits listed below should be given in moderation to avoid any side effects that would affect your dog s stomach.
- Apples. Apples are a great source of vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber. They are also low in fat which makes them great for dogs trying to maintain a healthy weight. Make sure you remove the apple seeds and core first as this can be toxic to dogs.
- Bananas. Bananas are a tasty low-calorie treat for your pup. They’re packed with potassium, fiber, and copper. They’re high in sugar, however, so make sure you give this to your dog sparingly. You can even just give them small pieces instead of the whole banana.
- Watermelon. Watermelon is full of vitamins A and C and has a high water content. Make sure you remove the rind and all seeds before giving it to your dog. Dogs eat almost anything placed in front of them, so doing your part and removing the seeds and rind for them will reduce the chances of blockages.
- Blackberries. Blackberries are a nice, sweet treat for your pup. They’re loaded with antioxidants to support a healthy and strong immune system. Give your dog blackberries in small amounts since too many of these can cause diarrhea.
- Figs. Figs are high and fiber and offer a great source of energy due to the high sugar content. Some dogs, like those with diabetes, need to stay away from fruit with a lot of sugar. It’s best to check with your vet when considering which fruit to give your dog with a dietary restriction.
What Fruit Can Dogs Not Eat?
As you can see there are so many yummy fruit options to feed your dog. But there are some that are a definite no-no. Some fruits you should avoid giving your dog at all costs. These fruits are not safe for dogs, can be toxic, increase blood pressure, and even be deadly if dogs eat them.
If your dog has ingested any of these fruits mentioned below, take them to your vet immediately, even if they haven’t begun showing signs of toxicity yet.
- Avocados. The skin and pit of avocadoes contain persin, which is a fungicidal toxin found in some types of food that can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The high-fat content of avocados, like coconut oil, can also cause stomach upset, or worse, pancreatitis. The American Kennel Club suggests avoiding giving these to your dog.
- Cherries. Cherry pits, stems, and leaves contain cyanide and are toxic for your dog. Cyanide prevents your dog’s blood cells from getting enough oxygen by disrupting the transportation of oxygen via the cells. This causes breathing issues and eventually death.
- Grapes. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to dogs no matter the breed, age, size, or sex. They can even lead to acute kidney failure after your dog eats(dogs eat kiwi) them.
- Tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes are usually safe for dogs, but the green parts of this food have a substance called solanine. This is highly toxic to dogs if consumed in large quantities, but it’s better to avoid tomatoes all together to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, they absolutely can. Kiwis offer tons of health benefits like vitamins, minerals, and hydration to keep your pup healthy and hydrated. They’re also great for digestion and will help relieve the painful gas that some dogs suffer from. You also don’t have to worry about your dog eating one or all of the seeds!
When dogs eat kiwi, remember to be cautious. When feeding your dog kiwi fruit, give it in moderation and preferably without the skin to avoid any intestinal blockages. You can also try giving your dog slices instead of the whole kiwi since giving a dog a whole kiwi could present a choking hazard.
The kiwi good for dogs is one human food that can safely be added to a dog s diet for added health benefits and as a delicious treat.
References
https://www.vet.cornell.edu/animal-health-diagnostic-center/testing/protocols/vitamin-k-deficiency
