Kiwis are a sweet, nutrition-packed fruit that humans enjoy year-round. As delicious and nutritious as they are for humans, can dogs have kiwi too? Luckily, unlike many foods the answer is pretty straightforward for kiwis. Keep reading to find out: can dogs eat kiwi fruit?
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? (The Short Answer)
Yes, kiwis are safe for dogs and healthy for them as well! While there isn’t too much “fine print” about how to feed them to your dog, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure to cut it up into small pieces, especially for larger dogs who can fit the entire fruit in their mouth and possibly choke. Also, while the skin isn’t particularly dangerous, it is tough for your dog to digest and could upset their stomach so it’s best to avoid giving that part of the fruit to them.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat kiwi fruit?” Now, let’s learn about the benefits of feeding your dog this food! Is kiwi good for dogs?
The kiwi is an amazing little fruit as far as nutritional benefits go. It has more potassium than a banana and more vitamin C than an orange. While exact details of the health benefits of kiwis for dogs aren’t clear, it’s believed that their anti-inflammatory properties can help lessen the discomfort of arthritis and hip dysplasia.
Is Kiwi Bad For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat kiwi fruit?” Now, let’s learn about the dangers of feeding your dog this food! Is kiwi bad for dogs?
Kiwis pose few dangers to dogs. The biggest risk would be a choking hazard if a large dog tries to put an entire kiwi in its mouth. That risk can be significantly reduced simply by cutting up the fruit into bite-sized pieces.
While you’re at it, remove the skin of the Kiwi before feeding it to your dog. While it’s not toxic and your dog will likely be fine if they consume it, it’s very tough and hard for them to digest. This could result in stomach discomfort for your pooch.
As with any food, moderation is key. Kiwis should be fed as a treat and not as daily meals. Veterinarians usually recommend no more than 10% of a dog’s diet consist of treats so feed kiwis and other treats accordingly.
Other Varieties & Related Foods:
Can Dogs Eat Golden Kiwi?
Yes, golden kiwis are just as safe as green kiwis for dogs. All the same warnings and recommendations apply as well including avoiding the skin and chopping it up into small pieces.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Skin?
While it likely won’t harm them if they do, it’ll be a lot more enjoyable for your dog if you cut it off for them first. Due to the fact that it’s tough for them to digest and could easily give them an upset stomach, we don’t recommend letting your dog eat the skin of a kiwi.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Kiwi?
Kiwis are a delicious, vibrant-tasting fruit that are enjoyable for humans and dogs alike. As long as you chop it into bite-size pieces and avoid feeding your dog the skin, you should have no worries sharing this delicious fruit with your pup!
Alternative Options
If your dog is allergic to kiwi or you don’t have any available, there are some other similar alternatives to try:
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
