Kiwi is one of the healthiest fruits. Most people include it in their diet to cure several diseases. Thanks to its national value and antioxidant properties. If you are concerned about your dog, you may also like to include kiwi in his diet. Before that, you have to know: Can dogs have kiwi?
Luckily, dogs can have kiwi without any risk if taken in a moderate amount. Kiwi has all the nutrients that our canine friends need. You may add it to the 10% of your dog’s diet occasionally to offer him some health benefits.
It is also necessary to know the correct way and portion of feeding kiwis to dogs. So stay tuned.
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All About Kiwi
Kiwi is a fruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry, that belongs to the genus Actinidia. It has a thin and fibrous tart with light green and light brown skin, golden and light green flesh, and tiny rows of black seeds.
Kiwi is mainly a plant that produces fruit, called kiwi fruit. We refer to this fruit as kiwi. Many people use it for treating high blood pressure, constipation, asthma, and other health issues. You may see this fruit as an ingredient in many soft drinks too.
Anyway, the main nutrients in kiwi are vitamin C and dietary fibre. Besides, it has small amounts of vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
Can Dogs Have Kiwi?
Kiwi is a nutrient-dense fruit that not only benefits humans but also dogs and other pets. Usually, vets recommend including vitamin C, potassium, and fibre in dogs’ diets, which is inevitable in kiwi. It means kiwi is a safe treat for dogs.
Eating too much kiwi may have adverse effects, so try to keep the quantity moderate. Hence, you can save your dog from diarrhoea or an upset stomach.
Make sure your dog is healthy enough to consume kiwi. Because, in most cases, we see dogs with diabetes and GI issues can’t digest kiwi. It would be best if you ask your vet if kiwi can be safe for your dog although he is healthy.
How To Feed Kiwi To Dogs?
The kiwi that you will be serving to your dog must be fresh and ripe. Don’t forget to wash them properly to scrub away the bacteria. Then peel out its skin and make some of its slices. Remove the seeds too. Now you can offer this fruit to your dog as a reward.
Note: Kiwi should be an occasional treat for dogs. Don’t feed this fruit to them more than two or three times a week.
How Much Kiwi Can Dogs Have?
If you want to get the best result from feeding kiwi to your dog, be aware of its quantity. For instance, an extra-small breed shall have one or two small pieces of kiwi, i.e., about one tablespoon or 2 to 20 pounds. For small breeds, the amount of kiwi should be 21 to 30 pounds, and for medium breeds, it should be 3 to 50 pounds. Again, for large breeds, the amount of kiwi should be 51 to 90 pounds, and for extra-large breeds, it should be 91 to 100 pounds.
Don’t offer this fruit to your dog directly in the proper quantity. At first, offer him a single small piece of it, then see if he gives any reaction or not. If your dog seems fine, you can treat him with Kiwi, maintaining the mentioned amount.
Benefits Of Having Kiwi For Dogs
There are loads of nutrients in kiwi; the highest nutrient is vitamin C. We know vitamin C can prevent inflammation and skin issues and offer a healthy coat. Again, its calcium can make your dog’s bones stronger, and potassium will make the muscles healthier.
With a good amount of fibre, kiwi can cure your dog’s constipation, and its lutein will promote healthy vision. There is also an antioxidant in kiwi, named beta-carotene, that can improve your dog’s immune system.
Risks Of Having Kiwi For Dogs
Hopefully, kiwi won’t show any side effects to your dog if you feed him in a proper way and amount. The risks are only apparent when you feed the seeds and skin along with the flesh. Besides, consuming too much kiwi can bring digestive issues to your canine friend.
The seeds in kiwi are toxic to dogs and other pets. Thus, eating it can pose a threat to your dog’s health. Although its skin is not toxic for dogs, it can lead to choking hazards.
Let’s say your dog hasn’t consumed the seeds and skin of kiwi, yet it can be harmful if taken in a large quantity. In such cases, your dog may go through diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
When Can Dogs Have Kiwi?
Kiwi is not a dog food, but a healthy treat that we can include in our dog’s diet in a small quantity. It is because dogs can’t cope with fruits and veggies in the same way we can. We also see that some dogs can’t even withstand a single piece of kiwi or any fruit.
Vets usually restrict dogs with diabetes or obesity from eating kiwis. Also, dogs with allergies and bad digestive issues can’t eat them. It means only a healthy dog can have kiwi, even if it needs approval from his vet.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Kiwi?
Do dogs like kiwi?
The shape, colour, and texture of kiwi attract many dogs and pets. Some dogs even adore the taste of it.
Which fruits are toxic to dogs?
Grapes and dried grapes (raisins) are toxic to dogs. All ages, sexes, and breeds of dogs are forbidden to eat grapes and raisins. These can lead to kidney failure and digestive issues in them.
Which fruit is better for dogs, strawberries or kiwis?
Compared to kiwis, strawberries are better for dogs as they have more nutritional value. Strawberries are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, iron, magnesium, etc. Whereas, kiwis are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and fibre only.
Final Thoughts
Since kiwi provides side effects along with benefits, you may still wonder, Can dogs have kiwi? The answer is yes, if he is healthy and if the amount is moderate.
Don’t forget to take the skin and seeds out of the kiwi, as they can be harmful to your pet. If he ever eats it more than required, look for the symptoms. Let him vomit and discharge everything. Call your vet if necessary. Sometimes, only medications work to prevent an upset stomach.
