Can Dogs Eat Kiwi

Kiwi is a small fruit that is naturally sweet and highly nutritious! Kiwi can also be called kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry. Once you know the health benefits of this delicious fruit, you might wonder, can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, kiwi can be shared with your dog in small amounts.

This nutritious fruit is grown in many areas of the world and can be found in grocery stores in the United States year-round. California grows a majority of the kiwi sold in food markets in United States. New Zealand and Southern China are also big suppliers of kiwi worldwide.

In this article, Can Dogs Eat Kiwi, you can learn about what makes this fruit nutritious, how much can be fed to dogs, and any potential concerns you should know about before feeding kiwi to your dog.

Nutritional Value of Kiwi for Canines
Best Way to Serve Kiwi
How Much Can My Dog Eat?

Potential Concerns for Serving Kiwi to Dogs
Alternatives to Kiwi

Kiwi fruit is a nutrient dense food with impressive amounts of vitamins and minerals. Vine ripened kiwi has the most flavor and nutrients. When purchasing them at the store, look for kiwi that is slightly soft and fragrant.

Leaving kiwi on your counter to ripen will make it softer and taste sweeter. Although, Kiwi will last longer when kept in refrigeration.

How to Cook Liver for Dogs

How to Measure a Dog for a Harness

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Nutritional Value of Kiwi for Canines

It is only natural that pet owners want to share this nutrient dense fruit with their canines. Can dogs eat kiwi? When given small amounts in a snack or as a food topper, your dog can benefit from the nutrients found in kiwi.

Health Benefits from Eating Kiwi

Rich in Vitamin C: lowers inflammation in the body, builds immunity, antioxidant properties.

Potassium: an electrolyte vital for good health. It is necessary for properly functioning heart, nerves, and muscles.
Vitamin K: promotes blood clotting
Protein: it contains almost one gram of protein which is good for energy levels.

Fiber: aids in regular elimination
High in antioxidants (folate, lutein, beta carotene) that support a healthy immune system.
High in Lutein: a nutrient that support vision and eye health.

Good for digestion: loaded with insoluble and soluble fiber as well as digestive enzymes which contributes to healthy gut flora.
Healthy balance of omega-3 and omega- 6 fatty acids.

The nutritious kiwi is a hydrating food, as it made of 85-90% water, depending on the variety of kiwi. It is also low in calories (one kiwi is 45 calories), contains no fat or cholesterol.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Best Way to Serve Kiwi

Can dogs eat kiwi? In small quantities, kiwi is a nutritious fruit to give your dog. When introducing any new food to your dog, always do so gradually.

At the market, chose kiwi that is ripe, firm, brown, and has fuzzy skin (for the green variety). Make sure the fruit has no noticeable bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles.

Is there a difference between gold kiwi and green kiwi? Yes. Dogs can have both varieties of kiwi. Gold kiwi has a smooth skin and has a higher sugar content. You will still remove the skin before serving it to your dog. When given a choice, chose the kiwi with less sugar to share with your dog.

Wash and scrub the skin of the kiwi before slicing it. Washing the skin reduces the danger of bacteria coming in contact with the fruit.

Remove the skin. Slice the kiwi and cut into smaller pieces. Kiwi can be used as food topper, special treat, smooshed into food-stuffed toys or pureed and frozen for a treat on warm days.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? How Much Can My Dog Eat?

You know the answer to can dogs eat kiwi, but how much is healthy and when is too much kiwi? Dogs can enjoy certain fruits as a regular part of their diet; however, it needs to be small quantities.

Always remove the skin of the kiwi and if you want to be super cautious, remove as many of the seeds as possible. The seeds are not toxic consumed in small quantities. Here is a general guideline on how much kiwi is healthy for a dog, based on serving kiwi 1-2 times a week.

Small dogs: 1-2 teaspoons
Medium dogs: 1 tablespoon

Large dogs: 1-2 tablespoons

Dogs are omnivores, meaning they eat protein and plants. However, a dog’s diet should not exceed more than 10% of its daily food intake from fruits and vegetables.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Potential Concerns for Serving Kiwi to Dogs

Can dogs eat kiwi? Kiwi is not toxic or poisonous to dogs. Although, you should be aware of the potential concerns of feeding kiwi to your dog.

Seeds. Kiwi seeds do contain a small amount of organic amygdalin which can release natural cyanide into the consumer. The seeds also contain nutrients and healthy omega-3’s. Both humans and dogs should not eat large amounts of kiwi. Other fruit with organic amygdalin includes stone fruit, watermelon, and apples. Cherries can release the highest amount of cyanide when the seed is crushed, you will want to avoid this seed.

When in doubt, remove the seeds of the kiwi. If you have any questions about safe quantities, contact your local veterinarian.

Skin. Kiwi skin is very fibrous and rough. It can be difficult for a dog’s digestion to breakdown the skin, causing the dog discomfort and potential blockages. Remove the skin before feeding kiwi to your dog.

Too Much Kiwi. Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, but too much of a good fruit can give your dog gastrointestinal issues, like vomiting, diarrhea, gas, lethargy, and a distended belly.

How to Get Your Dog to Eat

Potential Choking Hazard. It is not advised to give a whole kiwi to your dog. Any size dog can decide to gulp down this small fruit and cause blockages.

Obesity. Kiwi is naturally sweet and contains moderate amounts of sugar, 3 grams of sugar for half a kiwi. Dogs that are overweight need to be very careful of their sugar and calorie consumption.

Dehydrated Kiwi. Fruit that has been dehydrated is higher in sugar content. Fresh kiwi is the best way to share this fruit.

Although rare, a few dogs (and humans) can be sensitive to kiwi. When introducing this new fruit to your dog, give them a small piece at first and monitor for any signs of discomfort.

Kiwi is a nutritious fruit that can be shared with our dogs. The key to serving kiwi is remove the skin (and seeds, if desired), slice the kiwi and give your dog the appropriate amount for their size.

Alternative to Kiwi Pieces

Many dogs like food stuffed toys. Kiwi can be mashed and mixed with dog food and added to a food stuffed toy. Try freezing the toy for longer enjoyment. Freezing mashed kiwi in small silicone containers can make a nutritious treat.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

In small quantities kiwi has many health benefits for a dog. Kiwi is best known to contain more vitamin C then an orange. It can give the immune system a boost, lower inflammation, support both vision health and digestive health.

Dogs only need between one teaspoon up to one tablespoon of kiwi to benefit. You can share a few pieces with your pet and know they are getting bonus nutrition and a tasty treat.

Please read our Legal Disclaimer

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Nutritional Value of Kiwi for Canines

Health Benefits from Eating Kiwi

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Best Way to Serve Kiwi

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? How Much Can My Dog Eat?

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Potential Concerns for Serving Kiwi to Dogs

Alternative to Kiwi Pieces

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Have Questions? Mail Us gooddogswaginfo@gmail.com