Kiwi, a fuzzy delectable fruit that looks like an overgrown egg, is a great source of vitamins and antioxidants. No wonder this fruit counts as the most favorite among many people. But is it the same for our furry companion? Can dogs eat kiwi? Let’s find out!

So, Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Rest assured, yes, they can. Your pet will enjoy the kiwi without any harm. In fact, eating a kiwifruit comes with an abundance of health benefits both to humans and dogs.

Read on to find out more about treating your dog with this unique yet delicious fruit.

About Kiwifruit

Kiwi, also called Chinese gooseberry, is native to central and eastern Asia. You can find this fruit all year round. Kiwi is a small-sized fruit that is vibrant bright green on the inside and brown and fuzzy outside. There are many other varieties of kiwi, such as the golden kiwi and purple kiwi. You can also find kiwi berries, which are only the size of a grape, even when they are fully matured and ripe.

Is Kiwi Good for Dogs? 

A kiwifruit contains more potassium than a banana and more vitamin C than an orange. Its high level of vitamins and minerals makes it a super fruit for humans. But is kiwi good for dogs? Certainly. This nutrient-dense fruit possesses several health benefits to canines as well. But dogs have different digestive systems and dietary requirements than humans. They might not get as many of the benefits we do from eating a kiwi. This also doesn’t mean kiwi isn’t good for dogs, but humans can gain more from consuming kiwis than dogs.

Nutritional Benefits of Kiwis to Dogs

So, how is kiwi good for dogs? Below are some of the nutritional benefits that your dog can get from eating a kiwi:

1. Kiwi is loaded with vitamin C: Kiwi contains an impressive amount of Vitamin C. Although dogs are known to produce their own vitamin C, feeding kiwi can help their gum and teeth development. Vitamin C also helps your dog absorb iron better, which prevents iron deficiencies.
2. It is a good source of potassium: The potassium content in kiwi helps in lowering blood pressure. Potassium is also essential for your dog’s proper bodily functions for regulating their fluid balance. Dogs have a hard time getting enough potassium from dog food. Because of this, a balanced diet for them should include at least 0.6% potassium. Kiwi is one way to help increase your dog’s potassium.
3. Vitamin K in kiwi prevents blood clotting: Kiwi’s high levels of vitamin K reduce the risk of developing clots and help to prevent them from becoming serious. Similarly, this vitamin also aids in promoting bone growth in dogs. Vitamin K is also known to treat canines with anticoagulant rodent poisoning.
4. Its fiber content helps in digestive health: Many vets recommend a high-fiber diet for overweight dogs. Kiwi just happens to be one of the many fruits that can be added to your pup’s meal when such a requirement is needed. This sweet fruit is an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibers, supporting your dog’s healthy digestion. The fuzzy skin part of kiwi is also rich in fiber, and fascinatingly, the skin is edible!
5. Enzymes in kiwi further enhance protein digestion: A digestive enzyme called actinidin found in kiwi can break down proteins, especially in meat. This enzyme improves protein digestion in your dog’s small intestines and stomach, hence reducing gastrointestinal distress.
6. There are no saturated fats in kiwi: Another benefit of feeding kiwi to your pooch is that it contains zero saturated fat. The fruit is the right choice for dog owners who have obese dogs. Therefore, it can help such dog owners to maintain their pup’s fat intake.
7. It is rich in antioxidants that fight off cancers: According to the National Cancer Institute, high levels of free radicals can damage the DNA, which can lead to cancers. Luckily, kiwi is also full of antioxidants that help reduce as well as remove such free radicals from your dog’s body. Hence it has the ability to fight off cancer to some extent.

Is Kiwi Safe for Dogs?

Kiwi is undoubtedly safe for dogs. But given its size, some dogs might choke on the whole fruit, so be careful about that when you give them one. Make sure that you provide kiwi only after it is well cut into pieces.

Besides, feeding kiwi can be unsafe if your dog is allergic to the fruit. Since some dogs are allergic to kiwi, make sure you know how your dog reacts before treating them with this juicy delight.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Skin? 

Kiwi has a coarse outer skin, contrary to its soft and juicy green meat inside. The fuzzy skin contains high insoluble fiber levels, commonly known as ‘roughage.’ This high insoluble fiber content means that the skin isn’t easily digestible, and ingesting it might possibly cause intestinal blockage in your dog. Although the outer covering (skin) is edible, we recommend peeling the skin off before feeding it to your dog.

How Should I Feed Kiwi to My Dog?

There are a few things to consider when it comes to feeding kiwi to your pup. These include:

• Always serve fresh kiwis to your dog.
• Introduce the fruit in small amounts when providing them for the first time.
• Wash the kiwi skin properly before feeding as it can contain dirt.
• Peel the fruit to avoid any indigestion in your dog.
• Regardless of the dog’s size, always cut kiwis into smaller pieces to avoid potential choking.
• Get your dog to properly chew the cut pieces of kiwi so that they are easily digested. This also reduces stomach blockage risks.
• Also, do not forget to remove both of a kiwi’s hard ends since they also pose a possible choking risk.
• If you can, try to buy organic kiwis than regular ones. Organic kiwis have more antioxidant properties than regular ones.
• It is best to avoid kiwi when your dog has a sensitive stomach.
• You can also try making creative treats with kiwi. For instance, giving frozen kiwis or a kiwifruit salad mixed with other fruits is a way to treat your pooch after training.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat kiwi? Here’s the deal: As with many other fruits, sharing a reasonable amount of kiwi is perfectly fine. Feeding this delicious fruit to your dog, as an occasional treat, is actually a good idea. Your pup will also get a boost of vitamin C, potassium, vitamin K, and fiber. But it is also possible that some dogs’ stomachs mightn’t fully approve of the kiwifruit. Thus, you’ll need to pay attention to any indications of distress in such cases.

Thank you for reading the article.

Now that you know how feeding kiwi is not only safe for dogs but it also provides several nutritional benefits. Explore more other kiwi-related dog articles that you might be interested in.

Did you already know about the nutritional benefits of feeding kiwi to dogs? Have you ever shared kiwi with your furry friend? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!