Kiwis are small fruits with a lot of taste, sweet and spicy. This little fruit is packed with nutrients for humans like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folic acid and potassium, but what about dogs? Yes, kiwis are safe for dogs, as are coconuts and pears, but there are a few things you should consider before feeding them to dogs.
Read on to learn more about sharing your kiwi with your pup, such as: B. how much is safe for him and what possible health concerns there are.
Is kiwi safe for dogs?
The short answer is: yes, kiwi is a safe fruit for dogs. As a treat for your dog, it is recommended to remove the skin and seeds before feeding. Yellow or gold kiwis are also safe for dogs – dogs can even eat kiwi berries.
The potential benefits of kiwi for dogs include vitamins A, C, E and K. Kiwi also contains potassium and calcium, beta-carotene and lutein (which supports eye health).
As with any new food, it is always advisable to introduce kiwi to your dog slowly so that you can easily determine if your dog has an allergy, intolerance or digestive issues. Although there are many benefits to consuming kiwi for humans, the touted benefits for dogs are not really fully understood, and feeding it to them does not necessarily mean that it will have a positive impact on their overall health.
How to safely share kiwi with your dog
Here’s exactly how to prepare a kiwi to share with your dog to keep him safe.
Remove the skin
Although it is not poisonous, kiwi peel is difficult to chew and can potentially pose a choking risk to small dogs. If swallowed whole, it can also potentially block the digestive tract and cause serious health problems. In addition, the hard skin is generally more difficult to digest and can therefore be more likely to cause gastrointestinal problems.
Do not feed whole kiwis
Because kiwis are small, you should never feed your dog a whole kiwi. While smaller breeds like a Chihuahua may not be able to put a whole kiwi in their mouth, a larger breed like a Labrador Retriever could potentially devour it in just one bite. To avoid a dangerous situation, such as a kiwi getting stuck in your dog’s throat, cut the kiwi into small pieces and feed your dog small amounts at a time.
Feed in moderation
Too much kiwi can also cause stomach upset. If your dog experiences any of the following symptoms after eating a kiwi, contact your veterinarian:
Always choose ripe kiwi
Kiwis are available all year round. Choosing a good, ripe kiwi can also make the treat even better for your dog. A ripe kiwi should be firm, brown, and flaky, with no bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is damaged, shriveled, or has mold on it, the fruit is unfit to eat and is probably overripe.
Ways to Serve Kiwi to Your Dog
As with all fruits, it is important to wash and scrub the outer surface thoroughly before preparing. Remove the peel and cut the kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces, depending on the size of your dog.
Feed your dog kiwi as a special treat rather than as part of his regular diet. It can be used as part of a healthy filling for a treat like a Kong. This is a great way to provide your dog with mental exercise without overfeeding him.
It can even be paired with a healthy popsicle made from frozen fruit or vegetables to keep your dog cool on a hot day (or to simply share a tasty snack).
In summary, kiwis can be given to dogs as a rare treat as long as the peel is removed and the fruit is not fed whole.