Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? Is Kiwi Safe Or Bad For Dogs?

Yes, dogs can eat kiwi. This fruit is not only safe for dogs to consume but also carries various health benefits.

Kiwis are a great source of vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, and potassium, all of which contribute positively to a dog’s overall health. The vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, potentially boosting the immune system and enhancing the body’s ability to heal. Dietary fiber can help with digestion, and potassium is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining heart health and balancing fluids.

As always, though, the majority of a dog’s diet should be a balanced dog food, with fruits like kiwi serving as an occasional treat rather than a staple. We give our dog Bingo kiwi when we have one that’s slightly past its best. He doesn’t love them but he will eat anything!

Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?

While kiwi is generally safe for all breeds of dogs, the effect it has can vary depending on the specific dog’s size, metabolism, and overall health. Some dogs might find kiwi more palatable than others.

The key is to introduce it into their diet slowly and in small amounts. If your dog enjoys kiwi and shows no signs of digestive upset or allergic reaction, it can be a healthy addition to their diet.

While it is relatively uncommon, it’s indeed possible for a dog to have an adverse reaction to any new food, including kiwi. Each dog is individual, and what one dog can tolerate, another may not. In most cases, dogs will experience no adverse effects from eating kiwi, especially if they eat it in moderation.

That said, it is possible for dogs to have a food intolerance or allergy, just like humans. Symptoms of these can include skin reactions (like hives), gastrointestinal upset (such as vomiting or diarrhea), and in very rare cases, difficulty breathing, which could be a sign of anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Again, these severe reactions are very rare, but it’s crucial to know the signs and to monitor your dog when introducing any new food to their diet. If you notice any adverse reactions after feeding your dog kiwi, or any new food, it is advisable to consult with your vet immediately.

Benefits Of Kiwi For Dogs

Feeding your dog kiwi in moderation can provide several health benefits due to the fruit’s high nutrient content. Here are some potential benefits:

1. Rich in Vitamins: Kiwi is high in vitamins C and K. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect your dog’s cells from harmful free radicals. It also plays a role in collagen synthesis, which is crucial for healthy skin, bones, and tissues. Vitamin K helps in blood clotting and bone metabolism.
2. Dietary Fiber: Kiwi contains dietary fiber, which can help regulate your dog’s digestive system, promoting healthy bowel movements and potentially aiding in weight management.
3. Potassium: Kiwi is a good source of potassium, an essential mineral that helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions in your dog’s body.
4. Low in Fat and Calories: Kiwi is low in calories and fat, making it a relatively guilt-free treat for dogs, especially those who are watching their weight.
5. Hydration: Like many fruits, kiwi has high water content, which can help keep your dog hydrated.

Remember, while these benefits make kiwi sound like an excellent addition to a dog’s diet, the fruit should be offered in moderation. Too much of any fruit can lead to gastrointestinal issues in dogs.

Is Kiwi Bad For Dogs?

There are a few potential downsides to feeding your dog kiwi:

1. High in Sugar: Like all fruits, kiwi contains natural sugars. While not as harmful as processed sugars, excessive consumption could lead to weight gain or contribute to conditions like diabetes. Therefore, it’s crucial to feed kiwi and other fruits in moderation.
2. Digestive Upset: Some dogs might find it hard to digest kiwi or may simply not react well to the fruit. This can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset, even if it’s not technically an allergic reaction.
3. Choking Hazard: The small seeds of the kiwi, while generally safe to eat, could potentially present a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. Similarly, the skin, if not properly removed, might pose a risk.
4. Nutritional Imbalance: Too much fruit in a dog’s diet can lead to a nutritional imbalance. While fruits like kiwi have many beneficial nutrients, they don’t contain all the nutrients that dogs need for a balanced diet.
5. Preference and Palatability: Not all dogs will like the taste of kiwi. Some might turn their noses up at the fruit, making it a less than ideal treat choice.

We only feed our dog a small amount of kiwi every now and again. He probably gets 1 kiwi every month while they’re in season. He gets other fruit like banana or veges like zucchini when they’re in season as well, but for the most part, he’s on a raw meat diet.

How To Feed Kiwi To Dogs

There are several fun and easy ways to incorporate kiwi into your dog’s diet. As you can see, we usually just give the kiwi to our dog and he eats it as is where is.

Here are some other ideas for giving your dog kiwi fruit.

1. Raw Treats: Peel the kiwi and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Make sure the pieces are appropriately sized for your dog to avoid choking hazards.
2. Frozen Snacks: You can freeze small pieces of kiwi and offer them as a refreshing treat, especially during hot weather.
3. Blended in Smoothies: If your dog enjoys homemade dog-friendly smoothies, you can add a little bit of kiwi for extra flavor and nutrients. Make sure not to add any ingredients that could be harmful to dogs, such as chocolate or certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
4. Mixed with their regular food: If your dog doesn’t seem to like kiwi on its own, you can try mixing small pieces into their regular food.
5. As a Topping on a Special Meal: If you occasionally prepare homemade meals for your dog, a little bit of kiwi could serve as a tasty and nutritious topping.

Kiwi skin isn’t bad for dogs but it is tougher to digest and may give your pet an upset stomach if he or she is not used to it.

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Peel?

Dogs can technically eat the skin of a kiwi, as it is not toxic to them. The skin of a kiwi contains a high amount of fiber and nutrients, so it could have some health benefits. However, there are several reasons why you might want to avoid feeding your dog kiwi skin.

1. First, the skin of the kiwi is quite tough and could potentially cause digestive issues. It may be hard for a dog to chew and digest properly, especially for small breeds, leading to gastrointestinal discomfort or even a blockage in extreme cases.
2. Second, kiwi skin can sometimes carry pesticides or other harmful chemicals if not properly washed, which can be harmful to dogs.
3. Third, the texture and taste of the skin may not be appealing to some dogs.

In terms of size difference, smaller dogs might have a harder time digesting the kiwi skin compared to larger breeds due to their smaller digestive systems. Moreover, the skin could pose a potential choking hazard for small dogs.

So, while it’s not necessarily dangerous if a dog has eaten kiwi skin, it’s generally recommended to peel the kiwi before giving it to your dog, regardless of their size, to avoid any potential issues. If your dog has eaten kiwi skin and shows signs of discomfort or distress, it would be best to consult with a veterinarian.

Kiwi For Dogs

Dogs can safely consume kiwi in moderation, as it offers several health benefits such as vitamins C and K, dietary fiber, potassium, and hydration due to its high water content. However, kiwi is high in natural sugars and should be given sparingly to avoid weight gain and potential contribution to conditions like diabetes.

If you want to play it safe, always serve kiwi de-skinned and deseeded to prevent potential choking hazards or digestive issues, especially in smaller breeds. While kiwi is generally safe for all breeds, each dog’s reaction may vary, so introduce it slowly and watch for any signs of an adverse reaction such as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or changes in behavior.

If you’re still unsure, consult with a vet before incorporating kiwi or any new food into your dog’s diet. If a dog consumes kiwi skin, it’s not typically harmful but can potentially lead to digestive discomfort. Finally, while kiwi can be a nutritious treat, it should not replace a balanced, species-appropriate diet (like Pet Plate dog food) for your dog.