If you love kiwi – that delicious, sweet green fruit – there is good news for your dog! Dogs can eat kiwi, too! There are many nutritional benefits with kiwi but you do need to take some precautions before letting your dog have some.
Are Kiwis Good for Dogs?
Kiwis are a great source of vitamins C and K https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fruits-and-fruit-juices/1934/2. In fact, they have more vitamin C than an orange. They are a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin E, potassium, and copper, too.
Most sources point out that humans get more nutritional benefit from kiwis than dogs do, but your dog can still benefit.
Concerns about Kiwis?
The greatest concerns about dogs and kiwis are some of the usual things we worry about with our dogs. First, don’t let your dog over-indulge. Too much of a good thing can have bad results. If your dog eats too much kiwi, he could have gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea. Go easy and only let your dog have small amounts of kiwi.
Second, be sure to completely peel any kiwi that you give to your dog. Kiwi has a tough, bristly exterior. Your dog might be tempted to eat the entire fruit if he finds one or if you’re not careful about peeling it. That would be a mistake. The skin is technically safe and it might supply some insoluble fiber or roughage to your dog’s diet, but it’s also likely to lead to some bad diarrhea. So, be sure to thoroughly remove the outer skin of the kiwi before your dog eats any of the fruit.
Third, because of the small size of the kiwi it can be a choking hazard for many dogs, especially if the dog tries to pick up and swallow the whole fruit. Don’t leave this fruit lying around in a fruit bowl where your dog might pick it up. Be sure to slice the kiwi into smaller pieces before your dog eats it.
How to Give Your Dog Kiwi
If you want to give your dog kiwi, we suggest cutting it up into small slices and giving it to your dog in small portions. Remember not to give your dog too much at one time. Too much fruit of any kind can lead to diarrhea or other stomach problems.
You can also blend kiwi fruit with plain yogurt, then cool, to make a delicious homemade “frosty paw” for your dog. You can pour this mixture into ice cube trays and freeze for a terrific frozen treat for your dog. Again, keep the portions small to avoid an upset stomach.
Conclusion
It’s perfectly fine to give your dog kiwi. If you’re snacking on a kiwi you can go right ahead and share a few pieces with your dog. Just be sure to take appropriate precautions. The small fruit can be a choking hazard for some dogs so only give your dog small slices of kiwi. You should also make sure you completely remove the tough, bristly outer skin of the fruit. And, don’t let your dog eat too much kiwi. Otherwise he might have some gastrointestinal difficulties.
