Can dogs eat kiwi? Would they enjoy the tangy, sweet kiwi as much as most humans do? This really depends on the dog. Some may be wary of the strange new fruit, while others would gobble it up immediately.
What other food tastes like bananas, pineapple, strawberry, and tart citrus all rolled into one? Who doesn’t love Kiwi?
Also known as Chinese Gooseberry or Kiwifruit, Kiwi is the name given to a fruit that once grew wild throughout Mainland China! Kiwi fruit is the bright green, edible portion of a woody vine common to that region. It’s also commercially grown in both California and New Zealand.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?
In short, of course your dog can eat Kiwi! It’s not that simple though, and there are considerations you’ll need to remember.
There really isn’t anything wrong with the occasional small slices of kiwi or many other fruits given to our dogs as treats. Though some human foods can be very dangerous (like onions, garlic, grapes or chocolate), kiwifruit is generally ok in moderation.
Kiwi fruit is high in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, and more! Antioxidants help fight nasty free radicals, while vitamin C supports immune health.
That being said, you never want to allow your dog to have too much at once! Don’t give your pup an entire kiwi, especially if he is a smaller breed. Kiwifruit might seem small, but an entire fruit can present a choking hazard if swallowed whole or in large chunks.
Cut your kiwifruit into smaller pieces for your dog.
How Much Kiwi Can a Dog Eat?
Just like anything else, too much of something new a dog’s digestive system isn’t used to can cause GI upset, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. Kiwifruit is also high in carbohydrates and fiber. Normally this is good, but again- too much at once can cause issues.
You also want to watch your dog’s caloric intake to help promote a healthy weight! Millions of dogs are overweight in the US alone, usually due to a combination of carbohydrate-rich diets and a lack of exercise.
Though kiwi is very healthy for humans, it’s best given to dogs in moderation. This should be an occasional treat or once-in-a-while supplement to your dog’s meals, not an everyday thing.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Kiwi Seeds?
Can dogs eat kiwi seeds, and what happens if they do? Just like most other seeds of most other fruits, too many kiwi seeds can become toxic to our dogs. Kiwifruit skin can also pose a choking hazard as we’ve said above.
Kiwi skin should always be removed before offering it to your dogs, and it’s best to avoid giving the seeds. Sometimes this can be hard though because those seeds are so small.
Your dog probably won’t react horribly if he eats a few seeds, but you shouldn’t make a habit of giving them regularly. Do your best to cut the seeded portion out if you can.
Possible Health Problems for Dogs Eating Kiwi
Though your dog can eat a small amount of kiwifruit, there are possible risks associated to too much. What exactly are those risks?
An entire kiwifruit, when eaten whole, can cause a choking hazard. The obvious risk here is choking, suffocation and death! You should always cut up your kiwi into bite size pieces before offering it to a dog.
Both the fuzzy outer kiwi skin and inner flesh contain high amounts of insoluble fiber. Roughage like this will stimulate the intestines, allowing food to pass faster. This type of fiber is good for a dog in moderation, but too much can lead to GI upset and diarrhea.
Kiwi seeds contain a small amount of a substance called amygdalin, causing the release of cyanide. It would take quite a few kiwi seeds to pose a huge threat (also depending on your dog’s size). Still, why take the risk at all?
How to Feed a Dog Kiwi
Can dogs eat kiwi if it is given the right way? They sure can, and most would love the unique new treat. Simply follow these easy steps below, and let your pup enjoy.
Step One: Peel & Slice
You want to remove the outer skin of the Kiwifruit before offering it to your dog. You also don’t want to offer the entire fruit because that is just too much! Slice it in sections like an orange or pizza.
You can do this by slicing or peeling the skin just like you would a potatoe. In fact, a potatoe peeler might work nicely for this task!
You can also slice your Kiwi in half and scoop out the center. The seeds are very small, so don’t forget to avoid these.
Step Two: Remove Seeds
Kiwi seeds can contain small amounts of cyanide. An accidental few are fine, but too many can become dangerous to your dog! Cut out and throw away the center seeded portion of the fruit before feeding portions to your pet. Don’t give your pup the seeds!
Humans can eat the seeds, however. There is nothing wrong with them for us, but you should still eat the fruit in moderation yourself. One Kiwi fruit a day is enough for a person.
Step Three: Final Slicing & Serve
Kiwi is fine if given to dogs as a treat in small amounts. You want to be sure this new treat is cut into small square sections before feeding, kind of like most people would slice a pineapple. Now you can offer your pet a few of the smaller, bite sized pieces, one at a time!
It’s easiest to slice the fruit in half, then carefully carve out the center. Cut portions out around the seeds. Offer these seedless portions to your dog.
Can dogs eat Kiwi as a treat? Yes!
Use these as a special treat reward! Try increasing the value to your pup by rewarding after tasks or tricks are completed. Your dog might be unsure of this strange new delicacy at first, so try letting him observe you eating a few pieces first.
