Kiwis are unique and tasty fruits. They have as much vitamin C as an orange or lemon and the same amount of potassium as a chunk of banana. They are extremely safe for dogs and can make an excellent snack or treat. If you are wondering if you can feed your dog a kiwi, the answer is yes. Kiwis have many benefits and no major downsides for dogs. They are safe to eat, yummy, and nutritious. Here is everything you need to know about feeding kiwis to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?
Yes. Kiwi is a meaty, juicy fruit packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Kiwis pose no threats to dogs. The only threat that a kiwi can pose to a dog is as a choking hazard. Ensuring that you cut your kiwi into appropriate sizes is the best way to keep kiwi safe for dogs.
What Is the Best Way to Feed Kiwi to a Dog?
This depends on the size of the dog.
Large breed dogs will happily munch on a whole kiwi, skin and all, but it is safer to cut the fruit in half first. The smaller the dog, the smaller the pieces.
Kiwi Nutritional Facts
Nutrition per 100 grams of kiwi:
- Calories: 65
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 9 grams
- Fat: 0.44 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Vitamin C: 83% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Folate: 7% of the DV
- Copper: 15% of the DV
- Potassium: 4% of the DV
- Magnesium: 4% of the DV
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Skin?
Yes. Dogs can eat kiwi skin. Kiwi skin might not seem appealing or appetizing to humans, but it is edible to dogs. Kiwi skin is considered roughage. It is high in fiber, and it can help a dog’s digestive system move. Too much fiber can be a problem, but the amount in a kiwi should not pose any risks.
Some dogs won’t like the skin, so you may find that you’re peeling the kiwi for them as well as yourself!
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Seeds?
Yes. Dogs can eat kiwi seeds. Kiwis have a large number of small, flat seeds inside of them. You do not have to remove the seeds to let your dog eat kiwi.
Like apple seeds, kiwi seeds contain an ingredient that can produce cyanide, but the amount is so minute that your dog would have to eat pounds and pounds of kiwi seeds for it to be of concern, and no dog should be eating that much kiwi fruit!
Is Kiwi Good for Dogs?
Like most fruits, kiwi is high in sugar, so they shouldn’t eat too much. But in terms of a treat, kiwis are a great option, and are certainly a lot more healthy than some higher calorie or high fat dog treats.
Kiwi fruit contains a lot of great nutrients. The amount of kiwi your dog will be eating means that this won’t make a significant contribution to their overall needs, but it’s great to be able to offer a snack that is a relatively healthy choice.
Treats should only ever make up around 10% of your dog’s diet, and it’s even better if you can make those treats healthy.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for different options to shake things up in the treat department, or just wanting to share your delicious fruit snack with your favorite pal, it’s great to know that kiwi fruit is a perfect choice for your dog.
They can eat every part of the fruit and provided you cut it into an appropriate size for your dog, you’ve got a tasty treat you can both enjoy.
Featured Image Credit: Nataliya Arzamasova, Shutterstock
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?
