Can Dogs Eat Kiwi? What Shall Happen To My Dog?
To care for your dog better, study how and what to feed it. On the surface, this statement makes sense—until you try to do it. Nothing could be as disappointing as not knowing what your dog should or shouldn’t eat. Surprisingly, not many people understand how invaluable kiwi fruits will be to a dog’s diet, from their nutritious nature to their health benefits.
Kiwifruits are alternatively called Chinese gooseberries. They are rich in nutrients but low in calories, making them an excellent choice for enhanced health benefits. You can use them in place of highly processed foods, including biscuits. This article explores whether these fruits are worth giving to your dog and why.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwifruits?
Yes. You can feed kiwifruits to your dog since they are safe and healthy. Yet, you must cut them into small pieces and give them out in moderation. This nutritious fruit is a perfect alternative to processed treats and snacks.
Kiwifruit contains a significant amount of water, vitamins, and sugar, making it easy to digest. It is available all year round, guaranteeing a consistent supply of nutrients. However, you must pick a ripe and healthy kiwi for your pet to get all the desired health benefits. A healthy kiwifruit is firm, brown, fuzzy, and with no bruises, dark spots, or mold. Overripe fruit is not advisable.
Further, like any other food, introduce this fruit gradually to your dog. It is the best way to monitor and note any discomfort, including allergies to the fruit. A gradual introduction will also help determine whether the dog has issues or intolerance to digest the fruit.
A proper serving is vital in this case. You must wash and scrub the outer surface of your kiwifruit before peeling the skin and slicing it. You can combine it with frozen fruits or vegetables.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Berries?
Dogs can eat berries, whether green or yellow. These grape-sized fruits are an excellent treat for your dog, thanks to their nutritional value. Besides being delicious, their small size makes them a less choking hazard. However, it would be best if you did not feed your dog a whole berry.
Is Gold Kiwi Suitable for Your Dog?
Yes. Dogs can eat yellow or gold kiwis without worrying about health complications. These fruits are similar to green kiwis, with the difference being that they are sweeter. Besides, they guarantee the same nutritional value to your pet.
Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Skin?
Kiwi skin is nutritious and healthy for your dog. It contains insoluble fiber to help improve gut health and regulate bowel movements.
While this skin is nutritious for your pet, it contains calcium oxalate that can cause swelling and irritation in the mouth.
Sometimes, kiwi skin could be relatively hard for your dog to chew. This tough skin can pose considerable choking risks to your pet, meaning you must chop it into smaller bits before giving it to your dog.
How Many Kiwifruits Should I Give My Dog?
Never feed your dog a whole kiwifruit in one sitting since it can pose a choking hazard, particularly among gulper dogs. You must also feed it in moderation to avoid sugar accumulation in the dog’s body. The best approach is to ensure that the amount of kiwi provided is no more than 10% of your dog’s diet.
The amount given to the dog will depend on its breed, size, and age. A small dog breed, such as a chihuahua, should eat a relatively smaller amount than a larger breed dog. The small dog should also eat the fruit in smaller chunks. On the other hand, a large dog breed can eat bigger fruits and in bigger pieces.
Are Kiwifruits Healthy For Dogs?
Eating kiwifruits guarantees your dog multiple nutrients and health benefits. Here is a breakdown of what to expect:
- Fiber: Kiwifruit has high fiber content, essential for regulating the dog’s digestive system. It also guarantees regular bowel movements and a healthy gut. In addition, kiwifruit has the actinidin enzyme that breaks down proteins and nutrients in the dog’s food.
- Antioxidants: Kiwi is rich in antioxidants, including folate, beta carotene, and lutein. These elements help prevent free radicals from damaging blood cells and enhance the dog’s immune.
- Vitamins: Kiwi contains vitamins A, C, E, and K that boost skin and circulatory system health. They are also rich in potassium and calcium, guaranteeing better muscle development, bone density, and bone strength.
Are Kiwifruits Bad for Dogs?
Kiwi fruits are nutritious and full of health benefits only when given in moderation. Excessive consumption of this fruit exposes your dog to various health complications, including constipation, obesity, and choking.
Kiwi fruits have natural sugars that might harm your pet if consumed excessively. This sugar contributes to weight gain and related health complications. The excess fat and weight gained will put significant pressure on joints and hips, limiting efficient mobility and quality of life. Diabetes could also stem from this issue.
Kiwi can cause gastrointestinal issues, blockage, and constipation, making your pet uncomfortable. This condition implies that no food or drink shall pass through the gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, your dog could develop obstipation and megacolon.
Kiwifruits are large, which could pose a choking hazard if you do not slice them. You must cut the kiwi into tiny bits that easily pass through the dog’s GI tract.
Can Dogs Be Allergic to Kiwi?
While dogs are not necessarily allergic to kiwifruits, pets with sensitive stomachs can have significant difficulties digesting this fruit. This fruit can cause slight irritation in the dog’s mouth, particularly during the initial stages.
The skin of kiwifruit contains calcium oxalate, which can cause swelling and itchiness. Any dog that eats this skin will suffer this irritation, which can be mistaken for an allergy. Its effect will also vary from dog to dog.
Final Thoughts
Kiwifruit is perfect for your dog, thanks to its multiple nutrients and health benefits. Yet, you must chop it into small chunks to avoid choking your dog. With the information above, you understand how best to feed kiwi to your dog.
