Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Bydanail

Silky, sweet, and smooth persimmons are fruits that we include in our diets to get essential nutrients. The fruit’s look is similar to a tomato’s and is widely available during fall.

If you have ever wondered if you can share this magnificent fruit with your dog, keep reading to find more about persimmons in relation to dogs.

What are Persimmons?

This delicacy is a common type of berries from the genus Diospyros. The fruit measures between 0.5 inches to 3.5 inches and mainly grows in Asian countries.

There are two primarily edible types: Hechiya and Fuyu.

The two types have different shapes and tastes. The Hechiya Persimmon is pale, acorn, or heart-shaped. Fuyu has a tomato-like shape and is orange in color. The fruit is eaten when it has matured to be soft and ripe and can be consumed as a dry fruit or when cooked.

Are Persimmons Safe for Dogs?

So can your dog eat persimmons? The safest answer is maybe. There is nothing toxic about the fruit to dogs, but you need to make sure that your pet doesn’t eat the pit as it can cause blockage in their digestive system.

There are different ways to serve your dog with persimmons. They include:

Cooked Persimmons

It is safe for your furry friend to eat cooked persimmons. But be cautious with what you cook them with. There are a lot of ingredients and spices that are harmful to dogs, and it will be best to avoid adding them when cooking. A good example is a nutmeg which is toxic to dogs, but other spices, for example, cinnamon, are safe.

Excessive sugars can negatively impact sugar levels, especially when diabetic, and put your furry friend at risk of obesity and heart problems. Avoid cooking Persimmons with added sugar to reduce the risks of this happening.

Dried Persimmons

Dogs can eat dried persimmons safely. Though it is safe for the dog to eat the fruit when dry, how much they take is what you must watch out for. Dried fruits tend to be high in natural sugars, so you should limit your dog’s servings to smaller portions.

Health Benefits of Persimmons to Dogs

Health-Benefits-of-Persimmons-to-Dogs

Many people put persimmons on their diets for their health benefits. The same applies to dogs.

Some of these benefits are:

  • They are high in betulinic acid, which helps prevent cancer and reduce inflammation.
  • Contains high levels of antioxidants.
  • Rich in nutrients, such as bête-carotene, which is good for dogs’ eyes.
  • Contains high levels of dietary fibers.
  • Has iron, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

How Much Persimmon is Safe for a Dog?

If your dog is still a puppy, only give them a small piece of persimmon. The fruit is a natural laxative, and feeding a considerable portion of it to a puppy can result in stomach upset. For larger dogs, a maximum of three servings are enough. However, when introducing permissions to a dog, start with a small amount and gradually increase as they get more used to it.

Once the dog adapts to the fruit and their digestive system reacts well, you can feed them more. However, practice caution and only feed them the fruit not more than twice a week. The fruit should only be taken as a treat and in moderation.

How to Prepare Persimmon for Your Dog

For your dog to safely eat persimmons, you need to get rid of the pit and the fruit’s seed before giving it to them. When a dog consumes the fruit’s pit, there is a possibility of severe gastrointestinal blockage requiring immediate medical attention.

If your pup ends up loving the fruit, store it out of reach so that they don’t accidentally ingest the pit and seeds.

Are there Dangers of Persimmons to Dogs?

There are two main dangers of giving persimmons to your dog, which are:

Digestive Problems

If your dog consumes too many persimmons, there is a high chance of getting stomach problems or diarrhea. Moderation is critical, and don’t let the fruit become a significant part of the dog’s diet, however much they love it.

Digestive Blockage

If your dog consumes the seeds and pits, they can cause blockage to the dog’s bowel movement. Pay keen attention to your dog when they eat the seeds and pit of the fruit. Contact your vet as soon as you notice them behaving abnormally.

Are Persimmon Leaves Safe?

Do not let your dogs eat persimmon leaves. The fruit leaves are not harmful, but they are fiber-rich and may upset your dogs’ stomachs. The best rule to follow on leafy greens is to let your pet eat only what you would eat yourself.

Final Thoughts

Persimmons are alluring to dogs because of their sweet flavor. When introducing this fruit to your dog, make sure you use the right preparation method. Remove the pits and seeds as they can harm your dog.

The fruits are much better than manufactured dog treats as they contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that will benefit your dog’s health.

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