When you are a dog owner, you share your life and often your food with your pet. Knowing what foods are safe and which foods pose health risks to your dog is vital to keeping your dog healthy.
There are several foods, such as chocolate and certain fruits, that are ultimately toxic to our pets and should be avoided under all circumstances.
But can dogs eat kiwi fruit? Luckily, kiwi is a fruit that can safely be given to dogs in small amounts.
While there are several health benefits the fruit provides, there are also some safety concerns that should be taken into consideration.
Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?
Kiwi is a fruit that provides our bodies with vitamins C and K. Aside from this, kiwi also contains many antioxidants and is is very low in calories.
The majority of the fruit is made up of water, making it a very nutritious treat for humans and dogs. Since dogs are able to make their own Vitamin C, it is ultimately not a requirement for them to get this vitamin through food.
Vitamin K is a vitamin that is very important for blood clotting. Clotting disorders in dogs can actually be alleviated with vitamin K.
However, dogs that need vitamin K should get vitamin K from another source in addition to kiwi, since the amount of vitamin K in kiwi is quite low.
The water found in kiwi is one reason this fruit is such a great treat to share with your dog. A dog should be taking in 25-50ml/kg each day.
The water requirements for your dog depends on a wide range of factors, such as the age of your dog and your dog’s current weight. There is approximately 80 grams of water per 100 grams of kiwi flesh.
While kiwi will not provide your dog with total daily water requirements, it will play a role in helping your pet with their daily water intake.
How Much Kiwi Fruit Can You Feed Dogs?
The amount of kiwi you feed your dog should ultimately be based on the size of your dog. As a general rule, you should give kiwi to your dog in moderation.
If your dog is a small breed, you should give them a small portion of the fruit. If your dog is a larger breed, you can give them more a larger portion of the fruit.
However, it is important to note that you should always give your dog a small amount of any food if it is the first time introducing it to them.
This will help you determine whether or not your pet’s gastrointestinal tract will become upset by the specific food.
Once you have determined that your pet’s stomach does not have any issues after they have consumed the food, you can slowly increase the amount you give them over a period of time.
Is Kiwi Safe For Dogs? Will It Kill Your Dog?
Since kiwi is a small fruit, there are some safety concerns that should be taken into consideration.
Due to kiwi being so small, there is the potential of the fruit acting as a foreign body and ultimately causing your pet’s stomach or intestines to be blocked.
Kiwi is a fruit that is not easily digestible due to the high insoluble fiber content it contains. It is possible for the softer green parts of the fruit to cause a blockage in your dog’s gut.
If your pet’s gastrointestinal tract gets blocked, your dog may need surgery. Blockages in the gastrointestinal tract can even be responsible for the death of a dog.
If your pet experiences vomiting or diarrhea, you should consult with your vet.
Final Word
Kiwi is a fruit that provides both humans and dogs many great benefits. While there are some safety concerns that owners should be aware of, these problems are typically mild and kiwi is not poisonous to dogs.
By sharing kiwi with your dog, you will be providing them with nutritional benefits that will keep them healthy.
The most important thing to keep in mind is to introduce kiwi into your dog’s diet in moderation. And if you notice any problems after feeding your dog kiwi fruit, then consult your vet.
You may also be interested in:
image: PXfuel