Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?

Kiwifruits originated from China and were called Chinese Gooseberries before being renamed for its resemblance to New Zealand’s national bird. Given its numerous health benefits, you may be wondering whether dogs can eat kiwi. Naturally, some fruits are bad for dogs and others are good for them. Luckily, kiwis are safe for dogs to eat and aren’t poisonous like some other foods may be. In fact, kiwis are considered a superfood and contain many essential nutrients dogs need to remain healthy. They might not like the taste at first but kiwis are not only OK for dogs to eat but also good for them too.

To help you learn more, we’ve compiled a guide on kiwifruit for dogs. From health benefits to feeding recommendations, explore why dogs can have kiwis.

Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?

Kiwis offer many health benefits for dogs. This odd-looking fruit is not only colorful and flavorful but is also loaded with nutrients that dogs need in their diets. Kiwis have the same amount of potassium as a banana, more vitamin C than an orange, and double the vitamin E contained in an avocado. This fruit is truly a superfood.

Kiwis are rich in antioxidants. This is one of the key benefits that kiwis provide since these antioxidants protect dogs from cellular oxidative damage. Other health benefits include:

• Respiratory Disease – Kiwis are rich in vitamin C and can help prevent a variety of respiratory diseases including asthma.
• Prenatal Nutrients – Pregnant dogs may benefit from eating kiwi because it is rich in folate.
• Cancer – Kiwis contain flavonoids and carotenoids which may help prevent certain types of cancer.
• Eye Health – Studies show that eating kiwis may help prevent macular degeneration and other eye conditions caused by aging.
• Regulates Digestion – Kiwis contain dietary fiber, which helps normalize bowel movements by increasing the weight and size of stools and making them easier to pass.
• Lowers Blood Pressure – Kiwis possess properties that help reduce blood pressure. This, in turn, lowers the risk of stroke and heart disease.

Overall, kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, dietary fiber, carotenoids, iron, and antioxidants. A single kiwi contains 42 calories, 0.4g total fat, 215mg potassium, and 2g dietary fiber. The fruit also has enough vitamin C to provide over 100% of recommended levels for an average human! Luckily, vitamin C is water-soluble so we don’t need to worry about giving too much to your dogs as long as they are properly hydrated.

How To Feed Kiwi To Your Dogs

When giving kiwis to your dogs, make sure that they are fully ripe. Ripe kiwis contain more antioxidants and beneficial nutrients for your dogs. You should peel the fuzzy skin off of kiwis and cut it into bite-sized pieces before giving it to your dogs. In addition, spoon out the seeds because they can be toxic for them in large quantities and also adds the risk of creating a blockage in your dogs’ intestinal tracts.

Some dogs may try to swallow the kiwi pieces whole so you may have to train them to chew their food thoroughly. This will help prevent choking and make the food easier to digest.

Always cut kiwis into small pieces because uncut kiwis can get lodged in your dog’s throat or stomach. If this should happen, your dog may require surgery to have the kiwi removed.

Dog-Friendly Frozen Kiwi Watermelon Treat Recipe

Yes, Dogs Can Eat Kiwi in Moderation

Kiwi is quite nutritious and safe for dogs to eat when given in moderation. If you give kiwi to your dogs and they start experiencing diarrhea, you should remove it from your dogs’ diets. Naturally, if you don’t notice any negative side effects and your dogs enjoy eating them, you can continue giving them kiwis as a treat. You can even freeze them and give it to your dogs on a hot summer day! For other suggestions, see our page on 30 fruits and vegetables dogs can and can’t eat.