Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit: What You Should Know
Kiwi is good for your health, but the question remains – can dogs eat kiwi fruit?
And did you know that kiwi can be a potent allergen to a ton of people? Many people have asked if it’s also a potent allergen to dogs.
But this is the thing:
It is a normal thing for dogs to like vegetables and fruits, but the truth is that their bodies function differently as compared to yours.
That’s why you need to know what’s right for you and what is good for your dog. For example, dogs can handle watermelon, honeydew, but may not handle avocadoes.
Humans love kiwi, consumed in the form of smoothies or purees, which is why humans can’t stop wanting more of them. Additionally, kiwi is produced all season and most specifically in the desert regions.
That said, I’m going to step up and answer the question: can dogs eat kiwi fruit? But first, let’s start with an overview of kiwi.
Overview of Kiwi – The Numerous Names
Kiwi’s name was changed by the Yang Tao to “Chinese gooseberry” when the missionaries came with its idea in the early 1900s.
In 1962, kiwi got a new name from Enterprising fruit growers. This time – Kiwi, which was a way of honouring the New Zealand bird species.
This move attracted American buyers, which then resulted in the high production of kiwi and its availability in the United States grocery stores.
By around 1975, New Zealand was exporting kiwifruits across the world more than they were doing initially. This made kiwi fruits popular.
Is it a Good Idea to Feed My Dog With Kiwi Fruit?
It is easy to think of fruits and vegetables that you can give to your dog. For example, dogs can eat carrots, apples, among others.
Surprisingly, kiwi is left out by many people when listing down the fruits and vegetables that you can give to your dog, though it is just okay to give your dog kiwi, but unless you can follow some rules.
In general terms, you shouldn’t make kiwi your dog’s daily meal, and you must only feed kiwi to your dog in small portions. Additionally, it would be best if you took care not to introduce your dog to kiwi abruptly as this might bring some complications.
Kiwi causes stomach upset, and the high fiber content in kiwi can bring about a laxative effect to your dog. This is why it is not advisable to make kiwi your dog’s regular meal. It is also noteworthy to mention that your dog should not feed on the seeds and skin of kiwi.
Why is Kiwi Healthy?
Vitamin C is indeed essential for the human body, and kiwi fruit has Vitamin C. The problem, though, is that dogs may not need vitamins to supplement like humans in their diet.
Dogs will get their vitamin supplements from the dog manufactured foods you buy for your dog. Besides, dogs produce vitamin C, which their bodies need.
Also, kiwi fruits contain anti-inflammatory aspects that aids in fighting respiratory issues/ complications, as well as cancer.
Kiwi fruit contains Vitamin K, Vitamin E, Potassium. All these are responsible for a lot, such as prevention of breathing difficulties like asthma.
Finally, kiwi fruits help in maintaining your dog’s blood pressure, which helps in boosting your dog’s immune system, especially for pregnant dogs.
How to Feed Your Dog With Kiwi Fruit
You see, in the start, I gave you a caution: that you are free to feed your dog on kiwi fruit, but there are some limitations in the form of rules.
These rules are simple and easy to follow, and the core here is to moderate the intake. Please don’t feed your dog on a whole kiwi, or make it a regular meal.
First, you need to remove the kiwi fruit skin, and then be sure also to remove the seeds inside, as these might choke your dog or puppy.
Next, you need to chop the kiwi fruit into small pieces and feed your dog with each piece at a time. Giving your dog all these pieces is not right.
Additional Tips
It is also essential that you know that some dogs are comfortable with tropical fruits, while others don’t. This is another reason why you need to feed your dog on a piece for the first time.
If your dog likes it, go ahead and give it two or three pieces, but do this gradually, and make sure you don’t make your dog rely on this entirely as the first meal.
If you are in a position to, prevent your dog from swallowing the kiwi fruit piece you give it and make it chew first instead. If you find out that your dog starts acting weird than expected, please consult a veterinarian.
Your vet should be in a position to check whether or not your dog has any blockage. If yes, your vet will help in removing the kiwi through surgery. Please take this seriously because blockages can kill a dog.
Finally, it won’t be a wrong idea to treat your dog with kiwi during its early stages. A word of caution, though: don’t give it too many pieces of kiwi at once.
Safe Treat For Dogs?
Dogs indeed came from the modern carnivorous predators, but you should know that domestic fruit does not necessarily need fruits.
This means that as long as you feed your dog on meat and vegetables, rest assured that they are getting the required proteins, vitamins and other nutrients.
And you should also understand that dogs love treats in the form of meat, which means that you shouldn’t be worried if your dog rejects kiwi fruit treats.
In Conclusion
In the beginning, your biggest worry was to find out the answer to this question: can dogs eat kiwi? The answer is yes, they eat kiwi fruits, just like other fruits like carrots, watermelons.
It is crucial, though you understand that unlike other fruits like oranges, honeydews, and others. Kiwi fruits will not offer a ton of health benefits that these fruits provide.
All the same, the question of can dogs eat kiwi fruits is well answered. Now, rest assured nothing will happen to your dog if you feed it on kiwi fruits and follow the rules.