Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit? – 10 shocking facts you need to know

Last Updated on September 8, 2021 by Dogs Vets

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Fruit?

Kiwis are well-known small fruits that have a lot of flavors and are sweet and tangy.

Many dog owners and lovers keep asking this same question, can dogs eat kiwi fruit? This little fruit is full of nutrients for humans like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium, but what about dogs? Read on to find out if you can share your kiwi with your dog?

Kiwi Fruit Benefits

The kiwi fruit or Chinese gooseberry originally grew freely in China. Kiwis are nutrient-rich fruit – they are rich in nutrients and low in calories.

Kiwi fruit has a strong reputation as a healthy food because of its high vitamin C content, but the fruit is also rich in other nutrients.

These amazing fruits can help lower blood pressure, promote wound healing, maintain gut health, and more.

Kiwis offer a number of antioxidants that help remove free radicals from the body. This is one way the fruit can help prevent cancer.

A 2019 study concluded that healthy people are better able to retain water when eating kiwifruit, resulting in higher stool frequency and softer stool consistency.

The study authors suggested that kiwifruit could be a natural alternative to medical laxatives for people with mild constipation.

The Benefits of Kiwi Fruit

1. Kiwi prevents blood clotting

Kiwifruit was found to prevent blood clotting and control blood pressure by reducing the amount of fat in the blood. It was found that this happened without negatively affecting the level of cholesterol in the blood.

2. Kiwi can help asthma

Asthma can be debilitating. Wheezing and shortness of breath are some of the most common symptoms associated with this condition.

It has been found that the high amounts of vitamin C and antioxidants in kiwifruit can help control the symptoms of asthma.

One study showed that lung function was improved in people who consumed kiwi regularly.

3. Kiwi improves digestion

Kiwi contains a good amount of fiber, which makes it useful to improve digestion. In addition to fiber content, kiwi also contains an enzyme, actinidin, which can effectively break down proteins in the intestines.

4. Helps regulate blood pressure.

Kiwifruit can help lower high blood pressure and prevent diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

One study showed that those who ate 3 kiwi fruits per day for 8 weeks had a decrease in their diastolic and systolic blood pressure.

5. Supports immune function

Vitamin C is important for cell function and protecting cells from free radical damage in the body. It is responsible for tissue growth and repair and supports the immune system.

6. Reduces DNA damage

Oxidative stress is the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This process can also cause strand breakage of DNA. This can lead to health problems, some of which are difficult to detect or treat.

7. Prevents vision loss

Kiwis can prevent macular degeneration and eventual vision loss. Kiwi contains zeaxanthin and lutein (or the “eye vitamin”). These two compounds have the same function as antioxidants and contribute to the formation of vitamin A, an essential nutrient for your eyes.

8. Fights inflammation

Bromelain is an enzyme found in kiwifruit, pineapple, and green papaya that can break down proteins and heal inflammation.

When kiwi is eaten, bromelain is released into the bloodstream where it breaks down inflammatory complexes.

Kiwi has also been shown to lower inflammation associated with arthritis and prevent it from leading to other diseases such as heart disease and stroke.

9. Improves skin health

Collagen is an essential nutrient that supports the structure of the skin and strengthens bones. The vitamin C in kiwi is a key component in the synthesis of collagen in the body. Eating kiwi can help support the structure of your skin and keep it hydrated and healthy.

10. Kiwi improve weight loss

Kiwis are among the best fruits if you want to lose weight. They have a high water content, are low in calories, and have a good amount of fiber. This makes them perfect for a snack or as part of a breakfast smoothie.

Is it safe for dogs to eat kiwi fruit?

While it seems like a simple answer as to whether your dog can enjoy kiwi with you, it can get a little tricky. The short answer is yes, kiwi is a relatively safe fruit for dogs. It is recommended that you remove the skin and seeds before feeding it to your dog.

As with any new food, it is always advisable to slowly introduce kiwi to your dog so that you can easily determine if your dog has any allergies, intolerances or digestive issues.

See also: Can dogs eat green beans?  8 shocking facts you need to know

Although eating kiwi has many benefits for humans, the benefits that can be touted are not fully understood for dogs, and feeding them does not come without a certain amount of care and discretion.

Potential health concerns for dogs eating kiwi Fruits

Although the inside of the fruit is a safe snack for your dog, you should avoid feeding your pet any parts of the skin or seeds. Like many other fruits, kiwis have seeds.

These can be toxic to your dog if ingested in large quantities. Therefore, it is best to remove the seeds when feeding them to your dog to be on the safe side.

Also, be sure to remove the skin. While not toxic, kiwi skin is difficult to chew and can potentially pose a choking risk to small dogs.

If swallowed whole, it can potentially block the digestive tract and cause serious health problems.

The hard skin is also generally more difficult to digest, which means it is more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.

See also: can cat eat dog food?  difference between dog food and cat food?

Because kiwis are small, you should never feed your dog a whole kiwi. While smaller breeds like a Chihuahua may not be able to get a whole kiwi in their mouth, a larger breed like a Labrador Retriever could potentially swallow it in just one bite.

To prevent a dangerous situation like a kiwi from getting stuck in your dog’s throat, cut the kiwi into small pieces and feed it to your dog in small amounts at a time.

Too much kiwi can also cause stomach upset. If your dog has any of the following symptoms after eating a kiwi, contact your veterinarian:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Painful or bloated abdomen
• Lethargy

As with all types of food, moderation is key. A few pieces of kiwi fruit are safe for dogs. Although dog-safe fruits and vegetables are generally considered healthy and low-fat treatment options, feeding too much can cause stomach upset.

Too many treats in general, in addition to a healthy diet, can lead to canine obesity, which can wreak havoc on your dog’s body, especially if your dog is prone to joint problems like hip dysplasia.

Always choose a ripe kiwi fruit for your dog

Kiwis are available year-round. Choosing a good, ripe kiwi can also improve treatment for your dog. A ripe kiwi should be firm, brown, and flaky with no bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, the fruit is not good to eat and is probably overripe.

How to serve kiwi fruit to your dog

As with all fruits, it is important to thoroughly wash and scrub the outer surface before preparing. Remove the skin and seeds and cut the kiwi into small, one to two-inch thick, bite-sized wedges, depending on the size of your dog.

Feed your dog kiwi as a special treat rather than as part of his regular diet. It can be used as part of a healthy filling for a toy like a Kong. This is a great way to give your dog mental exercise without feeding too much.

It can even be combined with a healthy popsicle of frozen fruit or vegetables to keep your dog cool on a hot day.

In summary, kiwi can be given to dogs as a rare treat, provided the skin and seeds are removed.

FAQ

• can dogs eat kiwi fruit?
• can dogs eat kiwi skin?
• can dogs eat kiwi peel?
• can dogs eat kiwi seeds?
• can dogs eat kiwi safely?
• can dogs eat kiwi berries?

See also: Can dogs eat green beans? 7 shocking facts you need to know

Reference: Healthifyme.com