Are you a dog owner who loves the taste of fresh, flavorful fruit? If so, you’re probably wondering if sharing some of this sweet and nutritious produce with your four-legged companion is safe. While many fruits are safe for dogs, some aren’t, so it helps to know what you can and can’t share for the safety of your beloved pet. For example, if kiwi is one of your favorite fruits, you’re probably asking, “Can dogs eat kiwi?” The good news is that this is one of the safe fruits for dogs to consume, so you can share it with your dog!
Can Dogs Have Kiwi?
Not only can dogs eat kiwi, but it’s also good for them in moderation. So, the next time you decide to peel and slice yourself a kiwi, you don’t need to worry about feeling guilty about passing some over to your furry friend. Your dog may even like the light, sweet taste of this fresh and flavorful fruit.
The Benefits of Serving Your Dog Kiwi
Kiwis are beneficial for several reasons. The sweet fruit is known for being an incredible source of vitamin C, which is good for you and your dog. While it’s a vitamin-rich fruit, it offers additional benefits. It’s an excellent source of fiber and may potentially improve your dog’s digestive health.
Kiwis are good for dogs because:
They contain an assortment of vitamins, including E, C, and A.
They’re a safe, healthy alternative to unhealthy snacks loaded with preservatives and potentially harmful ingredients.
They’re not toxic like some other fruits, such as grapefruit.
Because of the vitamins and antioxidants in kiwis, your dog can look and feel healthier from consuming it. Kiwi consumption can improve your pup’s skin and fur condition while naturally boosting their energy, keeping them moving around, whether running outside in the backyard or going with you for a long walk around the neighborhood.
How Much Kiwi Should a Dog Have Per Day?
Although kiwi is safe for dogs to consume, that doesn’t mean it’s the only food you should be providing, and it also doesn’t mean you should overdo it. Remember, kiwi is like a treat, so it’s best to give it to your dog in moderation rather than providing your pup with kiwi for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When you plan to give your dog a kiwi, the amount provided will depend on the size and weight of the pet, with larger animals consuming a bit more than smaller dogs with tiny stomachs that typically don’t eat nearly as much in a day in general.
If you’re looking for a good rule of thumb, it helps to know how many calories your dog needs to consume per day. For example, if your dog weighs 80 pounds, it typically consumes around 2000 calories daily. However, if your dog is of the smaller size and only weighs eight pounds, it probably only eats about 200 calories. With that in mind, a single kiwi has roughly 40 calories. While a large dog could consume the entire kiwi and still have room for its usual food, a smaller dog wouldn’t be able to stomach the whole thing on top of its dry or wet dog food. The smaller the dog, the less kiwi you should serve. You can also start small by simply giving your furry friend a piece while cutting the kiwi in the kitchen for yourself.
You don’t need to give your dog kiwi every single day, either. However, if you tend to eat one of these fruits at least once per day, there is nothing wrong with adding a piece of it or two to your dog’s food bowl or even handing it over, letting your dog eat it out of your hands!
Can Dogs Have Other Fruits?
Kiwis are good for dogs. However, dogs can enjoy several other fresh, flavorful fruits besides kiwis that are equally as good for them. Not sure which fruits are safe for your four-legged companion? If not, check out this simple list of dog-friendly fruits worth providing to your pet
when you want to give them a special treat! Don’t forget; it’s better to give your dog fruit as a reward for good behavior than to give them something unhealthy and loaded with preservatives!
What Are the Best Fruits to Serve Dogs?
Bananas – Bananas are a soft, sweet fruit that dogs enjoy best when they’re fresh and ripe. They’re full of vitamins and nutrients that can leave your pup with a beautiful, healthy coat that shines bright.
Papaya – If you want to help boost your dog’s immune system, papaya is an excellent fruit worth serving. It’s full of numerous vitamins, much like kiwis, and is one of the more affordable fruits in grocery stores.
Apples – Fresh apple slices are another great treat for dogs. You can serve them as is or dip them in a bit of peanut butter, which most dogs enjoy. You can provide your dog with any type of apple, whether it’s Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any other kind you can find at the store. Apples contain plenty of vitamins and antioxidants, making them such a healthy treat.
Cherries – You can give your dog cherries, but you’ll need to remove the pit from them beforehand for safety purposes. Cherries contain lots of vitamins and nutrients and are an excellent source of antioxidants, so it’s worth de-pitting them to serve them to your dog as a quick, sweet treat. Sure, it might take a few extra minutes, but your dog will love them.
Dates – Another great fruit for the immune system, dates are an excellent treat for dogs. Dates are a great source of fiber and contain both vitamins and potassium, making them a super good choice.
Watermelon – Watermelon has high water content, which makes it great for keeping your dog hydrated on a hot day or after an exerting activity. Just remove the seeds first!
Mango – Dogs will love the exotic taste of this rich and delicious fruit. You’ll love the nutrients it provides and the fact that you can dehydrate it to last even longer! Ensure that the peel is cut away and your dog doesn’t get ahold of the pit to prevent choking.
Peaches – Peaches are full of vitamins and dietary fiber. They encourage a healthy digestive system and a lustrous coat. However, the pit, leaves, stem, and tree roots are toxic, so keep your pup far away from those parts of the plant.
Nectarines – Nectarines are a great fruit to use as a treat for your furry friend. Carefully throw away the pits, as these have cyanide, which is toxic. However, the fleshy meat of a nectarine is great for them!
There are other fruits as well which are safe for your dog such as blueberries, oranges, cantaloupe, guava, kiwi, pears, apricots, etc. With dog-friendly options like these, you’ll have more than enough fruit for your pup to enjoy on special occasions.
Dogs can eat sweet potatoes and many other vegetables instead.
Can You Give a Dog Fruit Salad?
While several fruits are good for dogs, you don’t want to overdo it, so preparing a fruit salad isn’t necessary. However, if you want to combine a few small pieces of fruits, such as kiwi with dates and bananas, you’re more than welcome to do so. You can combine different fruits based on
which ones you’ve noticed your dog seems to enjoy the most. After all, you want to show your four-legged friend how much you love them, especially when your pet exhibits good behavior.
Conclusion
Many don’t realize that dogs can safely consume lots of different types of fruits, kiwi included! If you’re a fruit lover who typically has at least one kiwi a day, you can feel free to share some of it with your furry friend, but don’t overdo it. No dog needs to eat up to two whole kiwis because that is simply too much for them. Choose the right amount based on the size and weight of your dog and offer kiwi as a treat, not the main course meal. You’ll still need to give your dog its usual wet or dry food in addition to the kiwis!
With 10 years of experience as a pet parent, I aim to empower pet owners with insights into pet insurance and maintaining their pet's well-being. I aspire to be a trusted source, combining knowledge with a commitment to the welfare of our beloved pets.
