Dogs Can Eat Kiwis– But Don’t Feed Them Too Many!

Fuzzy, sweet, and sour, kiwis are a favorite of fruit lovers around the world and a staple ingredient in fruit salads that have a polarizing reputation. Some people love kiwi and relish the opportunity to enjoy one of these little fruits. Others find the sour flesh of the kiwi to be irritating, and many people have mild kiwi allergies that make it unpleasant to eat these fruits. 

But, how do dogs feel about them, and can dogs eat kiwi?

As it turns out, kiwi is safe for dogs to eat in moderation, and many dogs love the juicy texture and tartness of the fruit. 

Is Kiwi Safe for Dogs?

Yes! Kiwi is safe for dogs and can be a fun (and healthy!) treat to add to your dog’s rotation of special goodies. Many dogs adore the flavor of kiwi, but even if your dog falls in love with these fruits, it’s best not to feed too much fruit of any kind to your dog. But beware, some dogs can be allergic to kiwi, so make sure to start slow and monitor your dog for a reaction. 

Nutritional Value of Kiwi

Kiwis are high in vitamin C, potassium, folate, and other key nutrients, but that doesn’t mean they are necessarily “good” for your dog. Treats aren’t meant to be a significant contributor to nutrition for your dog, and they should be receiving the majority of their calories or nutrients from their regular diet. Because of this, the small amount of kiwi you feed your dog shouldn’t have an impact on their health, either positive or negative. 

Tips for Safely Feeding Kiwi To Your Dog

Although kiwis are a small fruit, it’s not a good idea to feed them whole to your dog. Not only is that too much kiwi for your dog the whole fruit can also pose a choking hazard, especially for small dogs. 

To keep your pup safe while they enjoy kiwi, we recommend cutting the fruit into slices and only sharing a few with your pooch. Some people choose to remove the skin since this extra roughage can cause some gastrointestinal distress in large amounts, or be a choking hazard when fed whole, but this step is not necessary if you are slicing the fruit into appropriately sized pieces. 

Even if your dog loves kiwis, don’t make them an everyday treat. Fruits like kiwi should be a special occasion treat and not part of the regular rotation. 

Kiwi Pupsicles

Turn kiwi into a fun activity by making kiwi pupsicles! Delicious, cooling, and amazing for mental and sensory stimulation, these pusicles turn treat time into play time. 

You will need…

Ice cube tray

½ c. goat’s milk

½ c. kiwi, peeled and sliced

Preparation…

In a small bowl, mash kiwi pieces with a fork until you have a semi-smooth consistency.

Add goat’s milk to the bowl and mix until well combined.

Pour the kiwi mixture into the ice cube tray, filling each section evenly.

Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Serve one at a time to your pup in a bowl, on a plate, or outside to avoid a mess!

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi: The FAQ

Dog lovers just like you have flooded the internet with tons of awesome questions about feeding their dogs kiwi, and we’re here to give you all the answers! 

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Seeds?

Yes! While kiwi seeds contain a very small amount of cyanide, your dog would need to eat an enormous amount of kiwi seeds in order to be at risk for toxicosis. The number of seeds in a few slices of (or even a whole) kiwi will not be enough to pose any harm to your beloved pet. 

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Skin?

Yes! There is a small chance that your dog could experience gastrointestinal distress if they eat a lot of kiwi skin, but leaving the skin on a small slice of kiwi will have no impact on your dog. Additionally, the skin is not toxic, just slightly more difficult to digest than the flesh. If you are concerned about your dog’s teeth or a potential choking hazard, it’s also fine to remove the skin. 

How Much Kiwi Can I Give My Dog?

A few slices of kiwi will be plenty for your dog. Naturally, smaller dogs should receive less volume of treats than larger dogs, but even extra large dogs should not eat more than a few slices of kiwi every now and then.

Can Dogs Eat Golden Kiwi (Or Gold Kiwi)?

Yes! Some dog owners prefer to give their dogs golden kiwi because the skin is thinner and easier to chew. However, golden kiwi is higher in sugars, so remember to give them to your dog in moderation. 

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi Berries?

Kiwi berries are a fruit within the same genus as the kiwi fruit, and yes, dogs can eat them! 

Are Dogs Allergic To Kiwi?

Some dogs may be allergic to kiwi. Like humans, dogs can be allergic to almost anything, including fruits like kiwi. To determine whether your dog is allergic to kiwi, start by feeding them a very small amount, then monitoring them for a reaction. If your dog is prone to allergies, do not feed them any new foods without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Get ready for the holiday season with a dog-safe pumpkin pie recipe!