Ask a Paw

Kiwis are small fruits that pack a lot of flavor and they are sweet and tangy. This little fruit is packed full of nutrients for humans like vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, folate, and potassium, but what about for dogs? Yes, kiwi is safe for dogs, like coconut and pears, but there are a few things to keep in mind before feeding it to them.

Read on to find out more about sharing your kiwi with your pup, such as how much is safe for them and any potential health concerns.

Is Kiwi Safe For Dogs?

The short answer is yes, kiwi is a safe fruit for dogs to consume. It is recommended to remove the skin and seeds prior to feeding as a treat to your dog. Yellow or golden kiwi is also safe for dogs—dogs can even eat kiwi berries.

Some of the potential benefits of kiwi for dogs are the vitamins A, C, E, and K. Kiwi also contains potassium and calcium, beta carotene, and lutein (which supports eye health).

As with any new food, it is always wise to introduce kiwi to your dog slowly, so you can easily determine if your dog has an allergy, intolerance, or any digestive issues. Although there are many benefits to eating kiwi for humans, the benefits that may be touted are not really fully understood for dogs, and feeding it to them does not necessarily mean it's benefitting their overall health.

How to Safely Share Kiwi With Your Dog

Here's exactly how to prepare a kiwi to share with your dog to keep them safe.

Remove the Skin

Although it is not toxic, kiwi skin is tough to chew and can possibly pose a choking risk for small dogs and if swallowed whole, it could also potentially block the digestive tract causing severe health issues. The tough skin is also just generally more difficult to digest, and this means it is more likely to cause gastrointestinal upset.

Don't Feed Whole Kiwi

Because kiwis are small in size, you should never feed your dog a whole kiwi. While smaller breeds, such as a Chihuahua, won’t be able to get a whole kiwi into their mouths, a larger breed, like a Labrador retriever, could potentially devour it in just one bite. To help prevent a hazardous situation, such as a kiwi getting lodged in your dog’s throat, cut the kiwi into small pieces and feed your dog small amounts at a time.

Feed in Moderation

Too much kiwi can also lead to stomach upset. If your dog experiences any of the following after eating a kiwi, consult with your veterinarian:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of appetite 
• Painful or distended belly
• Lethargy 

Always Select Ripe Kiwi

Kiwi’s are available year-round. Picking a good, ripe kiwi can also make the treat that much better for your dog. A ripe kiwi fruit should be firm, brown, and fuzzy, have no bruises, dark spots, mold, or wrinkles. If the kiwi is bruised, shriveled, or has mold, then the fruit is not good for eating and is probably overripe.

Ways to Serve Kiwi to Your Dog 

As with all fruit, it is important to wash and scrub the outer surface thoroughly prior to preparation. Remove the skin and slice the kiwi into small, bite-sized pieces, depending on the size of your dog.

Feed kiwi to your dog as a special treat and not part of their regular diet. It can be used as part of a healthy stuffing for a treat toy like a Kong. This is a great way to provide mental exercise for your dog without overfeeding.

It can even be combined in a healthy frozen fruit or veggie popsicle to keep your dog cool on a hot day (or to just share a tasty snack).

In summary, kiwi can be given to dogs as a rare treat, provided that the skin is removed and the fruit is not fed whole.