- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Kiwi is a sweet, tart fruit easily recognized by its brown, fuzzy skin and green, seedy flesh. This egg-shaped berry is native to China and was originally known as Chinese gooseberry. Kiwifruit now grow in New Zealand and many other parts of the world.
Some people call kiwi a “superfood,” since it’s packed with nutrients and antioxidants. Kiwi doesn’t just make a good snack for people. You can also share some with your dog!
“Kiwi can be a tasty and nutritious treat for dogs, but it’s important to know how to introduce it safely,” says Dr. Wayne M. Johnson, VMD, at Birdneck Animal Hospital.
Read on to learn more about feeding kiwis to your dog, including the health benefits and risks and feeding guidelines from experts.
Can Dogs Eat All Types Of Kiwi?
Kiwis come in green and yellow varieties, both of which you can share with your dog, Dr. Johnson says.
Dogs can also eat kiwiberries. These smaller fruits have edible skin and belong to the same plant family as kiwis.
No part of the kiwi is toxic to dogs, so they can technically eat all parts of a kiwi, says Dr. Dan Su, DVM, board certified veterinary nutritionist and manager of Nutrition Services for BSM Partners.
However, dogs may have a harder time digesting the skin, so you might want to peel the kiwi before giving it to your dog.
“It’s also a good idea to cut the kiwi into small pieces instead of giving it to your dog whole,” Dr. Su adds. An excited dog might swallow the kiwi whole instead of chewing it, and a whole kiwi can pose a choking hazard, he says.
Dr. Johnson says it’s important to give dogs only plain kiwifruit without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. Avoid dried kiwi and kiwi-flavored products that might contain xylitol or other toxic added ingredients.
Does Kiwi Have Benefits For Dogs?
If your dog enjoys trying new fruits and veggies, you can include some kiwi in their diet for both variety and health. Kiwifruit may offer some digestive, immune, and metabolic health benefits.
Nutrients in kiwi include:
- Vitamin C, vitamin E, and other antioxidants
- Fiber
- Potassium
- Folate
“Just remember, while kiwi is nutritious, it should be a treat and not a main part of your dog’s diet,” Dr. Johnson says.
Does Kiwi Have Any Risks For Dogs?
Even though kiwi contains plenty of nutrients, it may not be the best treat for every dog.
Kiwi may pose a few health risks for dogs, including:
- Digestive upset: Dogs who eat too much kiwi may have some digestive problems, like diarrhea or gas due to the high fiber content, Dr. Su says. You may notice more of these symptoms if your dog has a sensitive stomach.
- Allergic reactions: Some dogs may have a kiwi allergy, so it’s important to check for signs of an allergic reaction when you give your dog kiwi for the first time. These signs may include frequent scratching, skin rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea. Severe reactions may include drooling and swelling. If you think your dog could have an allergy, don’t give them any more kiwi and contact your vet right away.
- High sugar content: Kiwi contains sugar, so dogs with kidney problems, diabetes, or certain other health conditions shouldn’t eat it. If you don’t know how much sugar your dog can safely eat, ask your vet before sharing fruit!
Dr. Johnson recommends checking with your vet before adding any new foods to your dog’s diet. If your vet gives the OK, start with a small amount of the food and monitor your dog’s reaction. Some dogs have a harder time tolerating new foods, especially fruit.
Keep in mind, too, that commercial dog foods meeting AAFCO standards are complete and balanced to provide all the nutrients your dog requires. So, while it’s generally fine to share bites of pup-safe fruit, your dog doesn’t really need it!
How To Feed Kiwi To Your Dog
Dr. Johnson shares a few tips to keep in mind when giving your dog kiwi:
- Peel the skin: Because kiwi skin can be tough and hard for dogs to digest, always peel the kiwi first.
- Cut into small pieces: Slicing a kiwi before giving it to your dog reduces the risk of choking.
- Give only a little at a time: It’s a good idea to give any treat in moderation, but this becomes especially important for fruit. Too much fruit can upset your dog’s stomach or lead to digestive issues. If your dog has never eaten a kiwi before, start with a small piece and check for signs of a reaction before you give them any more.
He also offers some feeding suggestions, based on your dog’s size:
- Toy dogs (up to 10 pounds): About 1–2 small pieces a day
- Small dogs (10–25 pounds): 2–3 small pieces a day
- Medium dogs (25–50 pounds): 3–5 small pieces a day
- Large dogs (50–90 pounds): 5–7 small pieces a day
- Giant dogs (90+ pounds): Up to 10 small pieces a day
You can give your dog the kiwi on its own or add small pieces to their food bowl for a bit of variety.
Keep in mind: All treats you give your dog should make up no more than 10% of their daily calories.
What Other Fruits Can Dogs Eat?
If you have any concerns about feeding your dog kiwi or want to treat your pup to a variety of fruits, you have plenty of options.
Dog-safe fruits include:
When feeding any of these fruits, first remove the rind or skin, pits, seeds, leaves, and stems. Feed your dog the flesh only, and chop the fruit before you share it!
