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Can Dogs Eat Kiwi

Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?  

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Is kiwi good for dogs? | How can my dog eat kiwi? 

kiwi slices on a pink background

Yes, dogs can eat bite-sized pieces or thin slices of kiwi fruit once the skin and seeds have been removed. It’s important to remember, however, that treats of all sorts should be offered in moderation and make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Kiwis offer little to no health benefits for your pet, but they do have a lot of sugar, which is not good for them.

Remember to always consult your vet before introducing any new food to your canine best friend. Every pet’s health history is different, and certain foods may have a strong negative effect when combined with certain health issues or medications. This is especially important if your dog suffers from diabetes or kidney issues. Petco maintains a list of safe foods for your dogs that can be shared with your canine as long as you get the okay from your vet.

Is kiwi good for dogs? 

Can dogs eat kiwi fruit? Yes. Kiwis are loaded with:

  • Potassium
  • Vitamin C
  • Fiber
  • Vitamin E
  • Phytonutrients
  • Folate
  • Antioxidants

Keep in mind, however, that the small amount you could give your dog as a treat isn’t enough to impact their health. High-quality, commercially available dog foods contain all of the vitamins and nutrients most dogs need.

After feeding your dog kiwi for the first time—or any food for that matter—keep an eye on them for signs of an allergic reaction or digestive discomfort. If your dog seems in distress after eating kiwi, stop offering them the fruit and contact your vet immediately.

How can my dog eat kiwi? 

Always peel the kiwi fruit, remove the seeds and discard the skin before giving it to your dog. The skin isn’t toxic—humans can eat it, too—but it’s tough and hard to digest, and it can cause choking or GI upset. Like the pits in stone fruits, kiwi seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin, which can turn into cyanide. While the amount might be low, it is best to remove the seeds before offering kiwi to your pet.

It’s also a good idea to cut the kiwi into small pieces or thin slices for easier consumption. A small amount of kiwi can be added to homemade treats, or you can throw it in homemade pupsicles or pup cups for an extra zing of flavor.

» MORE: Learn about fruits and vegetables that dogs can and cannot eat.

FAQs About Dogs and Kiwi

How much kiwi can my dog eat?

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Kiwi fruit is a treat, and those should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s diet. While a couple of small bites or slices as a snack or food topper is fine for most dogs on occasion, be sure to first get the OK from their vet. Just keep things in moderation.

Can dogs eat kiwi seeds? Will kiwi seeds kill my dog?

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Seeds from a small slice of kiwi shouldn’t be cause for alarm for most dog parents, but large portions of fruit and seeds should be avoided. Like stone pit fruits, kiwis have a small amount of amygdalin in their seeds, and that can turn into cyanide. While the amount is low, it is best to remove the seeds before offering kiwi to your pet. We’ve all had that moment of panic when our canine best friend gobbles up a food they’ve never had before. Luckily, in the case of kiwis, the seeds are usually harmless in small quantities.

Can dogs eat kiwi peel?

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They shouldn’t. Although nontoxic, the skin of the kiwi is tough, fibrous and hard to digest, and eating it can lead to GI upset. The fuzzy texture can also cause the peel to get stuck in your pet’s throat and become a choking hazard. So, can dogs eat kiwi skin? We don’t recommend it. If your dog thinks kiwi fruit is a delightful snack and their vet says it’s OK, then remove the skin and seeds and let your dog enjoy an occasional few small chunks.

Reviewed by Petco’s Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Petco’s ACE team is a passionate group of experienced pet care experts dedicated to supporting the overall health & wellness of pets. The ACE team works to develop animal care operations and standards across the organization and promote proper animal care and education for Pet Care Center partners and pet parents, while also ensuring regulatory compliance.

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