Can dogs or cats eat kiwi?
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Can dogs eat kiwi?
The good news is that yes: both dogs and cats can both eat kiwi. But it's important to go steady and only offer it as an occasional treat. We're going to look at the safest ways to share kiwi with your pet and whether there are any nutritional benefits. We'll start with dogs, and then move on to cats, as we explore this tropical fruit in detail for you!
Kiwi flesh is not toxic for dogs, so it is safe for them to consume in moderation. It's important to prepare kiwi properly first, by removing the tough outer skin and cutting the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Whole kiwi or large pieces could be a choking hazard, so always chop or slice it first.
Let's look at a few kiwi specifics for more detail.
Can dogs eat kiwi seeds?
Kiwi seeds are not particularly digestible compared to the flesh, but their tiny size means they shouldn't cause your dog any harm if consumed. These seeds are not toxic and will just pass through your dog's digestive system.
Can dogs eat golden kiwi?
Dogs can eat golden kiwi if it is prepared in the same way as regular kiwi fruit. Golden kiwi is a bit sweeter, less tangy and has a softer texture than normal kiwi. Some dogs may prefer golden kiwi for these reasons.
Can dogs eat kiwi berries?
Kiwi berries are smaller than normal kiwi fruits, about the same size as a grape. But unlike grapes, they are not toxic to dogs, so they can be eaten safely. We would recommend slicing them in half lengthways first, to avoid the risk of choking. The whole fruit is edible, however, so there is no need to peel it first.
Can dogs eat dried kiwi?
Dogs can eat dried kiwi, but it is not recommended. Drying fruit removes its water content, concentrating the sugars it contains. It is also easy to accidentally overfeed your dog with dried fruits, which can add significantly to their daily calorie intake. Also, you might find that a dried fruit mix containing kiwi also contains raisins or sultanas, which are toxic to dogs. It's best to stick to modest amounts of fresh kiwi flesh instead.
Can dogs eat kiwi peels?
You shouldn't give your dog kiwi peel for the same reasons we would avoid eating it. The furry skin of the kiwi fruit is tough to digest and could cause stomach upsets. If your dog consumes a large amount of kiwi peel, then there is even a risk of it forming an obstruction in their digestive system. This could lead to issues like vomiting, diarrhoea, reduced appetite and abdominal pain. Always dispose of kiwi skin sensibly and never feed it to your dog.
Can dogs eat...
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Can cats eat kiwi?
Everything that applies to dogs also applies to our feline friends!
Kiwi is a safe fruit for cats to try, in moderation. Just make sure you offer it to them in the same way as we described above, by first removing the skin and chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Let's cover those kiwi specifics again though, just in case.
Can cats eat kiwi seeds?
Kiwi seeds are not toxic for cats, and they are small enough to pass through the digestive tract without issue.
Can cats eat gold kiwi?
Yes, gold kiwi is also safe for cats to try if you prepare it in the same way you would a regular kiwi. Some animals may prefer gold kiwi, as it is less sharp and sweeter in taste.
Can cats eat kiwi berries?
Kiwi berries are safe for cats to try, if they are chopped into smaller pieces first. A whole kiwi berry could be a choking hazard. There is no need to remove the skin on a kiwi berry, though, as this is digestible.
Can cats eat dried kiwi?
Dried kiwi is not recommended for cats. It can be quite tough to chew, getting stuck in teeth and causing a choking risk. It's also more calorie and sugar dense than fresh kiwi flesh. So, give this one a miss.
Can cats eat kiwi peels?
You should never feed your cat kiwi peel. This tough, furry skin is not very digestible. It may cause digestive disturbances and even an obstruction if too much is consumed.
Is kiwi good for dogs and cats?
For people, kiwi is extremely nutritious as part of a balanced diet. This zingy fruit contains the Vitamins C, E and K, as well as other antioxidants and fibre. It is also relatively low in calories compared to some other fruits.
In pets, however, the benefits are less clear. For example, dogs manufacture their own vitamin C, so they don't require it from a dietary source. They should be getting all the nutrition they need from a good quality complete pet food.
Most vets would recommend sticking to your pet’s normal diet as much as possible; there shouldn't be a need to supplement your dog or cat with other food items. But it's always nice to know whether the treats you are offering are healthy choices or not!
How much kiwi can dogs and cats eat?
Any treats or 'extras', including fruit, should make up no more than 10% of your pet's daily diet. If you feed too much kiwi, then there is a risk of stomach upsets, including vomiting or diarrhoea. If large amounts of kiwi are fed over a prolonged period, then dietary imbalances could also occur. Keep kiwi as an occasional treat.
If your pet has never had kiwi before, then give them just a small piece to begin with and assess their response. If your pet shows any signs of allergy, such as itchy skin, swelling, digestive upset or breathing issues, then stop and contact your vet. Kiwi allergies are rare in dogs and cats, but they are still worth being aware of.
Finally, never force your pet to eat kiwi. While some canines are keen for a fruity snack, others are just not that fussed.
Hopefully, we've covered all things kiwi for you! Just remember that while kiwi is not toxic for our pets, you must prepare it properly and only offer it as an occasional snack. While it is considered a healthy snack, most vets would recommend sticking to your pet's normal diet as much as possible.
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Information purposes only
The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian.
Pet poison emergency protocol
If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).
Food safety statuses
Could be given almost daily without harm
Not toxic, but should not be given regularly
Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet