I love eating kiwis and use them almost daily in my Vitamix to make smoothies. It has lots of vitamins and minerals and has been used as a dietary supplement to help women recover from childbirth, but is it safe for dogs?
Is Kiwi Safe for Pugs?
Yes, as long as your dog isn’t allergic to kiwis, this fruit is safe for Pugs, and your dog will also get huge benefits from the vitamin C, fiber, beta-carotene, and potassium.
In fact, kiwis have more vitamin C than oranges and more potassium than a banana! Read this article to find out if bananas are safe for Pugs.
Dogs can safely eat kiwis when given in moderation.
Related: What Fruits Can Pugs Eat?
So before we look at the benefits of feeding your Pug kiwi and how to feed it to them, let’s take a closer look at what this fruit is.
What Is Kiwi?
Kiwi or Chinese gooseberry is an edible berry that is part of the woody vines species in the Actinidia Family. There are over 60 different species of kiwifruits, with the most common being species A.
Kiwifruit is also known as yang tao or Chinese gooseberry and originated in northern China, where the fruit was utilized for medicinal purposes.
Other popular species are the golden kiwifruit (A. Chinensis), the Arctic kiwifruit (A. kolomikta), the Chinese egg gooseberry (A. coriacea), the red kiwifruit, and the purple kiwifruit (Al purpurea).
Kiwis come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Their skin will vary in hairiness, size, colors, and different shapes.
This sweet fruit is packed with iron 0.31mg, Vitamin C 92.7mg, calories 61, dietary fiber 3g, protein 1g, calcium 34mg, sugar 9g, sodium 3 mg, cholesterol 0mg, and 15 grams of carbohydrates.
This fruit has a variety of uses and most of them make a great snack. In fact, this fruit was used for medicinal purposes to help facilitate children’s growth as well as help speed up recovery for women after childbirth.
So now that you know kiwis are tasty nutritious fruits for humans, let’s see if they have any benefits for your Pug.
Are There Any Benefits to Feeding Kiwi To Pugs?
While dogs don’t necessarily need to eat fruits and vegetables as humans do. They get their nutrients from their regular food.
Related: What Foods Do Pugs Like To Eat?
However, kiwis can provide some benefits for your Pug. For instance, the tough, outer skin contains insoluble fiber, which is great for stimulating your dog’s intestines, making it easier to digest food.
Dogs that consume too much fiber, can lead to diarrhea and an upset stomach.
Kiwis are packed with Vitamin C, which according to Wendell O. Belfield, DVM, Vitamin C can be great as an immune booster for dogs. It also has several other benefits for your pooch. (source)
Are Kiwi Seeds Toxic To Dogs?
Kiwi seeds are packed with omega-3 fats, which are great for human consumption. Dogs, however, should avoid eating both the seeds and the skin.
The skin can be a dangerous choking hazard for your pooch. The seeds can be a potential risk for causing allergies for your pooch. In fact, if your dog is allergic to figs, poppy seeds, hazelnuts, wheat, avocados, they are likely to suffer from a kiwi allergy.
Can Pugs Eat Kiwi?
Yes, as I mentioned above Pugs can eat kiwi in moderation. Just remember to feed them the tasty kiwifruit part without the skin or seeds.
Now let’s take a look at how to get your dog to eat kiwi, especially, if they’ve never eaten it before.
How Can I Feed My Pug Kiwi?
Before you go feeding your dog kiwi fruit or any other type of fruit, always make sure that you wash it properly. Always remove the skin, as your pooch will not be able to digest it properly.
The skin can cause a blockage in your dog’s digestive system and result in gastrointestinal issues. Not to mention, the skin does not have any nutritional benefits for your pooch.
Give Fido smaller pieces that do not contain any seeds or skin. Never give your dog a whole kiwi, as it can be extremely dangerous.
A whole kiwi has too much sugar for your dog to consume. Always feed them small pieces in moderation and this fruit should only be used as a special occasional treat.
Can I Feed My Dog Dried Kiwi Fruit?
Dried kiwi is higher in sugar and calories which can cause your pooch to gain weight and even tooth decay.
Also, avoid feeding your pooch canned kiwis, as they have a lot of sugary syrup that is bad for your dog.
I’d recommend feeding your Pug fresh skinless kiwi fruit. If possible, you should use organic kiwis, as they have better antioxidant properties.
I personally, wouldn’t feed a puppy this fruit until they are at least a year old.
How Much Kiwi Can Pugs Have?
A general rule is to start out with a small slice or 1/2 a slice as a snack. Cut the fruit up in small sizes to avoid choking.
Always monitor your dog after feeding them any type of human food or anything new. For humans, a kiwi allergy can occur immediately after consuming too much.
It may take a little longer for your pooch. I’d suggest monitoring them for at least 24-48 hours after consumption.
If your dog doesn’t have an allergic reaction, you can use it as a special treat.
What Happens If I Give Them Too Much?
If your dog consumes too much kiwi, he/she will most have stomach pain or diarrhea. The fiber in the kiwifruit can provoke a laxative effect. Always make sure you feed your dog healthy doses of kiwi in moderation.
What about other fruits such as watermelon, mango, papaya, and apples?
Final Word On Is Kiwi Good For Pugs
If you’re the type of person who loves sharing some of your human food with your Pug, go ahead and give them some kiwi.
Just make sure that any fruits, vegetables, or any other human food does not make up more than 10% of their regular diet. I’ve put together a list of the Pug dog food brands that are nutritious and tasty!
If you’re not sure if your Pug is allergic to kiwis, then I’d recommend talking to your veterinarian before feeding them any type of fruit.
They will be able to tell you whether or not your Pug should eat kiwi and how much is okay to give them.
Resources and References
Facts.net – Kiwi Fruit Facts
Medical News Today – Megan Ware RDN LD – Kiwifruit: Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
Healtholino – Can You Eat The Kiwi Skin and Seeds