Can Dogs Eat Kiwi?
Sharing food with your dog is almost instinctive – especially when he looks like he has never broken a plate in his life – but it is known that certain foods can be harmful to domestic dogs. Therefore, you have ever wondered: is kiwi good for dogs? Can they eat it safely?
The answer is yes. Kiwi has a multitude of health benefits, both in dogs and in humans. However, it is necessary to take into account a series of considerations so that it does not become harmful to your body. In the following lines, you can find out about it.
Is kiwi good for dogs?
Kiwi for dogs is suitable and beneficial, as long as it is used as a treat or treat, as with other fruits. It is also good that the canid has a variety of vegetables in its diet, otherwise the contraindications of each of them will be accentuated.
Learning to correctly include kiwi in the canine diet requires a series of knowledge that you will have collected later. Of course, first of all you should check that there are no allergies or intolerances to this fruit, otherwise it can cause a health problem.
Kiwi benefits and properties
Kiwifruit has a long list of benefits that humans take great advantage of, but this cannot be applied equally to dogs. However, it does not mean that kiwi for dogs is of little benefit, quite the opposite. We cite you some of its virtues in the canine world:
- Improves mobility: kiwi contains about 250 milligrams of potassium in each unit, a highly beneficial nutrient for muscle maintenance, as it intervenes in muscle contraction — along with calcium.
- Reduces cholesterol : its high content of soluble fiber – 2.4 grams – favors the reduction of cholesterol in the blood, since when it is inflated with water, it carries these molecules along with some toxins and they are eliminated through the feces.
- Improves digestion: fiber, although omnivores cannot extract energy from it, it is beneficial for the intestinal flora. It favors the absorption of nutrients and increases the size of the stool, which prevents constipation.
- Antioxidant effect : kiwi contains more than 100% of the recommended daily amount of vitamin C. This, in addition to strengthening the body’s defenses, has a fundamental role in stopping oxidative stress in cells.
- By reducing the amount of free radicals in the blood, vitamin C also forms a protective factor against the appearance of tumors, as indicated by scientific studies.
In addition to all these benefits, kiwi is low in sodium and saturated fat, making it a healthy treat for your dog. Later, you have information to give the appropriate dose of this fruit to your pet.
Kiwi dosage for dogs
The dog is a non-strict carnivorous animal, which means that its digestive system tolerates and benefits from plant foods, but these must be dosed so as not to produce alterations. Each dog, depending on its size and eating habits, can tolerate fruit better or worse, so you should introduce it into its diet progressively to see how it feels.
The idea is that the kiwi is well ripe – to prevent acidity from causing stomach damage to the animal – and the skin and seeds should be removed before giving it to them. Once you see that it tolerates it without problems, the maximum dose is one slice a day of kiwi for dogs.
As mentioned above, a piece of kiwi as a treat is beneficial for them. It is not good for the household canid to eat it every day, but it should be administered only sporadically.
Kiwi contraindications
When the dog has a nutritional deficit, kiwi is a great supplement to help him recover. However, as with everything, before supplementing your dog’s diet, you should consult a veterinarian, who will carry out the relevant analyzes and adjust the diet. A bad dosage of kiwi for dogs can have the following contraindications:
- Hyperkalemia : Excess potassium in the body can cause arrhythmias or other disturbances in the electrocardiogram (ECG), in addition to nausea, vomiting, muscle weakness and kidney problems.
- Hypervitaminosis C : when the body has an excess of vitamin C, the main affected system is the kidney. Its accumulation in the kidneys can cause stones, especially if it is administered in periods of medication.
- Heartburn : if not administered well ripe, kiwi for dogs can cause stomach upset due to its acidity. Dogs with a delicate stomach should not eat acidic foods, as the consequences can range from abdominal pain to gastric ulcer.
- Diarrhea : the high fiber content of kiwi can cause diarrhea if the recommended amount is exceeded. Remember that it is a nutrient that the dog’s body cannot assimilate.
Is kiwi essential for dogs?
If you wonder if kiwi for dogs is necessary in the diet, the answer is no. For humans, the contribution of vitamin C is essential, since our body does not produce it naturally. Dogs, on the other hand, do, so they do not need the extra contribution, although it can come in handy.
The intention of supplementing your dog’s diet to improve its health is always good, but before making any decision, it is very important to know how the animal’s body works. Remember that applying human principles to other species can lead to unexpected complications. Finally, if you have any questions, consult your trusted professional.
