Can Dogs Have Kiwi? Down Under? Yes And No

Can dogs have Kiwi? If you’re talking about those flightless floofy birds, then the answer is both NO and YES! Check out the link at the end of this post to read the sad/happy story about how dogs are helping save New Zealand’s unique but endangered birds.

What you’re really asking is, “Can dogs eat kiwi fruit?” The answer is yes, but … Don’t worry, though, because we’re going to explain the “but” part and tell you exactly how your dog can get the best health benefits from this nutritious fruit. We’ll tell you what other fruits dogs can have, and we’ve even got some kiwi fruit recipes just for pooches.

What Kind of Food Do Dogs Like to Eat?

You already know that your dog wants to eat whatever you’re eating. At the very least, she wants you to give her some of what you’re eating even if she doesn’t like it. Descended from wolf ancestors, canines are pack animals and require bonding with other members of the pack.

Since you’re the pack leader, you’re strengthening the tribal membership when you share food with your dog. Domesticated dogs have learned to use this to their advantage, especially by turning on the cuteness, although you can use that to your advantage, too.

More about that later. Through the process of domestication, dogs have become omnivores, meaning that although animal protein is their most preferred primary source of nutrition, they also eat different plants including vegetables, fruits, and grasses in smaller amounts. Can dogs eat kiwi among the plants in their diet? Keep reading.

Dogs have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. However, did you know that for each scent receptor a human has, dogs have around 50? Their sense of taste is also different from ours. They can’t taste salt very well, but they can taste water with special receptors on the tips of their tongues.

FUN FACT: Taste buds extend to the back of their throats where more receptors for sweetness are clustered. Can dogs eat kiwi? Yes, and unlike us, they can taste it with their whole mouth!

Given their instinctively omnivorous diet, they thrive on fresh, natural, unprocessed foods provided in the right balance. That’s why it’s beneficial to give them nourishing treats that are low-fat and low-sugar. All that being said, each dog’s food preferences are as individual as humans’ food preferences are.

What Are Dogs’ Nutritional Needs?

Just as kiwi birds eat roly-poly bugs and worms, canines seek animal protein and fats. Some studies indicate that they generally prefer beef and pork over chicken and lamb. Other studies show that a diet high in meat promotes more effective digestion and absorption than diets that are carbohydrate-based.

Canine energy requirements vary through the lifespan: puppies, nursing mothers, active adult dogs, and those healing from illness or injuries need more calories than inactive, overweight, and older dogs. Feeding a balanced diet is important because it means that necessary vitamins and minerals are available in a digestible form.

For example, termites can digest the carbohydrate cellulose found in wood, but dogs and humans can’t. Many overweight dogs are unhealthy and perpetually hungry because even with full stomachs, they aren’t getting enough of the right kind of nutrition.

Many dog lovers have found that feeding their pets BARF improves their health. “Whaaaat?” you’re asking. “BARF” stands for “Biologically Appropriate Raw Food.” It refers to fresh, unprocessed, clean food of the right variety in the right proportions.

Along those lines, they feed their dogs home-grown veggies and fruits from their own gardens, free of harmful additives, toxic pesticides, and fresh as fresh can be. Can dogs have kiwi as part of a BARF diet? Yes!

What Is Kiwi Fruit?

To better answer your question — can dogs eat kiwi — first let’s explain what kiwi fruit is. The Chinese have been eating it for thousands of years. Servicemen in New Zealand during World War II liked the “Chinese gooseberries” growing on woody vines. Technically the fruit is classified as a berry because of the way it develops from the flower.

Why Would Anybody Want to Eat a Kiwi Fruit?

When you first see the brown, hairy-looking thing you wonder how it could be edible. But the inside looks like emeralds! It tastes as sweet as melon.

Yes! Use the succulent kiwi flesh, minus skin and seeds, as an occasional supplement or treat.

Is Kiwi Good For Dogs?

As we’ve mentioned, canine and human systems are different but kiwi provides many vitamins and minerals. Can dogs have kiwi? We’re going to explain how.

Can Dogs Eat A Whole Kiwi Fruit?

No. While large dogs can easily fit a whole kiwi into their mouths, they run the risk of choking on it. Additionally, the skin and seeds aren’t safe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Have Kiwi Skin?

They’re physically able to eat it but it might irritate their mouths or cause choking. Canines can’t digest the tough, fibrous skin. Although fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps push it along, too much causes diarrhea, cramps, gas, constipation, or even dangerous obstructions. While pureeing and cooking are two methods of helping soften indigestible fiber, the doggie digestive system is better off without kiwi skin.
What should you do if your dog devours some? Use the BEAM method of monitoring your pet:

What Is BEAM? A Tool To Evaluate Your Pet

• Behavior: Eating, drinking, and pooping
• Energy: Changes from what’s usual
• Attitude: Sleepiness, hiding, abdominal pain, attempts to communicate with you
• Mood: Increased aggression, depression, withdrawal

What Happens If a Dog Eats Kiwi Seeds?

Like apple seeds and peach pits, kiwi seeds contain a small amount of amygdalin which is metabolized into cyanide. A few won’t hurt but too many will make your dog sick. How many are too many? It depends on the size, age, and physical health of your dog.

How Much Kiwi Can My Dog Eat?

Kiwis contain a lot of sugar. Dogs consuming too many carbohydrates easily gain weight. In addition, sudden ingestion of too much sugar can produce spikes in blood sugar that are dangerous for dogs with diabetes.

What If My Dog Eats Too Much Kiwi Fruit?

If your pooch eats more than a few slices, it’s BEAM time for you: make time to observe his behavior, energy, attitude, and mood for several hours, especially if the skin and seeds were consumed. Holistic Veterinary resources are found here American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association

Can Dogs Eat Yellow Kiwi?

Golden kiwifruit is a cultivar, meaning a specially developed strain of kiwi. It has sweet yellow flesh, fewer seeds, and almost no fuzz. Yes, your dog can eat it, but since it has more sugar, less is better. They can taste how different each cultivar is.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Kiwi?

Yes, cut into pieces without skin or seeds.

Kiwi Dog Food (It’s Not What You Think)

It’s not made with kiwi fruit! It’s a brand from New Zealand. Did you know that New Zealanders call themselves kiwis? We’re not advertising, but letting you know about it to prevent confusion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fruit Good For Dogs?

Although dogs don’t eat much fruit in the wild, they do ingest it indirectly by eating their prey’s stomachs and intestines.

What kind of fruit can dogs eat?

A few beneficial fruits include:

• Apples
• Bananas
• Blueberries
• Kiwis (of course!)
• Pineapples
• Strawberries.

Organic fresh fruit is more healthful than canned. They should be served in moderation, cut into pieces, and free of hard seeds and tough skins. Since little dogs have very narrow gullets, blueberries are safer when squashed.

What’s the Best Way to Introduce a New Food to My Dog?

Start with a small amount in a calm environment. If the BEAM observation technique (see above) reveals no problems after at least a day or two, then repeat with a little more.

Since you know the answer to the question “Can dogs have kiwi?” you can introduce the new food by taking the time to eat it together and create a positive sharing experience.

Why Do I Need to Wash Fruit for My Dog When He Eats Gross Things Outside?

For the same reason that you need to wash fruit for yourself and the ones you love: you want to remove bird droppings, animal urine, pesticide residue, parasite eggs, slug slime, and bacteria.

How Do I Wash Fruits and Vegetables?

Even though you’ll be peeling the kiwis, it’s still good to wash the fruit first and then wash your hands afterward. Can dogs have kiwi? The answer is CLEAN Kiwi! Contamination is like glitter in that some of it always sticks around and spreads. Here are four ways to wash produce:

How To Wash Produce

• Soak in saltwater for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• Soak in a bath of 1 teaspoon baking soda (also called bicarbonate of soda or bicarb) added to 2 cups of water for 15 minutes, then rinse.
• Soak in 1 part vinegar (any type) with 4 parts water for 20 minutes, then rinse.
• A less effective shortcut is running the produce under the tap for 20 seconds.

Dog Recipes with Kiwi
Remember that these treats are meant to be a supplement and training reward rather than a meal substitute. Because they contain no preservatives, uneaten portions should be refrigerated or frozen. Finally, be sure your pet isn’t allergic to any of the ingredients.

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Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
2 ripe kiwis, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon basil
1 cup spelt flour
1/4 cup Water

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface 1/4 inch thick.
With a straight edge, score the dough horizontally and then vertically to make a grid (a pizza cutter will work).
Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until browned at the edges.
Allow to cool. Break into pieces and refrigerate.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken treats? Oh, yes!

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Ingredients:
1 chicken breast, cooked and chopped
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
1/2 tablespoon dried mint leaves
1 cup whole wheat flour

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined.
Knead dough into ball and roll onto a floured surface until 1/2 inch thick.
Cut with a cookie cutter of your choice and place on your prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 10 minutes. Cool and refrigerate.
Makes 3 to 4 dozen.

Can dogs have kiwi chicken tomato treats? Oh, yes!

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Ingredients:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1 banana
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 1/2 cup water, divided

First Layer:
1 kiwi, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup water
Add kiwi and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Second Layer:
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1/2 cup water
Add strawberries and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Third Layer:
1 banana
1/2 cup water
Add banana and water to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

Instructions:
Pour an inch or so of your first kiwi layer mixture into the bottom of each cup.
Place in freezer and allow to freeze for an hour or more.
Repeat pouring the layers, allowing them to set an hour or more in between until they are all used.
Freeze for 8 hours to allow them to fully set.
Run warm water around the mold to remove the popsicle.
Makes 4 popsicles.

Can dogs have kiwi popsicles? Oh, yes!

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Final Thoughts

Now, about dogs helping save kiwi birds in Zealand: two German Shorthaired pointers are working for the New Zealand Department of Conservation to locate kiwis and their nests. Can dogs have kiwi? Neo and Beau are helping prevent their extinction so the whole world can have kiwi. T

hese two beloved pooches may actually hold the future of the endangered birds in their paws. Or in their sniffers. As ambassadors for conservation efforts throughout the country, they’re ambassadors for the canine species as well. Check out their story here, and then go treat your own doggos to kiwi treats. They deserve it.

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Resources

General Information about Canine Nutritional Needs
https://www.nap.edu/resource/10668/dog_nutrition_final_fix.pdf

The BARF Diet (Biologically Appropriate Raw Food)
https://www.barfworld.com/ingredients

Food Safety at Home — a guide for anyone of any gender who prepares food)
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/free-publications-women/food-safety-home

How to Wash Produce
https://www.naturopathy-uk.com/news/news-cnm-blog/blog/2020/05/22/how-to-remove-pesticides-from-vegetables-and-fruits-2/