Can dogs or cats eat kiwi?

August 1, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat kiwi?

Kiwi is a scrumptious treat for humans (at least once you peel off that hairy skin), but can dogs eat it? The short answer is yes, kiwi is safe for dogs to eat. The longer answer is that you should only feed them kiwi in moderation.

Kiwi (or "kiwifruit" if you're a dyed-in-the-fur completist) is loaded with nutrients such as Vitamin C, fiber, potassium and antioxidants that help improve your dog's overall health. Plus, the fruit's low caloric content makes it an excellent choice if you're looking to treat your furry friend without worrying about weight gain.

However, it's important to note that you shouldn't feed kiwi to your dog excessively or on a regular basis. Too much kiwi intake can cause gastrointestinal upset in some dogs due to the fruit's high-fiber content, which may in turn lead to diarrhea or vomiting.

And before you feed any new type of food to your dog, make sure there are no known allergic reactions to that food; some pets might have specific dietary restrictions.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your dog eats kiwi (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat kiwi?

Kiwi is a delicious and nutritious fruit packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Can your purrfect little buddy eat it too? Good news: In moderation, kiwi can be healthy for cats!

Kiwi contains high levels of vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system of cats. It also has plenty of fiber, which can aid your cat's digestion and keep their bowel movements regular. Plus, the enzymes found in kiwis have been shown to help break down proteins, making it easier for cats to digest their food.

But again, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. In fact, after eating acidic fruits like kiwi, some cats may experience stomach upset or diarrhea even if they only eat small amounts. If you introduce a new food to your cat's diet, start small and monitor their reaction carefully before deciding whether or not to continue adding this fruit into their meals.

Finally, keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores, which means they need to get most of their nutrients from meat. Plant-based foods are fine as an occasional treat, but they should never replace the meat in your cat's diet.

As always, before introducing a new food item into your pet's diet, consult with your veterinarian first. If your cat eats kiwi (or any food) and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating any unsafe foods, pet insurance can help cover the cost of treatment.

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 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet