Yes, dogs can eat kiwi in small amounts, as long as you peel it and cut the soft green flesh into little pieces. A bit of kiwi is a safe, occasional treat for a healthy dog: it's juicy, full of vitamin C and low in calories. The parts to be careful with are the fuzzy skin and the size of the pieces, and as with any fruit, the sugar means it's a treat rather than an everyday snack.
Owners often ask me at the salon here in York what fruit they can share, and kiwi comes up now and then. It's a fine one to offer, with a little prep. Here's how I'd handle it.
Is kiwi good for dogs?
A ripe kiwi does have a few things going for it:
- High in vitamin C, a natural antioxidant.
- A source of fibre, which supports digestion.
- Low in calories, so a small serving won't tip the balance.
- Juicy and hydrating, nice on a warm day.
That said, kiwi is not something your dog needs. A complete, balanced diet already provides all the vitamins they require, dogs make their own vitamin C too, so treat kiwi as a pleasant extra rather than a health boost.
Peel it, and cut it small
The prep is quick but it matters:
- Remove the skin. The fuzzy brown skin is technically edible, but it's tough and fibrous, harder to digest, and can irritate the tummy or pose a choking risk. Peel it off and feed only the green flesh.
- Cut into small pieces. A whole kiwi, or a big chunk, is a choking hazard, especially for small dogs and dogs that gulp their food. Little bite-sized pieces are much safer.
- Consider the seeds. The tiny black kiwi seeds are fine in the small quantity found in a normal serving, so there's no need to pick them out.
> Worth knowing: Start with just a tiny piece the first time you offer kiwi. It's fairly acidic, so some dogs get a slightly loose tummy from it. See how your dog gets on before making it a regular treat.
Keep it in moderation
Kiwi is natural, but it still contains sugar, and too much fruit can cause loose stools or, over time, contribute to weight gain. The vets' rule of thumb is that treats, fruit included, should be no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories. The rest should come from their proper food.
In practice that means a piece or two for a small dog, or a few small pieces for a larger one, now and again, not a whole kiwi in one go. The PDSA's guidance on safe fruit and veg for dogs is a good general reference for portion sense.
What to avoid
- The skin: peel it off, it's tough and can irritate or choke.
- Large chunks or a whole fruit: choking risk, cut small.
- Kiwi in syrup, dried kiwi, or anything sweetened: too much sugar, and watch for xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is extremely dangerous to dogs.
And the usual reminder: grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, so keep those well away (see the Blue Cross list of foods poisonous to dogs).
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat kiwi skin?
Best not to. The fuzzy skin is tough and fibrous, harder to digest, and can be a choking risk. Peel the kiwi and feed only the soft green flesh.
How much kiwi can a dog eat?
A small amount. A piece or two for a little dog, a few small pieces for a bigger one, occasionally. Keep all treats under 10% of daily calories.
Are kiwi seeds safe for dogs?
The tiny seeds in a normal piece of kiwi are fine and don't need removing. It's the skin and the piece size that matter more.
My dog ate a whole kiwi, should I worry?
One kiwi, skin and all, is unlikely to cause serious harm to most dogs, but it may bring on a loose tummy or, if swallowed whole, a choking risk. Watch them, offer water, and ring your vet if you see repeated vomiting, distress or difficulty swallowing.
This isn't veterinary advice
We're professional dog groomers, not vets, so please treat this as friendly general guidance. If you're worried about your dog, or before acting on anything here, speak to your local vet. In an emergency, contact your vet or nearest out-of-hours clinic.
Fluffs is a professional dog grooming salon in Wigginton, York, offering one-to-one grooming for dogs of every breed and coat type across Haxby, Strensall, Huntington, New Earswick and the surrounding villages. Little healthy treats and regular grooming both keep tails wagging. Book their next groom.