Yes! It is safe for dogs to eat the fruit of persimmons in moderation. But, there are some risks to consider. Not all parts of the persimmon are safe for your dog. Always remove the seeds and pit of the fruit first.
Can My Dog Snack on Persimmons?
Does your dog give you puppy eyes every time you eat a persimmon? Are you considering sharing your snack? Did your dog recently chow down on persimmon and you’re worried about if he’s okay?
The good news for pet lovers is that dogs can eat persimmons in moderation. In fact, it offers some great health benefits.
But, too much persimmon can make your dog feel ill.
There are some parts of the persimmon that are dangerous if ingested. Stick to feeding him the fruit itself without any seeds or pits.
Are Persimmons Safe for Dogs?
Consult a vet
Consult with your veterinarian before introducing new foods to discuss possible health concerns.
A food that is completely safe for one dog could trigger issues in another. Especially if you are working with underlying health issues.
Any time that you introduce a new food to your dog, start with a small piece. Watch carefully for any signs that he may be allergic or that it made him ill.
If you do notice that your dog isn’t feeling well, stop feeding persimmon immediately.
Health Benefits of Persimmons
For dogs persimmons present many health benefits.
Vitamin A
Also known as retinol, vitamin A is an important nutrient for skin and coat health. Adding it to your dog’s diet will encourage a shiny, smooth coat.
Vitamin A is also well-known for its ability to support healthy eyesight.
It maintains the clear cornea, the outer protective layer of the eye. Additionally, it promotes better vision in low light conditions.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is best known for its ability to support a strong, healthy immune system. But, vitamin C does have other benefits.
It helps to slow the cognitive decline that many dogs experience in their golden years. This includes mental processing and memory.
For dogs with arthritis or joint pain, it also helps to reduce inflammation.
Health Risks of Persimmons
High Sugar Content
The sweet taste of persimmon is very tempting for most dogs. But, this also indicates a lot of natural sugars.
Upset stomach
Too much sugar can upset your dog’s stomach.
Common signs of an upset stomach include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. You may also notice your dog licking his lips or licking the air.
Ingesting too much sugar over an extended time can also increase the risk of diabetes.
High Fiber
The high fiber content in persimmons can also cause digestive problems.
Fiber can help your dog’s digestive system, but too much has the opposite effect. This includes diarrhea and an upset stomach.
While persimmon is safe for your dog, it should only be offered as an occasional treat in moderation.
Risk of Obstruction
Not all parts of the persimmon are safe for your dog to eat.
If your dog eats a part that he shouldn’t, it could cause a dangerous obstruction.
This happens when items that your dog can’t eat become trapped in the digestive tract. It’s most common when an inedible object is swallowed like a piece of a toy or garbage.
Blockages that aren’t treated are fatal.
How Much Persimmon fruit Can A Dog Eat?
Moderation is key
It’s safe to give your dog persimmons, but you need to limit how much he eats.
Too much of this sweet treat can make him sick.
For small dogs, you should stick to a single small piece of persimmon on occasion. For larger dogs, that could be increased to 1 or 2 slices.
But, it’s best to start small and see how your dog’s digestive system handles the fruit.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Pits?
While the seeds and pit of the persimmon aren’t toxic, they can cause some serious problems.
Choking Hazard
Depending on your dog’s size persimmon seeds can pose a choking hazard.
Intestinal blockages
The biggest concern if your dog has eaten the seeds or pit is the risk of intestinal blockage. This occurs due to the fact that the dog’s small intestine can’t break these parts of the fruit down.
Your dog may experience a complete blockage or a partial blockage. Food and liquid are prevented from moving through the digestive system.
Signs of blockage
Signs of an intestinal blockage include:
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Straining to poop or inability to poop
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Restlessness
- Whining
- Hunched body position
- Pacing
- Bloating
- Aggressive reaction to the abdomen being touched
If you suspect that your dog may be experiencing an intestinal blockage, call your vet for emergency help. If a blockage isn’t addressed quickly, it is often fatal.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Leaves?
No, your dog shouldn’t eat persimmon leaves.
The leaves aren’t toxic, but they are very high in fiber. This can upset your dog’s stomach, making him feel ill.
If you have a persimmon tree in your yard, watch for signs that your dog may be munching on it. It may be necessary to put a barrier around it to keep your dog from the leaves.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Skin?
Yes! The skin of a persimmon is safe for your dog to eat. It isn’t toxic and won’t cause any health problems.
There is no need to peel the persimmon before giving it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Fuyu Persimmons?
Fuyu persimmons are the most common type of the fruit in North America. They are orange in color, like a pumpkin, and are shaped like a tomato.
This type of persimmon has a very sweet taste.
Fuyu persimmons are safe for your dog, in moderation. But, don’t allow your dog to eat too many.
The sweet taste of this persimmon variety means that there is higher sugar content. Too many Fuyu persimmons could make your dog feel sick.
Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
Are persimmons a safe fruit for your dog to enjoy? Yes! In moderation, persimmons are a tasty treat.
They even offer some great health benefits for your dog.
Eating persimmons can help to boost your dog’s immune system and protect his joints. It can also improve his skin and coat health.
That means this sweet snack can make your dog both look and feel great!
But, make sure not to feed too many persimmons. With their natural sugars, too many persimmons could leave your dog feeling sick. As a responsible pet owner you should feed your dog these fruits in moderation.
