Persimmons are becoming more popular throughout the world lately. So we thought we would answer the question for can dogs eat persimmons? Well, yes, they can BUT it comes with some conditions. Persimmons have a catch to them, they take prepping, you cannot just feed your dog them straight out the bowl or fridge.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
So yes, dogs can eat persimmons they have quite a bit of vitamin C in them, which is good for your dog’s health. What you might be surprised to know is dogs actually produce their own vitamin C. Which means they do not need as much as you think. Which is why it is best to keep persimmons as a rare treat.
When giving your dog persimmons you will need to always remove the seeds and pits. These will cause problems with their small intestine, which can cause diarrhea and blockages.
You will also need to make sure you have washed the persimmons. You should do this for all vegetables and fruit that you give your dog.
Persimmons are safe for your dog to eat and are full of vitamins C and A. However, the seeds and pit can cause intestinal blockage leading to various digestive problems. The seeds and pit aren’t toxic, and they must be removed if you feed your dog a persimmon.
Read the original article – Rover.com
Are Persimmons Toxic to Dogs?
There are a lot of human foods that are not safe for dogs and it is important you know which ones they are, especially if you have them in your house. Persimmons are not toxic to dogs; they have been known to cause diarrhea in some dogs though. They are surprisingly loaded with a few health benefits, as long as they are given in moderation.
You do need to make sure you remove all seeds and pits from the persimmon though, as mentioned above these will cause problems to your dog’s digestion track. Even if you buy persimmons that are seed/pit free you still need to check them fully.
Health Benefits of Persimmons
Persimmons have high amounts of vitamin C, along with, Vitamin A, Manganese, beta-carotene, lycopene, and potassium. Some of the above nutrients are antioxidants, which makes persimmons a good source for your dog.
Check out the below table from the USDA FoodData Central Database, showing what can be found in a persimmon.
1 Raw Persimmon – 168g
| Name | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 135g |
| Energy | 118kcal |
| Protein | 0.974g |
| Fat | 0.319g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 31.2g |
| Fiber | 6.05g |
| Sugars, total including NLEA | 21g |
| Potassium | 270mg |
| Vitamin C | 12.6mg |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 136ug |
Water intake
As you can see, one of the most surprising things is that 135g of one persimmon is made up of water, which is great for dogs.
Calories and Fat
You will see that persimmons are high in calories but low in fat. If your dog is very active and burns a lot of calories, persimmons could be a good choice here.
According to PetMD an average dog weighing 45 pounds needs 1075 kcal’s a day. Please note though, if you are worried about your dogs’ weight you should contact your veterinarian. They can give you the best and exact way to help your little furry friend.
Fiber
As you can see in the table there is 6.05g of fiber in 1 persimmon, fiber is great for a dog’s diet. If your dog is a bit on the overweight side, fiber can help them lose some of that weight.
Fiber can help them feel fuller like they have eaten more than they have. Lastly, if your dog is struggling with constipation then it can help with their movements.
Please note though, there is such a thing where dogs can have too much fiber, so do not overdo it. Do not forget that dogs get everything they need in their daily dog food, so do not accidentally overdo it on the fiber. Any treats should always be given in moderation. Your dog’s treats should only be 10% of their diet, this includes persimmon, they are a treat too.
More Benefits
You will also find that persimmons have an anti-inflammatory property too. Which makes them great for dogs that have arthritis or joint issues.
Persimmons also have anti-cancer properties, which is always a bonus in any food we eat.
How Many Persimmons Can Dogs Eat?
Persimmons are actually a natural laxative, so eating too many persimmons can cause your dog to have diarrhea.
Small dogs should only have a couple of slices of persimmon, medium to large dogs can have around 1 or 2 persimmons. Although this really depends on the dog themselves. You are best starting with small amounts no matter the breed size. This will give you a good indicator of what they can have, especially small dogs.
This will also show if they have an allergy to the persimmon. All dogs are different and by doing this you are making sure they will not react badly from it.
If your dog does have diarrhea from persimmons, then it is best to just leave the fruit alone and find something better for them to have as a treat. There are many human foods your dog can have and will enjoy; it is not worth putting your dog through that.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Seeds?
No, they cannot eat them. There is a lot of fruit that has seeds that are toxic to dogs, persimmons are not though. This does not mean dogs can eat them though. The seeds can cause other problems with your dog’s health though.
For starters, persimmons are a bigger type of fruit, with bigger seeds inside. These can be a choking hazard to your dog.
Secondly, the seeds can cause intestinal problems with your dog. They can suffer from an inflamed small intestine or even suffer from a blockage in their intestine. You always need to remove the seeds, no excuses.
If your dog has eaten a whole persimmon behind your back, you should keep a close eye on them for choking. Do you think they are acting differently or are struggling to breathe? Then you should take them to your veterinarian straight away.
As a general rule of thumb, you should ring your local vet and explain what has happened. They will be able to give you the best guidance as possible. They may want to give them a full examination and double-check for any blockages.
Conclusion
Yes, dogs can get persimmons, as long as you take the advice above seriously. All seeds and pits need to be removed before you give your dog a persimmon, along with washing the persimmons as well. You will also need to make sure you cut the persimmon up, so it is not a choking hazard.
If your dog does not like persimmons, then there are many other different types of foods. Such foods can be Apples, Carrots, and Watermelon that your dog will love even more.
