Persimmons are a delicious treat for humans, and you may want to share it with your dog. But can dogs eat persimmons? Is it safe to feed your dog a persimmon? Because of their nutritional benefits, persimmons can be a terrific treat to offer your dog, but there are a few rules to follow before giving this fruit to your dog.
Persimmons are high in vitamins C and A and are healthy for your dog to eat. The seeds and pit, on the other hand, might cause intestinal blockage, resulting in a variety of stomach issues. The seeds and pit aren't poisonous, but they must be removed if you offer a persimmon to your dog.
Additionally, dogs who consume an excessive amount of persimmons may have diarrhea. We'll cover some useful information on persimmons, including what they're good for and any risks related with giving them to your furry friend.
What Are Persimmons?
A persimmon is a type of berry that can be consumed raw, dried, or cooked. Persimmons are very sweet when ripe, and they are more generally encountered in the winter. Persimmons are commonly used in pies, but they can also be eaten straight from the tree.
Persimmons range in size from 0.6 to 3.5 inches in diameter. They are grown in Asia and come in two different varieties - Fuyu and Hachiya. They look different and have distinct flavors. Hachiya persimmons are white and heart shaped. Fuyu is orange and has a tomato-like form.
Persimmon Nutrition & Your Dog
It's worth noting that the persimmon fruit itself is
high in antioxidants and makes a tasty treat – in moderation, of course. If you decide to give your dog a persimmon as a treat,
always remove the seeds, pit, and stem. These parts of the persimmon can pose a choking hazard or create an intestinal obstruction in your dog. Persimmon nutrition includes:
- Vitamin A & B
- Lycopene
- Dietary Fiber
- Vitamin C
- Iron
- Beta-Carotene
- Antioxidants
It is not recommended to feed your dog more than one persimmon every week, since you don't want them to become accustomed to receiving a sweet treat at every meal. Furthermore, eating too many persimmons might cause diarrhea or upset stomach.
How Much Persimmon Is Safe For Dogs?
If you have a little dog, you should only give him a small portion of persimmon. Because persimmons are natural laxatives, if you give your dog more than this, he may get an upset stomach. One to two servings of persimmon should suffice for a large dog. However, as a test, we always recommend starting with a small amount to evaluate how your dog's digestive system reacts to this treat.
Even though persimmons contain some beneficial nutrients and vitamins, they should only be given to your furry friend as a treat or snack every once in a while. Giving your dog persimmons too often can leave to obesity.
Symptoms To Watch For
If your dog ate the seeds or pit of a persimmon, look for the following signs & symptoms:
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms in your dog, contact your veterinarian right away. Your vet may have you bring your dog in for further care.
Review: Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
If you do decide to give your dog a persimmon, you must remove the pit and seeds. If you don't, your dog may experience a gastrointestinal blockage that will necessitate medical treatment. If your dog develops a taste for persimmons, make sure you keep them out of reach so they don't eat the seeds accidently.
Any new food should be introduced into your dogs diet slowly. If you have never given your dog a persimmon before and decide to let him try one, give your dog a small bite. Remember, the smaller the dog the smaller the amount of persimmon you should give him. Smaller dogs will be affected easier than large dogs.
If your dog accidentally eats a persimmon, seeds and all, you should watch for signs of an intestinal blockage and, if necessary, bring him to your veterinarian right away.