Can dogs eat persimmons? Yes, persimmons are safe for dogs to eat. They are rich in antioxidants such as beta-carotene, enhancing the immune system. However, persimmons are natural laxatives, so they should be given to dogs in moderation.
Learn more about the advantages and disadvantages withing feeding persimmons to dogs as you read on.
What Are Persimmons?
Persimmons are berries originating from 3 places: China, Japan, and the United States. Later on, the varieties of persimmon from China spread to other Asian countries. Today, most of the production of the persimmons happens in China, Japan, and Korea.
Since persimmons are not common fruits, many people do not have a clue what they look like. These berries closely resemble tomatoes, but they have bright orange skin instead of red.
If you wonder what persimmons taste like, they are often described as having a honey-like flavor. They also have a rich and tangy taste. When it comes to the texture of these berries’ flesh, it is similar to that of an apricot, which is silky and slippery.
What Are the Health Benefits of Persimmons to Dogs?
Is persimmon good for dogs? Yes, the persimmon fruit is good for dogs. This tasty morsel is full of vitamins and minerals that provide additional nutrition to pooches.
There are high levels of beta-carotene, folic acid, and flavonoids in persimmons. As a result, they have strong antioxidative powers, which get rid of excess free radicals in the body and boost the immune system.
A chemical called lycopene is also found in large amounts in these juicy berries. It is believed to aid in preventing cancerous tumors from forming.
Persimmon for dogs also possesses amazing anti-inflammatory properties. These are particularly helpful for arthritic dogs and other pooches with painful joint issues.
Muscle and bone-developing minerals exist in persimmons too. Manganese is necessary to keep all bones and cartilages in the body healthy. Potassium, on the other hand, enhances the bone density of dogs.
Persimmons are high in calories but low in fats. These fruits make great energy-boosting snacks for dogs without putting them at risk of gaining too much weight.
What Are the Disadvantages of Feeding Persimmons to Dogs?
After enumerating the health benefits of persimmons, the obvious answer to the question “Can dogs have persimmons?” is yes.
However, do not give these delicious treats to your dog just yet. You first need to know their drawbacks to keep him safe from certain dangers.
Loose Stools After Eating Too Much Persimmons
Did you know that persimmons are natural laxatives? That is because they contain excessively high amounts of dietary fiber.
For this reason, do not feed your dog persimmons in large quantities. Or else his digestive system will have trouble breaking down all the fiber. Overeating persimmons often leads to digestive problems such as abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
Ingesting Persimmon Seeds and Pits Can Cause Fatal Accidents
Many seeds from fruits, including apples and cherries, are toxic and dangerous to dogs. The good thing about persimmon seeds and pits is that they are toxin-free. However, they are not entirely safe for your furry pal either.
Being large berries, persimmons have equally big seeds. These hard stones are choking hazards. They can also get stuck in your dog’s small intestines, causing deadly intestinal blockage.
These are the major reasons you should remove the seeds and pits before feeding a persimmon to your dog.
Natural Sugars of the Fruit May Increase Blood Sugar Levels
Most fruits are loaded with sugar, and persimmons are not an exemption. Overeating these berries can spike up the blood glucose levels of dogs. Hence, persimmons are not suitable for diabetic dogs.
Too much sugar can also add extra pounds to dogs, causing them to suffer from obesity. It also eliminates the healthy bacteria in your dog’s digestive system, negatively affecting his metabolism.
How Much Persimmon Can a Dog Eat?
Persimmons should be given to dogs in small amounts. Small dogs can eat up to half a slice of persimmon. Medium and large breeds can have 1–2 pieces of persimmon. Serve the fruit no more than once a week.
What Types of Persimmons Can Dogs Have?
Some varieties of persimmons are not the healthiest food for your pooch. Find out which ones you should exclude from his meals as you continue reading.
Can Dogs Eat Hachiya Persimmons?
Yes, hachiya persimmons are safe for your dog. However, they might not be tasty for him since these persimmons taste bitter even when ripe.
Can Dogs Eat Fuyu Persimmons?
Yes, fuyu persimmons are not toxic to dogs. They are great delicious dog treats. Unlike hachiya persimmons, this variety has a sweet taste that is similar to dates and pears.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Leaves?
No. Letting dogs munch on persimmon leaves is not a good idea. Although persimmon leaves are non-toxic to dogs, they contain too much fiber. Ingesting many of them will eventually result in stomach problems.
Can Dogs Have Persimmon Skin?
Yes, your dog can eat persimmon skin. There is no need to peel it off, but do not forget to rinse it thoroughly. This removes the bacteria, chemicals, and diet clinging to the persimmon skin.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat dried persimmons, but it does not mean they are healthy. Dried persimmons are high in sugar, so they are not healthy for your canine companion. It would be best to feed him fresh pitted persimmons.
What Fruits Are Bad for Dogs?
If you are looking for natural treats for pooches, fruits are a good choice. However, some of them can seriously jeopardize dogs’ health. For example, grapes and raisins contain unknown highly toxic compounds to dogs that can cause kidney failure. Likewise, avocados are harmful to canines since they produce a poisonous chemical called persin.
Always research before sharing any fruits with your dog. Inform other family members to avoid carelessly sneaking bits of fruits to your pet too. Taking these precautionary methods will keep your dog safe from the risk of poisoning.
