Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Can Dogs Eat Persimmons? Yes, but with precaution! The persimmon is highly nutritious as it contains vitamin C, iron, and calcium. If feeding your dog persimmons, you should ensure the pit and seeds are removed as it can cause indigestion blockage which can lead to serious implications. This article will provide you with details about the persimmon fruit as well as other highly nutritious fruits dogs can eat. We will also provide you with some interesting fruit activities that will help mentally stimulate your dog!

Busy? Get Your Hands Paws On The Answers Quickly…

• What Is A Persimmon Fruit?
• Are Dogs Allowed Persimmons?
• How To Prepare Persimmons For Dogs
• Other Nutritional Fruits For Dogs
• Fun Fruit Games For Dogs
• FAQs

WHAT IS A PERSIMMON FRUIT?

The persimmon (persimon) is an edible fruit of multiple species that belong to Diospyros. The most common and popular of these trees is the Asian (Japanese) persimmon, Disopyros Kaki. 

There are two types of persimmon fruit; astringent and non-astringent. 

The beautifully looking heart-shaped Hachiya is the most common astringent persimmon. Astringent persimmons are best picked and then ripened for a few days until they’re soft and squidgy before eating. Non-astringent persimmons can be picked and eaten straight from the tree, they taste more sweet and resemble a sweet treat like sugar-canes. 

ARE DOGS ALLOWED PERSIMMONS?

As previously mentioned, dogs are allowed to eat persimmon, however the seeds and pit must be removed before doing so. The seeds and pit are not toxic to dogs but can cause indigestion problems such as blockages in the stomach which can have serious implications. 

Persimmons are very nutritious and have high levels of vitamin C as well as iron and calcium. It is good for dogs to have some human foods incorporated into their diet as it provides them with the nutrients needed to ensure they’re a healthy dog. 

Below we have outlined in more detail the health benefits and concerns when feeding your dog persimmons. 

Health Benefits

Vitamin C
This vitamin is of high importance. The antioxidants help reduce inflammation inside the dogs’ body as well as helping with cognitive aging. Dogs’ can produce vitamin C in their liver, but that does not mean you should factor it out of their diet as it offers other health benefits. Foods high in vitamin C include; broccoli, sprouts, lychees, and lemons.

Iron 
Dogs need iron in their diet to help develop their red blood cells. A lack of iron will cause the bone marrow to produce much smaller red blood cells, thus lowering the amount of oxygen intake. A deficiency in iron is known to cause anemia. In worst-case scenarios, anemia will cause your dog to need a blood transfusion. 

Calcium 
This is an essential mineral for dogs; not only does it improve a dog’s teeth and bones, but it also helps clot blood properly and strengthen, contract, and lengthen their muscles. It also plays a pivotal role in producing and maintaining cells. 

Health Concerns

Choking Hazard
A lot of fruit pits can be toxic and to dogs. Like most members of the berry family, persimmons have seeds and a pit in the middle, which can be dangerous for your dogs. Despite being non-toxic, persimmon seeds and pits are slightly large and pose as a choking hazard. 

Furthermore,  some dogs may experience side effects when eating the seeds, these include; vomiting, intestinal inflammation, and intestinal blockage. Intestinal blockage can be a condition that causes fatality in dogs. Without surgery, it can cause an obstruction in the dog’s stomach and inhibits the internal working organs. Before feeding dogs persimmons, it is highly important to remove the seeds to avoid choking.

HOW TO PREPARE PERSIMMONS FOR DOGS

Remove Seeds and Pit
Ensure all seeds and the pit is removed before feeding to your dog. Sometimes there are loose seeds on the outside of the fruit and slice it finely to ensure all seeds are found and removed. 

Slice and Dice
Ensure the persimmon is chopped finely to find any loose seeds. It is also easier for your dog to chew and digest smaller chunks and reduces the risk of choking. 

OTHER NUTRITIONAL FRUITS FOR DOGS

Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent choice of healthy snack for your dog. They are extremely low in calories yet have high amounts of vitamin C & K, fiber, and antioxidants. Vitamin C and fiber are important components of a canine’s diet, as well as the antioxidants that help fight off diseases, illnesses and decrease the risk of arthritis in older dogs.

Blueberries also make an excellent choice of snack due to their size— no need for hours of preparation, pop them out of the packet into your dog’s bowl and away you go. Although you may want to keep a close eye on them as that purple trail may cause a mess!

Guava
Dogs love guava! As with all ‘human’ foods, dogs should be given guava in moderation. Guava is highly nutritious and provides dogs with a variety of vitamins and minerals, these include; dietary fiber, vitamins A & C, potassium and magnesium. It is important to note that guava is also high in carbohydrates and sugars and therefore should only be given as a small treat. 

Papaya
Papaya is very nutritional for dogs but make sure to remove the pips and peel. When given to your dog in moderation, papaya offers a wide variety of nutritional benefits, and the enzymes are excellent for promoting a healthy gut in dogs and humans. Papaya is very high in fiber among other vitamins and minerals such as; magnesium, potassium, and vitamin C.

Plums
Dogs can eat plums but you must take extra precaution. Plums are an excellent source of nutrition for dogs as they are low in calories but contain high levels of fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and potassium. As well as this, they also contain antioxidants, which can help improve a dogs’ health and well-being later in life. Antioxidants have proven to help reduce inflammation around the muscles and joints, which decreases the risk of arthritis. 

FUN FRUIT GAMES FOR DOGS

Fruit Muffin Tin Game
This is a very simple yet enjoyable activity for dogs. Place a variety of different fruits in some of the bases of the muffin tin holes. I typically have half of the holes filled and half of the holes empty. Next, place a variety of tennis balls (or similar) on top of the fruit to cover it. Then place the tray in front of your dog and watch them try and remove the balls to gain access to their fruity treat. Simple but effective!

Homemade Treat Dispensers
We have an option of three different homemade treat dispensers. You can find more detail about them here “3 DIY Treat Dispensing Dog Toys”.

Fruit Bobbing 
Great for a hot summer’s day! Fill up a tub/box with water, please fruit inside and watch your dog dip their head in to fish out the fruit. Choose a suitable size tub/box for your dog, you do not want them falling in!

FAQS

What fruit is bad for dogs?
Cherries, grapes and raisins should be kept away from dogs. Citrus fruits are non-toxic but can cause upset stomachs. 

Are bananas good for dogs?
Yes bananas make a great treat for dogs. They’re high in potassium, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. 

Is cheese bad for dogs?
Cheese is safe for your dogs to eat but it is important to note that cheese is high in fat and should be given in moderation. 

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Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.