Can dogs eat kiwi?

The skin of green kiwi is thin but hairy and fibrous, and some dogs gag on it. A whole kiwi is about 5 cm (2 in) long, just the right size to lodge in the throat of a dog under 10 kg (22 lb). Peeled and sliced into rounds about 1 cm thick, it becomes easy to eat.

The tiny black seeds are harmless.

Kiwi berries, the grape-sized smooth-skinned relatives, are a choking risk for small and medium dogs if swallowed whole, so halve them before sharing.

A medium kiwi has about 40 to 45 calories and quite a lot of fiber. That fiber can soften stools if a dog eats several. For a small dog, a single slice is plenty. Medium and large dogs can have two or three slices.

Golden kiwi varieties have smooth skins but are a little sweeter; the same portion rules apply.

Some people react to kiwi with an itchy mouth, and a small number of dogs may also be sensitive. Offer a tiny piece first and watch for lip licking, pawing at the face or vomiting before making it a regular treat.

For a dog that likes soft fruit, kiwi sits in the middle of the pack for sugar. It is sweeter than cucumber or blueberries but less sugary than banana or mango. If your dog needs to watch its weight, blueberries and cucumber are better everyday choices, and kiwi can remain an occasional change.