Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat persimmons?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Ripe persimmon flesh is safe for dogs in small amounts, but the seeds and stone-like pits can cause blockages and inflame the small intestine. Remove the seeds, the leafy top and the skin if it is thick, and offer a slice or two. Dogs that eat fallen persimmons in autumn often swallow the seeds too.
Seeds are the hazard
Persimmons can contain several flat seeds, each around 1.5 to 2 cm (under 1 in) long. Dogs rarely chew fruit carefully, so seeds go down whole. A handful can gather in the intestine, and small breeds are most at risk.
Sharon fruit and Fuyu varieties are often seedless, which makes them easier to prepare, but always check.
Ripe versus unripe
Unripe astringent persimmons, such as Hachiya before they soften, are high in tannins. These can make fruit clump together in the stomach and irritate the gut. Only offer fruit that is fully ripe and soft.
Persimmons have around 70 calories per 100 g, a little more than apples.
Soft, jelly-like flesh is the sign a persimmon is ready to share.
A realistic portion
One or two thin slices suit a medium dog of 15 kg (33 lb). A large dog can manage three slices. Persimmons are sweet, so larger amounts can loosen stools. Treat them as an autumn novelty rather than a staple.
The calyx, the leafy green cap on top, is tough and should be removed. Thick skin on some varieties can also be peeled for small dogs, though it is not harmful in itself.
Fallen fruit in gardens
Persimmon trees are common in southern Europe, Australia and parts of the US, and they drop a lot of fruit in late autumn. Dogs left in the garden can eat several whole fruits, seeds and all. Collect fallen fruit daily while the tree is dropping.
Key takeaways
- Ripe, seedless persimmon flesh is safe in small amounts.
- Seeds can cause blockages, especially in small dogs.
- Unripe fruit is high in tannins and harder on the gut.
- Clear windfalls from under persimmon trees.