If you’ve just discovered persimmons, you’re in for a treat. The fruit is soft, tasty, and super healthy for humans.
Maybe you’d like to share some of it with your furry companion. But, can dogs eat persimmons, too?
Turns out, you can feed your dog persimmons safely if you take a few precautions.
Read on to find out how to give your dog this delicious treat and not have to worry about any side effects.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat persimmons. Feeding dogs persimmons provides them with many health benefits: healthy fiber, vitamins, and reduced inflammation.
However, there is a caveat. If your dog eats too many persimmons, they can experience digestive issues. The fruit is naturally high in fiber and could irritate a sensitive stomach.
Persimmon pits should be avoided because they are a choking hazard and could cause intestinal blockage.
Are Persimmons Good for Dogs?
Persimmons are good for both humans and dogs.
This oversized, sweet berry is pretty rich in dietary fiber. Fiber is essential for digestive health and a strong, happy heart. Just make sure your dog doesn’t ingest too much of it.
The fruit is filled with other good stuff as well:
- Vitamin A
- Potassium
- Antioxidants
- Lycopene
- Beta-carotene
These participate in a number of metabolic processes and contribute to a healthy immune system, good eyesight, and beautiful skin.
Persimmons contain betulinic acid, which prevents cancer and reduces inflammation. As such, they are especially good for senior dogs with aching joints since they could alleviate the pain.
Are Persimmons Bad for Dogs?
There’s nothing toxic to dogs in persimmons. However, you should take a few things into account.
Persimmons are a natural laxative, which means they promote bowel movement. Feeding your dog too many persimmons could result in digestive issues and an upset stomach. If your dog eats too much, they might even vomit.
Additionally, persimmon seeds and pits are a choking hazard, so it’s best not to feed them to your canine.
These could also lead to intestinal blockage — a painful condition when a seed or a pit gets stuck in a dog’s small intestine. Intestinal blockages often require surgical intervention.
Some forms of persimmons — like a cooked or dried one — have higher sugar content, potentially harming your dog.
Different Parts and Types of Persimmons
Certain parts of persimmons are perfectly safe for dogs, while others could cause your furry friend discomfort.
Let’s look at different parts of persimmons and various preparation methods and see which ones are safe for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Skin?
Yes, dogs can eat persimmon skin. There is nothing toxic or dangerous in the skin that would harm dogs.
So there is no need to peel persimmons before feeding them to your dog. As with other fruits and vegetables, the only thing you should do is wash it thoroughly to remove any potential chemical residues.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Leaves?
Technically, dogs can eat persimmon leaves, but they shouldn’t. The leaves themselves aren’t toxic to dogs, but they can have a laxative effect.
Persimmon leaves are high in fiber, so eating too many could cause an upset stomach and other digestive problems in dogs. If you have a persimmon tree in the backyard, you should supervise your dog and not allow them to munch on the leaves.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Pits?
No, dogs should not eat persimmon pits. The pits themselves aren’t toxic to dogs, but they could be harmful.
Persimmon pits and seeds pose a choking hazard to dogs. They could also get stuck in the dog’s intestine, leading to an intestinal blockage. This condition often requires immediate surgical intervention.
Make sure to remove the pit and seeds before feeding persimmons to your dog. If your dog shows signs of intestinal blockage, maybe they ingested some of them. In that case, call a vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Fresh Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat fresh persimmons in moderation. In fact, they might get health benefits from them, primarily a healthy dose of fiber and a boost in vitamin intake.
However, avoid giving them too much persimmon fruit. Large quantities and too much fiber lead to digestive problems, which could last for several days.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat cooked persimmons in small amounts. But, you should consider a few things.
First, the cooking process raises the sugar levels in fruit. High sugar intake can cause weight gain, obesity, and diabetes in dogs. So, if you’re feeding your dog cooked persimmons, do so only sparingly.
Furthermore, some of the cooking spices can be downright toxic to dogs. Avoid nutmeg and similar spices that could cause severe medical conditions and harm your canine.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat dried persimmons in small quantities. As with cooked persimmons, you should be mindful of sugar.
Dried persimmons contain even more sugar than cooked ones. So, feed your dog only super small amounts to avoid the risk of weight gain and diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Fuyu Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can safely eat Fuyu persimmons. If the name doesn’t ring a bell, it’s because this variety is the most popular type — the orange, sweet, tomato-like fruit. We commonly refer to them as simply “persimmons.”
The rules still apply — dogs can eat them in small-to-moderate amounts to avoid digestive problems.
How Much Persimmon is Safe for Dogs?
Though it’s safe, you shouldn’t overfeed your dog with persimmons. As with many things, moderation is key.
For small dogs, a single slice of persimmon fruit is quite enough. Feeding them more than that is likely to result in digestive issues due to high fiber intake.
Larger breeds can have a few slices of persimmon with no problem. But, either way, it’s always best to start small and decrease the amount if you notice any issues.
Should your dog get an upset stomach — with diarrhea or vomiting — stop feeding them persimmons. These symptoms usually resolve on their own within a day or two.
However, if the dog is lethargic and has abdominal pain, you should call the vet immediately. There is a possibility that your canine ate seeds or the pit when you weren’t looking, which resulted in an intestinal blockage.
Alternatives to Persimmons
If for whatever reason, you don’t want to feed your dog persimmons, there are many fruits and veggies you can choose instead.
The most popular options include:
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Broccoli
- Carrots
- Peanut butter (plain, check for sugar and xylitol)
Dogs love the taste of these foods — and they will get great nutrients along the way.
The Bottom Line
Persimmons can be a sweet treat for your dog, with many health benefits.
However, you should still be careful and feed them only in moderation.
If dogs eat persimmons too often, they might experience digestive problems. Eating persimmons’ pits and seeds could cause intestinal problems.
Interested to learn more about other foods dogs can safely eat? What Can Dogs Eat lists many human foods pet lovers can safely feed to their furry family members.
