Big, bright, and orange in color, the persimmon is a fruit commonly found in stores around fall. They look like plump Italian tomatoes, taste like honey, and belong to the berry family.
Ever wondered if you can feed the sweet, juicy persimmon to your four-legged friend? You can rest assured that you can safely give it to your dog but only in moderation.
Some of the health benefits of persimmons for your dog
- These fruits are high in calories but low in fat. They are a good way of boosting the calorie intake of your dog. Dogs become lethargic and disinterested in physical activity if they lack calories.
- Adding fiber to your dog's diet. The fiber in persimmon can help an obese dog shed excess weight. It will also help your dog feel full, besides helping with regular bowel movement, especially if your dog is prone to constipation.
- It is very rich in vitamin C, which has antioxidants that fight free radicals that cause aging, some types of cancer, and diseases like kennel cough.
- Besides vitamin C, persimmons have plenty of vitamin A. An excellent immune booster, it promotes eye health and is especially beneficial for puppies. In persimmons, vitamin B helps in the formation of red blood cells, protein synthesis, and converting carbs into energy. Another essential vitamin present in persimmons is D, often called the 'sunshine vitamin.' Vitamin D helps in bone and muscle development in dogs. Vitamins E and K help and maintain healthy cell growth, metabolism, and helps wounds heal faster.
- Persimmons have anti-inflammatory properties, making them good for dogs with joint pain and arthritis.
Besides these, persimmons are rich in potassium, magnesium, folic acid, and beta carotene. Most of these nutrients are antioxidants, making persimmons an ideal addition to most canine diets.
How Much Is Safe?
Fruits should only be given as occasional treats to a dog. In other words, small quantities are best. Small dogs and puppies should only be given a few pieces. Medium to large breeds of dogs can have one or two persimmons per serving.
Remember to wash the fruit thoroughly. Remove the pit and cut the flesh into small pieces or mash it up before giving it to your dog. Make sure you throw the pit away where your dog cannot access it.
Can Dogs Eat The Skin Of Persimmons
Unlike guavas, you don't have to peel the skin of persimmon before giving it to your dog. The skin is safe for them to eat, but watch out for the pits. Make sure there are no pits in the pieces of fruit that you feed your dog.
Things To Be Aware Of When Feeding Persimmons To Dogs
With their sweet taste and juicy texture, dogs may have one too many persimmons. While the fruit itself is not harmful, overindulgence can cause problems.
It has a laxative effect in dogs, resulting in diarrhea or loose and frequent stool. Though not dangerous, it can certainly cause discomfort.
The fruit also has high levels of sugar. Eating too much can lead to weight gain and even diabetes over time.
The most important thing to be aware of when feeding your dog persimmon is the pit in the center of the fruit. It can be very dangerous for your dog and should not be fed to them.
They can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and inflammation of the intestine.
By far, the most severe condition is an intestinal blockage. This happens when the pit blocks the dog's intestine, making digestion difficult. It is a potentially fatal condition, often requiring surgery.
Signs of a blocked intestine in dogs include
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Straining when going to the toilet
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Drooling or burping
If your dog eats a persimmon when you are not looking and swallows it seeds and all, watch for choking signs. Call your vet and explain the situation. You may have to take your dog in to be examined and ensure the seeds have not caused a blockage.
What Fruits Are Bad For Dogs
Dogs can eat and enjoy eating a variety of fruits and vegetables. However, there are some they should not eat at all. Many of these are commonly found in our homes. It is important to know what they are because you may accidentally give these to them, causing your pet (and you) a lot of pain and discomfort.
- Grapes and Raisins These common, innocuous little fruits can lead to irreversible kidney damage, depending on the amount consumed and the dog's size.
- Avocados are another household favorite that should never be part of a dog's diet. Avoid giving them any part of the fruit as it may result in breathing difficulties and diarrhea.
- Pips, Seeds, and Stones found in fruits like cherries, peaches, plums, persimmons, apples, etc. contain cyanide, which can be very harmful to dogs. It can lead to choking and intestinal blockage.
- Unripe Tomatoes Some dogs enjoy eating ripe tomatoes. However, unripe tomatoes and the tomato plant can be a problem for your dog. The 'tomatine' enzyme found in them can damage the nervous system, kidneys, and digestive tract. If you are growing tomatoes at home, make sure they are fenced off.
- Rhubarb is another vegetable patch favorite that should be kept out of bounds for dogs. Avoid sharing your rhubarb crumble with your pooch, as it may result in kidney failure, tremors, and seizures.
Some other household and pantry staples that should not be part of your dog's diet include onions, garlic, and potatoes. Cooked or raw, onions and garlic are harmful and can destroy the red blood cells in your dog's body. The 'solanine' in the potato plant can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and confusion in your dog.
Nutmeg is known to cause tremors, seizures, and even death in dogs, so keep it away from your dog.
Broccoli is excellent for humans, but the same cannot be said for dogs. It can irritate a dog's stomach and can be very dangerous for certain breeds of dogs.
