At A Glance
Persimmons are on the list of fruits that dogs can safely enjoy in moderation. They are rich in vitamins and minerals that can support your dog’s immune system and overall health. Dogs also tend to love the taste and texture of persimmon.
Last Updated on: Feb 15, 2023
Benefits
Serving Size
Parts that are Safe to Eat
Risks
How To Safely Prepare
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a fruit-loving dog, you’ll be glad to know that dogs can safely eat persimmons – as long as they’re only given as an occasional treat. These tangy, sweet fruits usually come in shades of yellow, orange, or red and are packed with vital nutrients to help support your dog’s overall health.
However, you should always remove the seeds of a persimmon, as these can cause intestinal blockages and stomach upset in dogs. For this reason, it’s seldom a good idea to feed your dog a whole fruit directly off the tree, especially if you happen to have a persimmon tree in your yard.
The persimmon fruit is a type of berry, and the two main types are Fuyu and Hachiya persimmons. They can easily be distinguished from each other due to their shape and color. The Fuyu persimmon is similar to a tomato in shape and color, while the Hachiya persimmon is heart-shaped and paler in color. Both types are dog-safe.
Persimmons, in moderation, can provide several health benefits to your pup, such as:
Persimmons are a great source of vitamins A, B, and C, essential nutrients that can help support normal vision, boost the immune system, increase energy levels, and improve health.
Persimmons are more than just a delicious snack for your pup. They are jam-packed with antioxidants like beta-carotene, which can significantly bolster your dog’s immune system and help neutralize free radicals that can cause cell damage.
Rich in fiber, these fruits help keep your furry friend’s digestive system running smoothly and their bowels regular. Fiber also prevents bacteria from growing in the colon, helping to keep your pup’s gut healthy.
Persimmons also contain healthy amounts of manganese, lycopene, and potassium. They are particularly rich in lycopene, a nutrient that helps deter cancer-forming tumors.
Persimmons can be an excellent choice for dogs who might need to put on some weight, as the natural sugar content of this fruit adds calories and gives them an energy boost.
Although the fruit has natural sugars, the peel of the persimmon is said to prevent the formation of diabetes-causing free radicals.
“Persimmons are safe for your dog to eat and are full of vitamins C and A. However, the seeds and pit can cause intestinal blockage leading to various digestive problems.” – Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest.
Can dogs eat persimmons daily?
No!
Limiting your pup’s intake of this fruit is best, as it does have natural sugars. You should also avoid giving them too much in one sitting and stick to one persimmon weekly.
I’d suggest giving your pup small amounts of persimmon at a time, such as a handful of sliced persimmons. If you’re adding persimmons to your pup’s diet, it’s also best to start by giving them small amounts and then gradually increasing the amount over time as their body gets used to the new food.
As a general rule, it’s best to keep treats and other snacks to 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake to ensure that any change in their diet won’t cause adverse effects.
“If you have a small dog, you really should only share a small piece of persimmon with her. For a large dog, one to two servings of persimmon should be about right. Remember that any kind of food is only good when dogs consume a balanced amount (not too much compared to their weights)”, shares Michelle Blackwood, a registered nurse.
Persimmon seeds and pits are not inherently toxic to dogs, but these indigestible items can lead to digestion issues or even blockages inside their intestines. They are also a choking hazard, so you must remove them before offering your pup some persimmons.
Aside from the flesh of the persimmon fruit, here are other parts you can safely feed your dog:
Feel free to include the peel when offering persimmons to your dog. Never offer the whole fruit, though, and ensure you remove the pit and seeds completely before chopping the fruit up for your furry friend.
Give your pup an extra health boost with persimmon leaves since they are a source of healthy fiber. However, you’ll want to dole them out in moderation, as too much fiber may cause a stomachache.
You can also steam the leaves beforehand for easier chewing and digestion.
Feeding your dog too much persimmon can cause diarrhea, so stay within the recommended amount per week. And just because it is a dog-friendly fruit doesn’t mean you give your dog persimmons every week.
If you have a persimmon tree in your yard, ensure your dog doesn’t accidentally eat the fallen fruits. Consider putting up a fence around the tree or keeping a close eye on your dog whenever it goes outside.
Letting your dog eat the whole fruit may lead to stomach problems because of the pits, seeds, and high sugar content. So always err on the side of caution.
If your dog has accidentally eaten the seeds or pits of a persimmon, consult your veterinarian immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:
While not usually common, it’s also possible for canines to experience allergies after indulging in persimmon. Thus, when introducing this fruit to your pup for the first time, offer it in small quantities. This way, you can monitor it for any adverse reactions and adjust your pet’s diet accordingly.
Before giving your pup persimmon, always wash the fruit and discard the seeds and pits. Then, slice the fruit into small pieces or mash it up before serving it to your dog. You can also mix it in with its regular food during mealtimes.
Here are some other fun ways to offer persimmon to your dogs:
Dried persimmons are safe for dogs, especially if they’ve been freeze-dried without any added sugars! You can purchase these from a local health food store or dry them yourself using a food dehydrator. Alternatively, go the natural route and leave them in the sun.
For a cool treat on hot summer days, blend some fresh persimmons with plain yogurt, water, and a few ice cubes. This smoothie makes for an easy and healthy snack that your pup will love!
You can also freeze any excess smoothie in ice cube trays or popsicle molds for a fun summer treat.
Be careful about the yoghurt though. It doesn’t suit all dogs.
Try out this modified persimmon bread recipe by The Cookery Maven, which uses James Beard’s persimmon bread recipe but with dog-safe ingredients.
You can also mix rolled oats, mashed persimmon, and peanut butter. Then, form small balls and bake them in the oven for a tasty and healthy treat!
Cooked persimmons are great for dogs with tooth problems or digestion issues.
If you want to give cooked persimmons to your pup, ensure you don’t add any sugar or other unhealthy ingredients – boiling or steaming will be enough to soften the fruit and make it easier for your pup to digest.
Yes, the skin or peel of the persimmon fruit is dog-safe and rich in lycopene, which has beneficial anti-cancer properties. However, you must always wash and mash it before serving it to your pup. Some dogs may find the skin a bit tough to chew on, so ensure you monitor your pet while giving it persimmon skin.
Unripe persimmons are not technically poisonous to dogs. However, they are not recommended as the unripe flesh can react with a dog’s stomach acid and can lead to gastrointestinal disturbances or blockages.
Yes! Dogs can safely enjoy Fuyu persimmons in moderation and without the seeds or pits.
Dogs can eat dried persimmons as long as they are freeze-dried, sun-dried, or air-dried without added sugars. The fruit is already high in sugar, so candied persimmons are a no-no for dogs, especially if your dog has weight or blood sugar issues.
Yes, Hachiya persimmons are safe for dogs to consume. As with other types of fruit, they should be washed, pitted, and sliced into bite-size pieces first.
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