Yes, dogs can eat persimmons as they are not toxic. Persimmons have a juicy texture and healthy nature. However, as pet parents, it is our responsibility to watch out that our dog is not eating up the pit or the seed of the persimmon. It can be a choking hazard to them or even block their small intestine. Read on to know how safe persimmons are for dogs.
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What Are Persimmons?
Persimmon, also known as a “fall fruit”, is a kind of exotic berry that grows on the tree Diospyros. This fruit can vary in size from about 0.6 – 3.5 inches. Ripe Persimmons appear in different shades of yellow. They are commonly grown in Asia, and there are two main types of persimmons found – Fuyu and Hachiya.
Hachiya is pale in color, heart-shaped, or close to the shape of an acorn and bitter. On the other hand, Fuyu is orange, shaped more like a tomato, and eaten raw. Finally, a type of persimmon is grown in America known as Diospyros Virginian, which tastes bitter, grown in the South-Eastern United States and the Lower MiddleWest.
Persimmons taste best when they are soft and ripe or even cooked or dried.
Records show this fruit first appeared in California though it originated in Asia 2000 years ago.
A medium-sized persimmon – 168g – 118Kcal
Nutritional Value of Persimmons
Water
135g
Protein
0.974g
Fat
0.319g
Carbohydrates
31.2g
Total Dietary Fiber
6.05g
Energy
118kcal
Sugar
21g
Potassium
270mg
Vitamin C
12.6mg
Vitamin A
136mg
Vitamin K
5% of RDI
Vitamin E
6% of RDI
Vitamin B6
270mg
Copper
9% of RDI
Manganese
30% of RDI
Are Persimmons Safe For Dogs?
Persimmon is a fruit that is not toxic to dogs and is full of health benefits when given in moderation. Persimmons are safe for dogs; however, you must feed them to your dog with caution. The pit or the seed of the persimmon is quite toxic to dogs, so you must throw away this part of the fruit before feeding your dog. Instead, you can provide persimmons with skin to your furry friends. Persimmons should be fed when fully ripened; however, Fuyu persimmons are safe to eat both by humans and dogs even when they are not matured. You can easily pick out these fruits since they have a distinct orange color and look like tomatoes.
Why are Persimmons Good for Dogs?
This sweet, tangy, smooth, and silky fruit has numerous health benefits for your dog. Persimmons contain
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Manganese
Potassium
Lycopene
Folic acid
Natural sugar
Beta-carotene
They are fat-free. Referring to the nutritional chart, we may understand persimmons are high in calories and low in fat. This makes them a perfect dog food since they need high energy to be on their toes constantly.
In addition, persimmons are an antioxidant-rich fruit, which provides good heart health and prevents chronic diseases in dogs. Antioxidants develop overall health, reduce the risk of infection and inflammation, and prevent hemorrhage in dogs. So they make a great addition to your pet dog’s meals.
Another significant benefit is that persimmons also have anti-inflammatory properties, making them suitable for dogs that suffer from stiff joints or arthritis. In addition, persimmons are known to be natural laxatives, which can help dogs that suffer from constipation.
Vitamin C helps get the body rid of harmful free radicals, saves your dog against viruses and bacteria, reduces inflammation, and helps to reduce cognitive aging. However, dogs can synthesize vitamin C on their own, in their liver.
Vitamin A helps in reducing premature aging, promoting good vision, immunity, and fetal development.Beta-carotene in persimmons makes it a rich source of Vitamin A in your dog’s diet.
Vitamin E helps prevent oxidative damage. Deficiencies of vitamin E can lead to degeneration of muscles, eyes, and problems in the reproductive system.
Vitamin K aids in proper blood clotting.
Lycopene is an organic pigment that helps in deterring cancer-forming tumors.
Manganese produce energy, metabolize protein and carbs, and maintain kidneys and liver.
Copper is another vital nutrient in promoting bone health, formation of connective tissues, and Myelin.
Phosphorus, when combined with calcium, creates healthy and strong bones. Finally, fiber is one important content that helps dogs in regular bowel movements, also helps decrease the risk of colon cancer in dogs.
Why are Persimmons Bad for Dogs?
As we have mentioned earlier, the fruit itself is not toxic to dogs. However, some points in persimmons that are to be considered bad for dogs are as follows:
Immature persimmons are not suitable for your dog’s digestive system.
Pits of persimmon cause intestinal blockage and intestinal inflammation. The intestinal blockage stops entering the food or fluids through the gastrointestinal tract. This can be painful and may involve surgical procedures. In addition, pits or seeds can be a potential choking hazard in some small breed dogs.
Since persimmons are naturally laxative, you should provide this fruit in limited quantities to your dog. Else this can lead to frequent stools.
The skin of persimmons contains tannic acid, and it causes stones in the stomach. So feeding too many peels can be unhealthy for dogs.
Overfeeding persimmons can often cause your dogs to poop, have diarrhea, or loose stools since they are laxative.
As persimmons are rich in fructose, they may have the following side effects on your dogs if fed in large quantities –
Diabetes
Obesity.
Dental Issues (since the sugar content can cause tooth decay)
Other harmful human foods that should not be fed are
We know that persimmons are high in fiber and are known to have a natural laxative property. This means that this fruit is best served as an occasional treat to your pet dog. It would help if you fed small dogsone or two slices, medium to large dogs one to two persimmons. While serving your dog persimmons, it is best to follow 10%
There are other readily available human foods that your dogs can eat as treats; here goes the list –
Fruits: Apples, Pomegranates, Watermelons
Vegetables: Carrots, Green Beans, Pumpkins.
Dairy: Eggs, yogurts, cheese
Meat: Cooked chicken
Others: CookedSalmon, oatmeal, rice, and peanut butter (not the “sugar-free or lite” since they may contain Xylitol which is dangerous for dogs.)
Note: Any new food item should be introduced slowly into your dog’s diet plan, so give them a few pieces of persimmon and see how it agrees with their system. If your dog has diarrhea due to persimmons, then it is better to leave persimmons alone and go for other alternatives to persimmons. You may scroll down to find other options to persimmons under the section ‘Alternatives to Persimmons for Dogs’.
How to serve Persimmons to Dogs?
It is good to follow these three steps while serving persimmons to your dogs.
Ripe Fruit: Always choose well-ripened persimmons while eating or feeding your dogs.
Washing: Any fruit should be first washed along with a knife and bowl. Fruits may contain pesticides on their surface.
De-seeding: American persimmons may have ten or more seeds; hence it is better to check before serving. Although Hachiya persimmons grown in Hawaii may not have seeds, it is better to check once. Even if you buy seedless persimmons, it is better to check any seed before giving it to your pet partners.
What If My Dog Ate Persimmons?
If you find your dog fed on persimmons accidentally, then look out for the signs and symptoms.
Signs of an intestine blockage include:
Straining during bowel movements
Lethargy
Dehydration
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Drooling or burping
Constipation
Pain and tenderness in the stomach area
Abdominal Pain and bloating
Lack of appetite
Find out how many persimmons your dogs have eaten as whole fruit and whether it has swallowed pits or seeds? If your dog accidentally consumed persimmon and exhibited any of these above signs, contact your nearest local vet immediately.You can alternatively call Animal Poison Control Helplines for any emergencies.
Alternatives to Persimmons for Your Dog
Since persimmons are tangy in taste and too many persimmons can cause side effects in dogs, here are some dog treat suggestions by our nom-nom chefs:
Yes, it is safe for dogs to consume persimmon skin or peel. However, not in excess since peels contain tannic acid, which can be harmful to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Leaves?
Persimmon leaves are not harmful to dogs, yet they contain much fiber and must be kept away from dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Persimmon Seeds?
No, dogs should not be given persimmons seeds or persimmons with seeds since seeds are large and can cause choking hazards in dogs. In addition, they can cause intestinal blockages and inflammation.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat dried persimmons but not in excess since they are high in sugar. They can be an alternative to store-bought sweets that dogs can not be fed.
Can Persimmons Hurt Dogs?
No, persimmons are packed with a lot of health benefits. But, when they are eaten as a whole accidentally by your tail-waggers, they can cause internal organ damage.
Can A Puppy Eat A Persimmon?
Persimmons can be moderately fed to your puppies since their tummy is tender, and they may find it difficult to digest. So, a small slice once in a while will be fine.
Can Dogs Eat Unripe Persimmons?
No, dogs should not eat unripened persimmons, except Fuyu, a variant in persimmons that is good to eat even when eaten raw.
Can Dogs Eat Fresh Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can eat fresh persimmons; however, you must feed them in small amounts while serving for the first time.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Persimmons?
Yes, dogs can be fed cooked persimmons. However, ensure you do not add any spices, seasonings, or artificial flavors like sugar or nutmeg powder.
Can Dogs Eat Fuyu Persimmons?
Yes, Fuyu persimmons are good for dogs even when given unripened. They taste similar to pear and dates with a delightful flavor. Dogs can eat them.
Final Thoughts:
To conclude, persimmon as a fruit is not toxic to dogs but should be fed in moderation. This fibrous, stone fruit has numerous health benefits that can benefit your dog, provided that the pit or the seed is removed before your adorable pup can gorge on the fruit!
