Can Dogs Eat Kumquats? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
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As a small citrus fruit similar to an orange, the kumquat may not be the most common food to grace your kitchen, but that won’t stop your dog from begging to share. Before letting your dog sample any human food, you must know whether it’s safe. In this case, most dogs can eat the flesh of kumquats in small portions, but they may not like the taste.
Keep reading to learn whether kumquats are healthy for dogs and how to feed this fruit to your pup safely. We’ll also tell you how many treats your dog should eat per day and suggest some other healthy human foods they might enjoy.
Are Kumquats Safe for Dogs?
The flesh of citrus fruits, including kumquats,1 is not considered toxic for dogs. However, eating them could upset your dog’s stomach because they’re so acidic, especially if it’s already prone to digestive issues. All types of fruit, including kumquats, are high in sugar and may not be a good treat for dogs with health conditions like diabetes or obesity.
Avoid feeding your dog the skin or seeds of kumquats. Technically, kumquat skin is edible for humans. However, citrus skin typically contains oils that can make your dog sick. Your dog may not easily digest the skin and seeds, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. In large amounts, kumquats could also cause a blockage in your dog’s intestines that requires surgery to fix.
How Healthy Are Kumquats for Your Dog?
As we mentioned, kumquats are high in natural sugar. Eating too much sugar could cause your dog to gain weight. They’re not recommended for dogs with diabetes because they have to be extra careful to keep their blood sugar balanced.
Kumquats are high in two essential antioxidants: vitamins C and A. Unlike humans, dogs produce their Vitamin C, and healthy pups don’t usually need to supplement this nutrient. If your dog eats balanced dog food, it should get all the nutrition it needs.
However, dogs with certain health conditions may benefit from extra antioxidants. Antioxidants help reduce inflammation and fight cell damage due to chronic medical issues like arthritis and allergies. At the same time, too much Vitamin C in a dog’s diet has been linked to an increased risk of developing kidney and bladder stones.
How to Feed Kumquats to Your Dog
If you want to feed your dog kumquats, start with a small portion to ensure it doesn’t upset their stomach. The bigger your dog, the more kumquat they’re likely to tolerate.
Kumquats can be fed plain, mixed into your dog’s food, or blended with other fruits and vegetables. Many dogs don’t enjoy the sour flavor of kumquats, so they may prefer eating them mixed with other, sweeter fruits.
How Many Treats Should Your Dog Eat Each Day?
No matter how healthy a human food or treat might be, your dog shouldn’t eat them in unlimited quantities. Well-balanced dog food should provide most of their daily calories to ensure they receive all necessary nutrients. If you offer treats, make sure they’re only about 10% of the total daily calorie count.
Your vet can help you calculate how many calories your dog should eat daily because a canine’s age, size, and activity level vary. Besides kumquats, here are some other healthy human foods that your dog may safely enjoy:
- Lean, cooked meats
- Vegetables like carrots, green beans, or zucchini
- Other fruits such as bananas, berries, or cantaloupe
- Whole grains like rice or pasta
Conclusion
Kumquats typically aren’t toxic to dogs, but they may not be the best snack choice for all pups. With their sour taste, citrus fruits of any type aren’t always favorites of canines. Consider one of the other options we listed if you want to share snacks with your dog. Before feeding any new food to your dog, check with your vet to ensure it’s okay.
Featured Image Credit: Nicola Giordano, Pixabay