Can Dogs Eat Persimmons? Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

If you are wondering whether or not to give your dog persimmons, we have to admit you have a lucky dog. Persimmons are a wonderful treat for humans, and the fact that you want to share that with your dog makes you the kind of pet owner we know and understand. Persimmons are a great treat to give your dog because of their nutritional benefits, but there are a few guidelines you must follow before sharing this juicy fruit with your dog.¹ In this guide, we will give you some valuable information about persimmons, what they are suitable for, and any dangers associated with feeding them to your four-legged friend.

What Is A Persimmon?

Depending on where you live, you may or may not have even heard of a persimmon. A persimmon is a berry; it can be eaten fresh, dried, or cooked. Persimmons are usually very sweet as long as they are ripe, and they are more commonly found in winter. Many people use persimmons in pies, but they can be eaten right off the tree as well. Persimmons come in two varieties, the Fuyu and the Hachiya.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Persimmons?

Many people eat persimmons for their health benefits. What exactly do those entail?

Do The Health Benefits Of Persimmons Transfer To Dogs?

Yes, it does seem as though dogs benefit from the health benefits of persimmons. Vitamin A, vitamin C, and beta-carotene are the essential benefits to a dog. However, you must watch to make sure dogs don’t eat too many of them.

How Much Persimmon Is Safe For Dogs?

If you have a small dog, you really should only share a small piece of persimmon with her. Since persimmons are natural laxatives, your dog may have an upset stomach should you try and share more than this. For a large dog, one to two servings of persimmon should be about right. However, we always recommend starting with a minimal amount as a test to see how your dog’s digestive system handles this treat.

It is also worth mentioning again that this is a treat. You don’t need to run to the store and pick up persimmons for your dog to eat today. Use this sweet treat as a way to bond with your dog or as a reward for being patient while you eat your persimmon.

How Do You Prepare a Persimmon for Your Dog?

You MUST take the pit and seeds out of persimmon before giving it to your dog. If you do not do this, your dog will very likely have a severe gastrointestinal blockage that will require medical attention. If your dog ends up liking persimmons, make sure that you store them out of the reach of your dog, so they don’t accidentally ingest the seeds.

Are There Any Dangers to Giving Your Dog Persimmons?

Yes, there are two main dangers when it comes to giving your dog persimmons:

What Are Other Berries That Could Be Good for My Dog?

Anything with large pits or seeds is pretty dangerous for a dog. Some of the best berries that you want to feed your dog are going to be blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries. You will want to make sure you give your dog berries in moderation as too many can cause stomach issues. Blueberries are a great thing to use for training purposes. If you are trying to teach your dog a new trick but don’t want to keep giving them treats, sometimes a few blueberries can do the trick.

Conclusion

A piece of persimmon without the seeds or pit is a sweet treat to share with your dog. As long as your dog’s stomach is not upset by the persimmon, this is a much better option than a manufactured dog treat. However, if your dog accidentally eats the whole fruit, it is best to contact a vet right away.

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Featured image credit: cywpekr, Pixabay