It is totally safe for dogs to consume persimmons. However, there are a few things that every pet owner should know before feeding them to their dog.
The persimmon fruit could be very delicious in taste. But it is very high in sugar. High amounts of sugar can increase hair fall in dogs and even lead to underlying health conditions like diabetes which is why over-consumption of dog persimmons should be avoided.
Read this blog post to know more about how eating persimmons affect dogs and whether it is safe or not to be given to your furry little friend.
Feeding Persimmon To Your Dog: Here’s How
There’s a proper way of feeding persimmons to your dogs. Keep the following process in mind before feeding, and your pet will never fall ill!
Step 1: Wash Thoroughly
Wash your persimmons under cold running water to remove any dirt or grime. You can also dip your persimmons in a bowl filled with water and can add a few drops of fruit washing formula before washing.
Step2: Get Rid Of Stems and Leaves
The exterior of fruit consists of stems and leaves which are not edible. Cut it off once you are done washing your fruit.
Step3: Cut Into Small Bite Sized Cubes
The next step is to slice the fruit into small cubes using a sharp knife so that your furry pet can easily chew it.
Step4: Remove Seeds And Pits (Important Step)
Carefully pick out all the seeds and pits from the fruit. If consumed with the fruit, these seeds can cause intestinal difficulties and digestion issues.
Step5: Feed In Moderation
The proper way of feeding persimmons doesn’t end here. One last thing which is highly essential is to feed a limited amount of persimmon to your dog. Don’t feed more than 4-5 pieces per day.
Quick Questions:
- Can dogs eat persimmon skin? Yes
- Can dogs eat dried persimmons? Yes
Are Persimmons Really Safe For Dogs?
Still worried about feeding persimmons to your furry buddy? We understand your concern. Here are some health benefits of persimmons which make them a healthy snack option for dog food.
Full Of Antioxidants
Persimmons are an excellent source of antioxidants. As we all know, antioxidants work really well to neutralise free radicals that are present in both dogs and humans.
Free radicals are a major contributor to the development of heart illness, arthritis and joint issues in dogs. Therefore, consumption of foods rich in antioxidants is important for your pet.
Feeding persimmons to your dog in moderation not only fulfils the need of antioxidants in their body, but also helps your dog to get tick-free skin and stronger immunity.
Contains Fiber
Because of their high fibre content, persimmons are beneficial for the digestive health of your dog. The beneficial bacteria present in the dog’s body converts the fibre into fatty acids.
These fatty acids serve to prevent growth of any kind of harmful bacteria and assist the intestine in recovering from any kind of illness. However, consuming an excessive amount of fibre can impair the body’s capacity to absorb minerals.
This can lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal problems. Thus, the amount of persimmons being fed to dogs should always be measured out by their owners.
Vitamins and Nutrients
Persimmons are a rich source of vitamin C, which helps in strengthening a dog’s immune system. It also shields the body from developing any kind of heart disease.
The persimmon fruit also provides the dog’s body with manganese, a mineral that contributes to the production of energy and helps keep your pet active and engaged. It also contains potassium and vitamin A, which helps maintain proper muscular function, and controls heart rate.
Risks Involved
If you have been feeding your dog with persimmons a lot lately, make sure you know the following risks of overfeeding the fruit:
Potential Allergies
Despite the multitude of health benefits that persimmons have to offer, some dogs might still be allergic to them or not too fond of them in general. If you notice any signs of allergies, lethargy, vomiting or wailing, consult a vet and switch your dog’s diet to lighter foods temporarily.
Tip: Measuring your dog’s food on a regular basis keeps your dog free from unwanted digestion issues.
Persimmon Seeds Can Cause Digestive Issues
Seeds might cause an intestinal blockage in the dog’s body. Thus, it is always advised to pull away any seeds or pits present in persimmons before feeding.
If you give any fruit with seeds intact, your dog might suffer from acute stomach ache or even vomit the food out. If not diagnosed properly, this issue can get severe and result in belly inflammation.
Here’s what to feed your dog if they are suffering from belly inflammation.
Watch Out For These Symptoms
If your dog has accidently consumed too many persimmons or the seeds and pits of the fruit, you must look out for the following symptoms:
- Loss of Appetite
- Abdominal Pain
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
Usually, symptoms go away after a few days. However, if you think your dog’s health is getting severe, consult a vet immediately.
Keep in mind- Don’t forget to keep a check on your dog for any kind of allergic reactions.
Healthy Persimmons Alternatives For Dogs
The table below includes various other fruits that are totally safe and could be fed to your furry buddy as a sweet treat.
| Fruit Name | Benefits |
| Bananas | High in potassium and copperBenefits overall healthImproves sleep cycle |
| Apples | High in Vitamin A, C and dietary fibreFreshens the breath Keeps teeth clean |
| Oranges | Low in sodiumBenefits immune system High in nutrients and potassium |
| Pumpkin | High in fiberHelps with digestion problems Maintains body weight |
| Strawberries | Helps with weight management Slows down the aging process Whitens teeth |
Don’t forget to remove seeds and feed in moderation! And avoid fruits like cherries, grapes, dry fruits, and tomatoes.
Before You Say Bye
It is essential for dog owners to be cautious and take things slowly at first if persimmon is a new food for their pet. You might want to start with only a tiny amount of fruit and observe how your dog reacts to it.
Even if your dog is allergic free and enjoys eating persimmons, always measure the quantity before feeding. Try to avoid making persimmons a large part of their diet.
Thanks For Reading. Say hi to your furry companion from our side!
