Are Persimmons Good For Dogs? Top Vet-Approved Tips

Persimmons are rich in vitamins C and A. These sweet and tangy persimmons contain a host of vitamins that benefit the general health of your pet. It is an edible fruit of the genus Diospyros. Originally native to China, persimmon trees are cultivated in Japan and arrived in North America and Southern Europe sometime in the 1800s. The taste of ripe persimmons is unlike anything else- it tastes something like an apricot, a date, or a sweet potato.

Persimmons add versatility to your food with delightful sweetness and unique health benefits for parents, kids, and dogs as well. In the blog, we will discuss briefly Can dogs eat persimmons? And solves all the queries of pet parents. 

Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

The simple answer is yes, any dog breeds can eat persimmons fruits as an occasional treat, rich in vitamins C and A. But always remember to remove seeds and pit before providing this fruit to your dog. Seeds and pits can cause intestinal blockage which leads to digestive problems. Dogs that eat lots of Persimmons can have diarrhea. Dogs should eat Permissions in moderation. Pet parents should remove seeds and pit otherwise it may cause health issues for the dog. You should make sure that you feed your pet properly and consult your vet before making any changes in diet otherwise it can cause intestinal blockage.

Note: It is important to note that your pet dog produces vitamin C naturally, so persimmon fruit isn’t as beneficial as other exotic fruits. Papaya and dragon fruits are exotic fruits with most of the nutrients. 

Top Benefits Of Feeding Your Dog With Persimmons

Here are some top benefits of feeding your pet with persimmons fruit:

• This fruit provides a variety of antioxidants from flavonoids to carotenoids, which, acting against oxidative stress, combat inflammation and promote healthy immune function, while possibly even providing some protection against chronic diseases.

• Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that assists several organs throughout the dog’s body, such as its skin, vision, and reproduction.

• The highest B vitamin concentration occurs in persimmons, with particular emphasis on B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine helps keep the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems in good working order and is involved in red blood cell production.

• Dogs, in contrast to humans, are not sick individuals. Fortification of vitamin C could help them recover from certain illnesses faster.

• This is a trace mineral (micromineral), which means only in small doses, and it is very active in the functioning of the bone-growth mechanism and metabolism itself.

• Soluble fiber in persimmons does much good for the facilitation of the digestive tract. Soluble fiber builds healthy gut bacteria and absorbs water to support digestion while relieving constipation and other bowel movement problems like deworming etc. 

Is Persimmon Safe for Dogs? Including All The Risks

If you are also wondering could dogs eat persimmons? Persimmon is safe for dogs only if you feed them in a safer quantity, you must consider some factors before feeding your dog this fruit:

• Excessive consumption of Persimmon can lead to diarrhea. This acts as a natural laxative if your dog eats this fruit a lot. 
• Remove seeds from this fruit otherwise, this can cause digestion issues. If your dog consumes seeds then this can lead to inflation in the intestine or create an intestinal blockage. 
• They can cause allergic reactions. Few dogs may have an allergy to persimmons. In either case, it is advisable to introduce it into your dog’s diet slowly, perhaps feeding it tiny pieces for the first lay. Observe the dog for a few days, and at the first telltale sign like vomiting, skin irritation, or abdominal pain, stop feeding the fruit.

How to Prepare the Persimmon Fruit for Dogs?

Persimmon fruit adds versatility to the kitchen and your dog’s food with delightful sweetness and important health benefits for your pets. Dogs can eat persimmons as their occasional treat, have a look at how safely you can feed your dog with Persimmons:

• Wash the persimmon fruit. To remove any dirt or grime, rinse the persimmon fruit under cool water that reaches all parts of the skin.
• Cut off the stem and persimmon leaves. Cut away any leaves from the fruit’s external part and remove the stem.
• Cut the fruit into bite-size pieces. Cut the fruit into small pieces that your dog can chew easily with a sharp knife.
• Remove the seeds or pit from the fruit. With the help of a knife, cut or dig out any seeds in the fruit; these can bring about a digestive problem.
• Feed it to your dog in moderation. Your persimmon fruit is fit for dogs to consume; however, you must administer only a few pieces a day and watch for any allergic reactions in your pet. 

Essential Nutrients Comprised In Persimmons 

As persimmons are sweet fruits rich in nutrients that provide several health benefits to the dog, the canine companion should be getting all their essential nutrients from the regular diet. However, when they eat persimmons in small amounts as a treat, they will enjoy an array of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which can help boost overall health.

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that influences various organs and systems throughout the dog’s body. It enhances vision, skin health, and reproduction.
• Vitamin B: Persimmons contain an abundance of vitamin B complex vitamins, specifically B6 (pyridoxine). Pyridoxine works wonders for the immune, nervous, and endocrine systems and aids in producing red blood cells.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is not an essential nutrient for dogs, as these animals can synthesize this vitamin in the liver, but it can be a great addition at mealtime for dogs that happen to be suffering from certain health conditions. This vitamin helps support the production of collagen, which is essential for the proper joint, skin, and coat health of a dog.
• Antioxidants: Persimmons are a good source of different antioxidants, like flavonoids and carotenoids. Antioxidants relieve inflammation, support good immune function, and, in turn, may help lower the risk of chronic diseases by counteracting oxidative stress.
• Manganese: Manganese is a trace mineral, also called micromineral, that is only needed in small amounts. However, it is very important to bone development and metabolism.
• Fiber: Persimmons are great, as they contain soluble fiber, which will be a big help to digestion. Soluble fiber will aid in the growth of healthy gut bacteria and work to absorb water within the intestines, ensuring proper digestion and bowel movements. 

Summing Up!

Persimmons are full of vitamins A and C, and dried persimmons are high in fiber. The drying process intensifies their natural sweetness and preserves their nutritional value. Remind yourself they can only have them a limited amount of times. The fruit is said to be an oxalate that, in case of large consumption, could damage the kidneys of some dogs or lead to their death. Always cut them into small pieces or mash them into a pulp.

Don’t skimp on your pup’s diet! Consult a Vet before doing any type of change.

Also Read: White German Shepherd Dog | Health Benefits of Carrots for Dog | German Shepherd Pitbull Mix Dog Breed | German Shepherd price in India

FAQs