Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Yes, they can, but only if you give them a piece! If they run into a persimmon tree and eat the fruit by themselves, it can cause serious issues for small dogs as it can block their intestines and, in some cases, lead to more severe problems.

two persimmon fruits on table and small gray german spitz

Table Of Contents

Persimmons nutrients and health benefits
Safety tips for feeding dogs persimmons
FAQs

Depending on your location, you might have a garden filled with persimmons. In places like southern Indiana, persimmon trees are plentiful. Typically, people don’t eat them raw; they’re mainly used in cooking for desserts such as puddings, breads, cakes, and cookies. They are fantastic once they have fermented and turned purple. You can enjoy them straight off the tree.

So your dog may get the same idea! In this case, what you need to know is that persimmons are not toxic; their flesh and the pit are not toxic (like those in peaches and plums that contain cyanide). However, ingesting the pit can cause some intestinal issues!

Persimmons nutrients and health benefits

Okay, now we know that dogs can eat persimmons—only if you remove the pit! So the next question is—should they? Are there any health benefits for dogs? Like many other fruits, persimmons are rich in fiber, water, and vitamins, which can be good for your dog’s health, but there are certain downsides when it comes to eating too much fruit. Let’s dig deeper.

Remember that they don’t really need vitamin C that much (we wrote about that study when we analyzed if dogs can eat dragon fruit), and too much fiber can be bad. However, persimmons can still offer some health benefits:

Antioxidants: Persimmons are rich in antioxidants, which can help support your dog’s overall health by combating free radicals and reducing inflammation.

Vitamin A: This vitamin supports vision, immune function, and skin health, making it a valuable nutrient for your dog.

Manganese: This mineral helps with bone development and metabolism, contributing to your dog’s overall well-being.

Low in calories: Persimmons are a low-calorie treat, which can be a great option for dogs that need to watch their weight.

Remember to feed persimmons in moderation, as too much fiber can upset your dog’s digestive system. Always remove the seeds and pits before offering this fruit to your dog.

Safety tips for feeding dogs persimmons

If you want to give your dog persimmons, please remember to wash them thoroughly, cut them into small pieces (depending on the size of your dog, our dog is very small, so we often mush fruit with a fork), and then remove the pit!

Always remove the pit! While persimmon seeds are not toxic for dogs, they can cause intestinal blockage and serious health issues!

Along with intestinal blockage, persimmon pit is a choking hazard, especially in smaller dogs.

When treating your dog to persimmons (or any food outside their regular diet), it’s a good idea to follow the 10% rule: only about 10% of your dog’s daily caloric intake should come from treats or snacks.

Persimmon pit is not toxic for dogs

Unlike peaches and plums, persimmon pit is not toxic for dogs (as it doesn’t contain cyanide), but you should still be very careful and never give your dog a whole persimmon fruit!

Help, my dog ate a persimmon pit!

First of all, don’t panic! Call your vet if you notice any of these symptoms:

Vomiting, especially after eating
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain or bloating
Lethargy or decreased energy
Constipation or difficulty passing stool
Whining or signs of distress

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. If they are unavailable, call the emergency vet service in your area or check this FDA article for more contacts and resources for emergency pet care.

So, can dogs eat persimmons? Yes, they can, but be careful. Make sure to remove the seeds and pits to avoid any digestive problems or blockages. Give them in small amounts to prevent any stomach upset. While persimmons have some health benefits, they’re not really necessary for your dog’s diet. Try other dog-safe fruits like blueberries, apples, bananas, or watermelon if you want to mix things up.

Love, life, and fur forever.

FAQs

Can dogs eat dried persimmons?

Not really. Dried persimmons are not toxic if that’s what you’re looking for. But you shouldn’t give your dog dried fruit as it’s rich in sugar and calories and often has added preservatives.