Dogs are our most beloved pets–they join us on all our adventures, and we want to share our lives with them. However, we can’t share everything with them, especially not all the food that humans enjoy. Can dogs eat Persimmons, or should they be avoided? 

Some parts of the Persimmon are safe for dogs, while others are toxic and could cause digestive blocking. When deciding on persimmon for dogs, it’s vital to understand your pet’s digestive system and dietary needs. Here is the complete guide on whether you should feed your dog persimmons. 

Can Dogs Have Persimmons? 

Many dogs enjoy persimmons because they are sweet (and who doesn’t love a bit of sweetness?). However, not every part of the persimmon is safe for your pet. Dogs can have the meat of the fruit, but not the seeds or pits. Seeds and pits become a choking hazard if consumed. They also could cause digestive blockage and illness. 

Even the meat of the fruit isn’t always good for your pup. If your dog has a special diet or chronic illness, you should avoid trying new foods unless approved by your veterinarian. Any dog can have an upset stomach or diarrhea after eating too many persimmons at once. 

What Are Persimmons?

If you’re wondering what a persimmon is, don’t worry. You’re not alone–persimmons are relatively uncommon. Persimmons are a fruit that looks rather like a tomato but is sweet and tart. The fruit is native to North America and Asia and has two main strains (the Japanese persimmon and the American persimmon). 

Persimmons taste remarkably good, and it’s no wonder your dog might try and take a bite of it if they get the chance. However, unless you are totally in control of their portion and frequency, it’s best to avoid letting your dog eat persimmons. 

Are Persimmons Dangerous for Dogs? 

The overlying answer is that while persimmons aren’t inherently dangerous for dogs, they can very easily cause serious illness. The pits and seeds of the persimmon are a choking hazard for smaller dogs and will block up the intestines in any dog. This could lead to a need for surgery, serious illness, or even death. 

While you can still give your dog small chunks of persimmon flesh, you don’t want to overfeed them. Too much persimmon can upset your dog’s immune and digestive systems. Dogs are naturally carnivores and wouldn’t eat fruits in the wild. It’s best to replicate a wild diet as best as you can, and this involves fewer fruits such as persimmons. 

Too much persimmon in a dog’s diet, whether it’s all at once or over a period of time, will give a dog stomach issues. Whether this is for a few days or chronic, it’s always good to avoid any discomfort in your dog (and excessive cleaning for you). Doggy diarrhea is not enjoyable for anyone, so avoid overfeeding your dog with fruits. 

Is Persimmon Good for Dogs? 

While persimmon in large amounts can be dangerous for a dog’s health, a small amount does have some health benefits. Dogs don’t need the same amount of extra vitamins and minerals that humans do, but they can benefit from a variety of treats in addition to their regular diet of balanced dog food or meat. 

Most dog foods come with a natural mix of meat proteins and the natural nutrients wild dogs would find from their prey. However, you can supplement your regular dog food with special treats. This will vary their diet and prevent them from getting bored with their food. 

As long as you don’t feed your dog too many persimmons, you can definitely use them as occasional treats. Persimmons add a little variety and provide extra vitamin A and keratin. Make sure you are taking out the seeds and the pit, and you will be fine to feed them to your dog. 

What to do If Your Dog ate Persimmon

Dogs can eat a bit of persimmon every once in a while. As long as it’s only the meat and not the reproductive parts of the fruit, you can use persimmon as a treat or a snack every once in a while. Always supervise your dog when feeding them treats–you don’t want them to overeat or eat the wrong part. 

However, if your dog got a hold of persimmons without your supervision, you might have a good reason to be worried. A dog that has consumed multiple persimmons will likely be sick over the next few days. At worst, they might need emergency surgery to remove a bowel obstruction of persimmon pits. 

The first step is always to call your veterinarian. When in doubt, you want a medical professional who knows your dog. Follow your vet’s instructions and make sure your dog is as comfortable as possible. Depending on the amount of persimmon your dog ate, it should be fine after a few days of discomfort.  

A few bites of persimmon or even multiple persimmons won’t hurt a dog long term, as long as they didn’t eat the pits or seeds of the fruits. Your dog will most likely be in pain and have diarrhea for a few days, but if your vet doesn’t recommend medicine, you can just wait it out and make sure your pup has enough water. 

If you are unsure whether your dog ate the pits of the persimmons or not, watch them carefully over the next few days. Look for symptoms of discomfort in your dog, and keep track of their stools. Watch out for these symptoms of bowel obstruction to report to your veterinarian: 

• Dehydration
• Inability to poop
• Vomiting
• Constipation 
• Loss of appetite 
• Low energy 
• Whining/other signs of stomach pain or discomfort

If your dog exhibits multiple symptoms, call your veterinarian or the local pet hospital immediately. It’s better to be safe than sorry–even a check-up and some prescribed medicine can fix the problem. However, if your dog needs surgery, the sooner you get it scheduled, the better it will be for your dog.  

Final Thoughts – Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?

Persimmons have many health benefits, but can be dangerous for dogs if they aren’t portioned and served properly. However, they can be used as treats and rewards if you are careful and safe with them. As long as your dog enjoys persimmons, a small treat every now and then won’t hurt!