Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
In moderation. The flesh of a ripe persimmon, with no seeds, skin or green calyx, is safe in small amounts. The seeds and unripe astringent persimmons can cause intestinal problems.
What it gives your dog
A ripe persimmon provides about 70 kcal per 100 g, fiber, beta-carotene, vitamin C and potassium, and quite a lot of sugar, between 12 and 18 g per 100 g. Many dogs love the soft flesh. Persimmons are a fall fruit, and wherever there is a persimmon tree in a yard or along a walk, whether Asian or the native American persimmon, fallen fruit is easy for a dog to reach.
The ASPCA warns that persimmon seeds can inflame the small intestine and cause a blockage, especially in small dogs. They are flat, hard and add up if a dog eats several fruits. In addition, unripe astringent persimmons (like Hachiya) have lots of soluble tannins that, in the stomach, can clump together with fiber and form a bezoar, a compact ball that does not move on. Non-astringent varieties like Fuyu, and treated fruit sold as Sharon fruit or Persimon, can be eaten firm and usually have few or no seeds, but there is no such guarantee with fruit from a tree or fallen on the ground.
How to serve it
- Fully ripe and soft, or a firm non-astringent type like Fuyu
- With no seeds, no green calyx, and preferably peeled
- In small cubes, or the flesh by the spoonful
- Frozen in cubes as a fall treat
- Pick up fallen persimmons if you have a tree in the yard
How much can they eat?
Now and then: small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb), 1-2 tablespoons of flesh (15-20 g); medium dog (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb), 30-40 g (1-1.5 oz); large dog (over 25 kg / 55 lb), 50-70 g (2-2.5 oz), roughly half a persimmon. Within the 10 % of calories for extras.
Risks
- Seeds: intestinal inflammation and blockage
- Unripe astringent persimmons: possible bezoar from tannins
- Fallen, fermented persimmons under the tree
- Sugar: be careful with diabetic or overweight dogs
- Diarrhea if they eat a lot
Frequently asked questions
Are persimmon seeds dangerous for dogs?
Yes. According to the ASPCA, persimmon seeds can inflame the small intestine and cause a blockage, especially in small dogs or if they eat several fruits. Always remove the seeds before giving persimmon. If your dog ate whole persimmons, call the vet even if they seem fine and watch for vomiting, not eating or not pooping.
Can dogs eat Fuyu persimmons?
Yes, in the same amounts as any persimmon. Fuyu is a non-astringent variety, so it can be eaten while still firm and often has no seeds; the same goes for Sharon fruit. Peel it, remove the calyx and any seeds, and cut it into cubes. It has quite a lot of sugar, so keep it as an occasional treat, not a daily one.
General information reviewed against veterinary sources. If your dog has eaten something that worries you, call your vet or a 24-hour emergency vet right away, without waiting for symptoms.