Louie, my 2-year-old Yorkshire Terrier, is not a big fruit lover. Tomatoes are his favorite, and the next fruit he enjoys is sweet persimmon. He seems to like both the aroma and the firm texture.
Because persimmons are one of the few fruits Louie willingly eats, I naturally became more cautious about safety. This post explains whether dogs can eat persimmons, which types are safer, and what you should know about seeds, skin, and appropriate serving amounts.
1. Can Dogs Eat Persimmons?
Dogs can eat fully ripe persimmons in small amounts. Among common varieties, sweet persimmons (dan-gam) and Daebong persimmons are more suitable for dogs because they are less astringent.
However, texture and ripeness matter. Persimmons that are too hard may be difficult to digest, while overly soft, overripe persimmons contain higher sugar levels. For dogs, persimmons should be ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape, cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Persimmons
Sweet persimmons are high in natural sugars, which makes them appealing to dogs. They also contain vitamin C, beta-carotene, and dietary fiber.
Vitamin C supports antioxidant activity, fiber helps regulate digestion, and beta-carotene contributes to eye health.
Because of the sugar content, dogs with weight issues, diabetes, or pancreatic concerns should receive persimmons only in very limited amounts or avoid them altogether.
3. Nutrition Facts (USDA, per 100 g)
Source: USDA FoodData Central
Water: 80.3 g Calories: 70 kcal Carbohydrates: 18.6 g Sugar: 12.5 g Dietary fiber: 3.6 g Vitamin C: 7.5 mg Potassium: 161 mg Vitamin A: 1630 IU
Persimmons are generally high in sugar, which explains their good palatability but also why portion control is essential.
4. Persimmon Skin
Persimmon skin is thin and not especially tough, so most dogs can digest it without major issues.
However, pesticide residue is a concern. Always wash thoroughly before feeding, or peel the skin if your dog has a sensitive digestive system.
5. Persimmon Seeds
Persimmon seeds are not toxic, but they are large and hard, which makes them dangerous.
Seeds can cause choking or intestinal blockage, so they should always be removed before feeding persimmons to dogs.
Even seedless persimmons should be checked carefully, as some varieties may still contain seeds.
6. How Much Persimmon Can a Dog Eat?
Persimmons should be treated as an occasional treat, not a daily snack.
As a general rule, treats should stay within 10% of a dog’s total daily calorie intake. Because persimmons are high in sugar, the actual portion should be well below this limit.
For a small dog around 3 kg, a safe amount is approximately 10–15 g at most.
Persimmons should not be fed daily, even during peak season.
Reflections
Because Louie enjoys sweet persimmons, I offer them occasionally with careful portion control and thorough preparation.
When seeds are removed, the skin is cleaned properly, and portions are kept small, persimmons can be a pleasant seasonal treat. As always, moderation and individual tolerance are the most important factors when feeding fruit to dogs.