Kumquats are lovely juicy fruits that come in bite-size. It’s a great experience putting the whole fruit in the mouth and let the fruit burst into a juicy splash as you shut the mouth. This sweet-citrusy fruit is fun to eat. I often wondered how the dogs would like it. I tried feeding one kumquat to my pup Frankle. I wanted the fruit to burst inside his mouth and it did. It was hilarious to watch the reaction of my little dog. He seemed to like the sweetness of the fruit but the citrusy effect made him go all over the house, bemused and running. So, can dogs eat kumquats?
Worried that it might affect my lovely dog, I decided to do some research on the topic. Here, I present my findings:
Can dogs eat kumquats?
Yes, dogs can eat kumquats or the golden orange as it is known in its country of origin, China. Kumquats are not toxic to dogs and you can feed a small amount of this fruit to your dog. However, your dog might not like it in the beginning as it is a citrus fruit with a typical sweet-sour taste, with a hint of acidity. You can start by giving the dog only a little portion of the fruit. In any case, you should not give it too many kumquats.
Health benefits of kumquats for dogs
Like all citrus fruits, kumquats are packed with minerals and other nutrients, and at the same time, it’s not high on calories. The fruits are small, weighing only about 20 grams each. They contain vitamin A, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, copper, and zinc. The seeds and the peels are edible and contain omega-3 fats.
If you feed kumquats, your dog is surely going to benefit from its impressive nutrition profile. However, you should remember that dogs do not break down fruits and benefit from the nutrients in the same manner as humans do. You should not feed too many fruits to your dog thinking that they are more nutritious. Your dog might not need any other supplement after a balanced diet that is commercially available for dogs.
Why too much of kumquats can be bad for dog?
If you are not careful to remove the peel, your dog might ingest it. This can be harmful because it can cause an upset stomach. Your dog might experience blockage and pain in the intestine. The symptoms of an upset stomach include vomiting and diarrhea.
The peels also have citrus oil and this can harm the skin and the liver of the dog. Kumquats are high in magnesium and may cause laxative effects on your dog.
How to feed kumquats to dogs?
You can give fresh and raw kumquats to your dog. Before giving this bite-size fruit to your dog, you should remove the skin, which is thick and sweet. If you don’t remove the skin, your dog might like to eat it, and that may cause blockage in the intestine. Your dog may not feel afterward.
How many kumquats should a dog get?
Kumquats are small fruits and not toxic to dogs. So, you can feed kumquats in moderate quantities to your dog. Moderate because dogs don’t digest the fruits or benefit from them in the same way as humans. If they eat more than enough fruits, they might experience many health problems, gastrointestinal problems being the most common ones. However, your dog can eat 1-3 kumquats without anything to worry about.
What foods can you give to your dog instead of kumquats?
You can give any fruits that are not toxic to dogs. For example, you can give any oranges, apples, strawberries, and blueberries.
Are dogs allergic to kumquats?
The citrus oil found in the rind of kumquats can cause allergies to your dog. These allergies can manifest through skin irritation. However, these oils also contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help improve the appearance of the dog’s skin.
What to do if your dog eats a kumquat?
If your dog has eaten a kumquat, there is nothing to worry about. However, if it is the first time, you should keep a watch on the dog to see if there is anything unusual about him. But if it has eaten a whole lot of it, your dog is possibly going to have some gastrointestinal problems. Be ready for this. If the situation turns critical, take it to the vet without losing any time.
Can diabetic dogs eat kumquats?
Kumquat is a low-calorie fruit and sugar content is also moderate. So, it’s not all that bad for a diabetic dog. At the same time, this citrus fruit contains a good collection of essential nutrients that a diabetic dog might need. As such, these dogs have a restricted menu and quantity of food.
Conclusion
Giving kumquats as an occasional treat to your dog can be a good idea. This citrus fruit can be eaten whole but you should not allow your dog to eat the fruit’s rind. It can cause gastrointestinal problems in your dogs. This is also a low-calorie fruit so you can give small quantities of this fruit to your overweight and diabetic dogs.
