Kiwi is a healthy and nutritious fruit eaten around the world. It was originally found in China before spreading to other parts of the world.
I have been asked many times if donkeys can eat kiwi.
Donkeys can eat the kiwi as it is a super fruit with many healthy nutrients which will be beneficial to the donkeys. If you are thinking of healthy treats to add to your donkey’s diets, then the kiwi fruit is a great idea.
Let us discuss the benefits of kiwi to donkeys, how often you should feed them kiwi, whether they can eat the leaves and peels and other questions you might have.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Kiwi To Donkeys?
- Antioxidants
As we all know, antioxidants are substances which help to protect our bodies from free radicals and oxidative damage.
Their importance cannot be over emphasized in any way. The kiwi is rich in antioxidant content.
When your donkey snacks on kiwi regularly they would have a lower chance of falling ill as the antioxidants will buoy their immune systems.
- Fiber
Fiber helps to improve and smoothen the digestive process. It will help to prevent constipation in donkeys and ensure their food processes go smoothly.
Fiber is also very important in promoting gut health in your donks.
Fiber contains prebiotics and these prebiotics work to actively encourage the growth of healthy bacteria in the stomach.
- Iron
Iron is important for the production of hemoglobin which is the substance responsible for transporting oxygen all around the body.
Kiwi fruit is known to have a good amount of iron content.
When your donks eat kiwi regularly, they reduce the risk of developing anemia and falling sick.
- Calcium
Calcium helps to promote healthy bone and teeth development. A deficiency of this nutrient can lead to rickets or metabolic bone disease in your donkey.
As such, they should have regular feedings of calcium in their diet and the kiwi fruit will provide that.
- Vitamins
Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin content. Vitamins are very important for day to day functioning.
They perform functions such as helping blood clotting, improving eyesight, boosting immune system performance and protecting the body from illness.
Vitamin C and K content is abundantly found in kiwi.
Here is an article I wrote on what do donkeys eat?
How Often Should I Feed Them Kiwi?
Kiwi as seen from above are a great fruit to incorporate into your donkeys’ diet as they contain many potential benefits and nutrients.
Kiwis are however a treat and should be fed to donkeys in moderation. Donkeys have their major diet which is basically pasture grass, hay and straw.
These should be their daily food and kiwi plus other treats only come in regularly.
Donkeys are prone to obesity if they overeat and you don’t want to go gorging your donk on too much food.
Restrict kiwi feeding to a few slices per week for the donkey so he doesn’t get too used to it or have negative health impacts.
Can Mini Donkeys Eat Kiwi?
Miniature donkeys or mini donks as they are fondly called are a species of donkeys that are smaller in size than the standard donkeys.
A mini donkey usually reaches a height of 36 inches at the maximum.
They are usually small and compact and are getting popular on farmlands for their cuteness.
Mini donks have the same diet needs as donkeys as they also basically eat grass and hay.
Your mini donkey would most likely eat kiwi when it is introduced as it is safe for them to eat.
Can Donkeys Eat Kiwi Leaves?
The leaves of the kiwi plant are safe to eat and since donkeys are herbivores, it will make a great treat for them.
The leaves of the plant are delicious and have been discovered to contain nutrients such as vitamin C, protein and a number of minerals.
Unlike plants which have poisonous leaves, the kiwi fruit plant is perfectly edible and safe for your donkeys to eat.
Can Donkeys Eat Kiwi Peels?
If you have been throwing away your kiwi peels after eating, then you have been doing it wrong.
Not many people like the taste of the fuzzy-hairy skin, however your donkeys would be glad to get a piece of it.
Kiwi peels are safe to eat and do not contain any toxins. They are also highly nutritious as they contain folate, lots of fiber and antioxidant content.
Feeding it to your donkey will give them a more nutritious treat.
Before feeding the peels to the donkeys, wash the fruit itself thoroughly to remove any contaminant on it.
You can feed your donks the fruit slices with the skin attached. You can also feed them the peels separately, especially if you have had to cut the fleshy fruit away.
Also check out this article I wrote on can donkeys eat oranges
Things To Watch Out For Before Feeding Them Kiwi?
Not all animals like kiwi, kiwi is a lot delicious and full of nutrients for your donk however it is possible that they might not like the taste.
If your donkey shows no appetite for the fruit, then do not force it, introduce other fruits that they might like.
When introducing kiwi to the donkeys, do not overfeed them at once. Give them a little and watch them to ensure there are no negative effects before continuing feeding.
Always ensure fruit is thoroughly washed before feeding it to them. This is to remove toxic contaminants that might adhere to the surface.
Kiwis should be fed in moderation especially with donks that are obese or have laminitis.
Kiwis have a high fiber content and when this is too much, it can lead to constipation in the animals.
How Can I Feed Kiwi To My Donkeys?
Get a kiwifruit and wash it to remove any agrochemicals or pesticides that might be stuck to the surface.
You don’t want your donk coming down with an infection from food poisoning. Check the fruit thoroughly to ensure its’ not spoilt or growing moldy.
Slice up the fruit into small bite pieces. You can leave the skin in, if your donkeys like eating that.
If its’ a hot day, freezing the kiwi for a bit would be great before feeding to the donkeys.
Do not give your donkeys the fruit whole as they might not like it or might choke on it while trying to swallow. Small bite sizes are perfect!
Conclusion
Kiwis are healthy and a great way of treating your donkeys from time to time.
All parts of this fruit are edible for eating and also contain amazing nutritional benefits.
You shouldn’t feed kiwi everyday to your donkeys as it is not their basic diet and can cause health problems for them.
The best way to feed kiwi fruit is to slice it into small bite sizes so the donkeys do not choke it while eating.
Always feed them kiwi and other treats in moderation so they get an all round diet that provides all their nutrition needs.
