Can Dogs Eat Feijoas? What NZ Pet Parents Need to Know This Feijoa Season

Feijoas are a uniquely Kiwi favourite, with their fragrant green skins, tangy-sweet flesh, and annual appearance in fruit bowls, school lunchboxes, and neighbourly gift buckets. But as this seasonal fruit ripens, many New Zealand pet parents are asking: Can dogs eat feijoas?

Let’s dig into the facts about feijoas and pets, from dogs and cats to rabbits and chickens, so you can keep your furry (or feathered) whānau safe all year round.

So, Can Dogs Actually Eat Feijoas?

In small amounts, feijoas are not toxic to dogs, but they’re also not a necessary part of a dog’s diet. The inside flesh of the fruit is generally safe when given occasionally. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Skin and seeds: These can be hard to digest and may upset your dog’s stomach.
• Natural sugars: Feijoas are high in natural sugar. While the odd nibble won’t hurt, too much can lead to an upset stomach, especially if your dog’s bored and foraging in the backyard. To keep them busy and safe, check out our great value toys designed for active playtime.
• Overripe or fermented fruit: Dogs left to explore under a feijoa tree may gobble up fallen fruit that’s gone off, which can ferment and even cause mild alcohol poisoning.

Safe:

• A few spoonfuls of ripe, fresh feijoa flesh
• Occasional treat only,  not a dietary staple

Avoid:

• Whole fruit including skin and seeds
• Fermented, mouldy, or fallen fruit
• Feeding in large quantities or too frequently

Pro tip: Introduce any new food slowly and monitor for signs of vomiting, diarrhoea, or discomfort. If unsure, always check with your vet.

Can Cats Eat Feijoas?

Cats may show little interest in fruit, but if they do have a curious lick, rest assured: feijoas are not toxic to cats. However, cats are obligate carnivores and don’t need fruit or vegetables to thrive. Feijoas offer little benefit and may upset their digestion in larger amounts.

Verdict:

• A small lick of the flesh is fine
• Skip it as a regular treat

What About Rabbits?

Rabbits have extremely sensitive digestive systems, and introducing new foods, especially sweet fruits, can easily cause upset. While some sources suggest small amounts of fruit may be tolerated, we don’t recommend offering feijoas to rabbits.

• The flesh is very sugary and may disrupt their gut bacteria

• The skin and seeds are fibrous and difficult to digest

• Even a small amount can cause bloating, diarrhoea, or more serious issues

For rabbits, it’s safest to stick to their regular diet of hay, leafy greens, and clean water. When in doubt, always check with a rabbit-savvy vet before offering anything new.

Are Feijoas Safe for Chickens?

Yes! Chickens can safely eat feijoas, and many absolutely love them. The soft flesh is packed with vitamin C and can be a fun, enriching treat.

To keep your flock healthy:

• Serve in small portions
• Remove any uneaten fruit daily to avoid spoilage or attracting pests

When Is Feijoa Season in New Zealand?

Feijoa season in Aotearoa typically runs from late March through to May, depending on the region and weather. During this time, feijoas may fall from trees or be left out in fruit bowls and compost bins, which curious pets might get into.

Whether you’re growing your own or getting gifted extras, it’s important to be mindful of where these fruits end up, especially around scavenger-prone dogs and backyard pets.

Garden Maintenance: Managing Fallen Feijoas for Pet Safety

Feijoa trees are prolific fruiters, and during the harvest season, it’s not unusual for them to drop dozens, even hundreds, of fruit onto the ground. While this natural drop indicates ripeness, leaving them to rot can pose risks to both pets and your garden.

Why Pick Up Fallen Fruit?

• Pet hazard: Dogs, rabbits, and chickens might eat fermenting or mouldy feijoas, which can cause stomach issues.
• Fermentation risk: Fallen fruit ferments quickly. This can cause mild alcohol poisoning in pets.
• Pest magnet: Spoiled fruit attracts pests like rodents and guava moth, which can infest healthy fruit still on your tree.

What To Do:

• Collect fallen fruit daily during the season
• Avoid composting infected or infested fruit, dispose of it in your general rubbish
• Keep the ground clear to prevent disease spread and reduce the risk of pets foraging
• Prune the tree yearly to improve airflow and reduce overcrowding

Regular garden maintenance keeps your yard tidy, and your pets safer too.

What About Other Dangerous Foods?

Feijoas might be (mostly) safe, but many everyday human foods are seriously toxic to pets. Keep these far out of reach:

• Grapes and raisins – Can cause gastro upset and kidney failure in dogs and cats. It's an idiosyncratic reaction in only a small proportion of pets, but those affected can show severe signs after ingesting only a small amount
• Chocolate – Toxic to dogs and cats
• Onions and garlic – Harmful to dogs, cats, and rabbits
• Xylitol (in sugar-free gum or peanut butter) – Extremely poisonous to dogs
• Avocado – Dangerous to rabbits and birds due to a compound called persin

If in doubt, always check with your vet or contact a poison hotline.

What Should I Do If My Pet Eats a Feijoa?

If your pet eats a small amount of ripe feijoa flesh, they’ll likely be just fine. But watch for:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Lethargy or signs of discomfort

If your pet eats a large amount, or fermented fruit, or begins acting strangely, contact your vet straight away.

TL;DR: Can Dogs Eat Feijoas?

Yes, in moderation, and only the inside flesh.

Feijoas are not toxic to dogs, cats, chickens, or rabbits, but should be offered sparingly and prepared properly. Avoid the skin and seeds, don’t let pets eat dropped fruit, and remember that “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.”

Petdirect’s Take

At Petdirect, we love celebrating New Zealand’s unique seasons, but when it comes to pets, we always lead with safety first. Whether it’s a fresh feijoa or a trendy new treat, our pet experts are here to help you make informed choices.

Need safer snack ideas? Explore our range of pet treats, or ask our team if you’re unsure about something your pet has eaten.