Kiwi fruit

[jeffd]

We have some extra kiwi fruit and wondering if that's healthy for the wild squirrels in our backyard? I've been feeding them mixed unsalted nuts so far. Wanted to find something more nutritious.

[Diggie's Friend]

It is higher up on the list of oxalic acid; and also contain calcium oxalate 'rawhide' needle like crystals that imbed in soft tissues including the tongue. Years ago I shared about this with a lady who had a squirrel that asked the same question. Not long after that, they contacted me to ask what was causing their squirrel thrust its tongue repeatedly. I asked if they fed their squirrel kiwi recently; they replied that they just had and wouldn't do so again.

This is what kiwi raphide crystals look like under an electron microscope:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/...fig3_260757558

Total, Soluble and Insoluble Oxalate Contents of Ripe Green and Golden Kiwifruit

Early studies have shown that green kiwifruit contained moderate amounts of total oxalate which is largely found as calcium oxalate in raphide crystals. These crystals of insoluble oxalate are responsible for the irritant factor or “catch” which is used to describe an irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth [2].

Soluble oxalates, however, may be of interest for kidney stone patients who are trying to decrease their urinary oxalate excretion by avoiding the consumption of oxalate-rich foods [2,3,4]. The amounts of total oxalates in golden kiwifruit reported in the literature varies from 7.8 to 45 mg/100 g fresh weight (FW), while the values for green kiwifruit ranged from 12.7 to 84.3 mg/100 g FW [2,4,5,6].

[mmikos]

We have some extra kiwi fruit and wondering if that's healthy for the wild squirrels in our backyard? I've been feeding them mixed unsalted nuts so far. Wanted to find something more nutritious. geometry dash

I informed a woman whose squirrel had the same query about this. Shortly after that, they got in touch with me to find out why their squirrel kept sticking its tongue out.

[Charley Chuckles]

It is higher up on the list of oxalic acid; and also contain calcium oxalate 'rawhide' needle like crystals that imbed in soft tissues including the tongue. Years ago I shared about this with a lady who had a squirrel that asked the same question. Not long after that, they contacted me to ask what was causing their squirrel thrust its tongue repeatedly. I asked if they fed their squirrel kiwi recently; they replied that they just had and wouldn't do so again.

This is what kiwi raphide crystals look like under an electron microscope:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/...fig3_260757558

I swear looks like my finger last summer after touching a stinging nettle 😱

[Diggie's Friend]

Most N.A. foods don't contain Raphide oxalate crystals. Raphides are mostly found in tropical plants.

Raphides are found mostly in some tropical plants; which when chewed the needles tears up the tissue in the throat causing irritation and swelling that can be deadly if as a result the airway becomes obstructed. Kiwi isn't the worse source; though some kinds of Kiwi are worse in than others in this key regard.

The most dangerous sources for pets that chew plants can be exposed to, are those tropical plants that contain both raphide crystals and toxins; like these common tropical house and yard plants do.

Dieffenbachia, commonly known as Dumb Cane, is a popular tropical houseplant that can cause harm to both humans and pets. Its leaves contain raphides, which are needle-shaped crystals that can cause severe irritation and swelling if ingested. These crystals can also cause damage to the throat and digestive tract, making it dangerous for pets who may be tempted to chew on the leaves. In addition, Dieffenbachia can also cause skin irritation if touched. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and children to avoid any potential health risks.

Philidendrums also contains raphide crystals.

http://plant-structure.weebly.com/bl...egory/raphides

It is hair raising to think that this is what this plant does by ejecting raphide needles as it does!

In human terms, I don't think that this plant is warm or friendly; reminds me from something out of the sci-fi film, "Avatar" from the forests of Pandora.

When in doubt, throat it out, or give it to a neighbor that has no pets that likes tropical plants; yet not outside on the patio or to plant in their yard where animals may come in contact with it.