Can Dogs Eat Dates? A Vet’s Opinion

Dates are high in sugar, but can you feed Dates to your dog?

While dates are not poisonous to dogs, they should not be consumed frequently. Dates are heavy in sugar and, if ingested in excessive quantities, can cause digestive problems in dogs.

Benefits Of Dates For Dogs

• Dates are high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and A, potassium, magnesium, and fibre. These minerals, in tiny doses, can provide some health advantages to dogs. Potassium and magnesium, for example, are essential for neuron function and muscular health, while fibre can aid digestion.
• Dates are abundant in natural sugars like fructose, which can give dogs a rapid energy source, particularly during active activities or strenuous workouts. This might benefit active or working dogs that demand additional energy.
• Dates include antioxidants such as phenols and flavonoids, which can assist the body in neutralizing damaging free radicals and strengthening the immune system.
• Antioxidants, like humans, can have anti-inflammatory qualities and contribute to general health and well-being in dogs.
• Possible Digestive Aid: Dates are high in dietary fibre, which can help dogs control their bowel motions and support healthy digestion. Fibre can also help with weight control and produce a sense of fullness, which may benefit overweight dogs or those suffering from digestive disorders.
• Dates are high in dietary fibre, which can aid in promoting good digestion and regulating bowel motions in dogs. Consuming enough fibre can help avoid constipation and boost overall gut health.
• Dates include natural antibacterial substances, such as tannins, which may aid in the battle against dangerous germs and support dental health in dogs. Dates are heavy in sugar and sticky, leading to dental difficulties if not properly cleaned from a dog’s teeth.
• Dates include anti-inflammatory minerals such as magnesium and potassium, which may help support joint health in dogs. This is especially good for senior dogs or dogs with joint problems.
• Enrichment and variation: Adding tiny dates to your dog’s meal can give some sensory enrichment and some variation. However, dates should be eaten in moderation instead of balanced and nutritionally complete dog food.
• Bonding and Training Treats: Dates may be used as a reward for dogs during training sessions or to bond with your pet. Small pieces of dates can be fed as a treat to encourage positive behaviour and develop a positive link with training.

Regardless of these possible benefits, it’s crucial to note that dates are high in natural sugars and should be served to dogs sparingly. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and stomach discomfort in dogs. It is always wise to consult your veterinarian before adding dates or any other new item to your dog’s diet.

How To Safely Give Dates To Dogs?

If you want to feed dates to your dog, make sure you do it carefully to avoid stomach problems or other health issues. Here are some suggestions for feeding dates to dogs safely:

1. Dates are high in natural sugars and can be high in calories. Thus they should be served to dogs in moderation. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and stomach discomfort in dogs. As a general guideline, treats, including dates, should not exceed 10% of a dog’s daily calorie intake.
2. Remove Pits: Dates include pits that, if consumed, can represent a choking hazard or cause blockages in a dog’s digestive tract. Before feeding dates to your dog, permanently remove the pits.
3. Dates may be sticky and represent a choking hazard, so it’s best to chop them into little pieces before feeding them to your dog. Avoid giving your dog huge pieces or entire dates.
4. Consider Your Dog’s Health: Before giving your dog dates or any other new food, consider their nutritional needs, age, weight, and overall health. Consult your veterinarian if your dog has any health disorders, such as diabetes or digestive difficulties, or if they are on a special diet to decide if dates are safe and acceptable for your dog.
5. After feeding dates, watch your dog for any symptoms of digestive difficulties, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
6. If your dog exhibits any indications of discomfort, discontinue feedings immediately and visit your veterinarian.
7. Cleaning Your Dog’s Teeth: Dates are sticky and heavy in sugar, which may cause dental problems in dogs. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly and providing dental chews or toys are essential for maintaining oral health.
8. Select New Dates: Choose fresh, high-quality dates free of added sugars, preservatives, and other additives. Don’t give your dog rotten or mouldy dates.

As usual, contact your veterinarian before making any dietary changes for your dog, including feeding them dates. To protect your dog’s safety and well-being, your veterinarian may give personalized recommendations based on their needs and health condition.

Will Dates Make A Dog Sick?

While dates can provide some health advantages to dogs in moderation, there are also possible hazards. Dates are high in natural sugars and dietary fibre, which can cause digestive upset in dogs if consumed excessively. This might cause diarrhoea, gas, or bloating, especially in dogs with sensitive stomachs or those not used to high-fibre meals. Date pits can be a choking hazard or cause blockages in the digestive tract if eaten whole or in significant portions, which can be dangerous. Dates are also sticky and heavy in sugar, which can contribute to dental problems in dogs by encouraging the growth of dangerous bacteria in the mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

Furthermore, certain dogs may be allergic or sensitive to specific foods, such as dates, which can trigger allergic responses or other adverse effects. Giving dogs stale or mouldy dates can cause gastrointestinal distress, including vomiting and diarrhoea. Feed dates to dogs in moderation, remove pits, cut them into small pieces, monitor for signs of discomfort, and consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about feeding dates or any other food to your dog, particularly if your dog has specific health conditions or dietary restrictions.

Vet’s Summary

In conclusion, while dates are generally healthy for dogs to consume in moderation, specific concerns include stomach distress, choking hazards from pits, dental difficulties, and potential allergies or sensitivities. Feeding rotten dates might also cause stomach distress. These concerns are significant when contemplating using dates as a dog’s probiotic source.

When it comes to probiotics for dogs, selecting a reputable and veterinarian-recommended probiotic supplement designed exclusively for dogs is critical. Probiotics are helpful microorganisms that can help dogs maintain a balanced gut microbiota, supporting digestive health and immunological function. While certain human foods, such as dates, contain natural probiotics, confirming that the probiotic strain and dose are suitable for dogs is critical. Must consider the hazards of feeding dates in excess or spoilt circumstances. Before using dates or any other food as a source of probiotics for dogs, please consult a veterinarian to confirm that it is safe and appropriate for your dog’s unique health needs.

Videos To Watch

Here is a video that describes what happens when you feed dates to dogs:

Find out if your dog can eat dates or if you should ignore them completely: