Can Dogs Eat Dates?
Can Dogs Consume Dates?
Can Dogs Eat Dates? Did you just unwrap a bag of sticky, juicy, and delectable dried dates? You may wonder if your dog can join in on the fun on these sweet, fiber-containing bites. Although dates are less poisonous to dogs compared to grapes, it does not automatically mean that dates are a wonderful treat. Read more about how dogs can safely eat dates and the benefits and risks of having this fruit as part of their diet.
Potential Advantages of Feeding Dates to Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Dates? Dogs are opportunistic omnivores, and although they don’t require eating dates or any other fruits, supplementing measured amounts to the entire diet may be followed by some positives. But it’s more a matter of making sure the fruits themselves are safe for dogs, preparing them properly, and serving them in restricted amounts.
For instance, dates have a lot of fiber. Hence, providing several dates to your dog regularly might aid in maintaining a healthy digestive system, particularly in constipated dogs. Dieting dogs can even remain full for very long periods on a high-fiber diet.
Dates also have immune-boosting vitamins and minerals. While the ideal diet will already include all of the nutrients your dog needs, some of the healthy ingredients of dates are:
- Magnesium has anti-inflammatory compounds and supports healthy skin, and studies indicate that it can help to lower the risk of heart disease
- Copper is a required dietary nutrient of dogs which supports bone growth and red blood cell production
- Manganese facilitates proper bone and joint development, and therefore can be employed to treat joint diseases such as arthritis
- Vitamin B6 is required in dogs to facilitate glucose development, red blood cell and nervous system functioning, and hormone regulation
Dates are among the most dense sources of the health-improving antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols. They may aid in the stimulation of digestion as well as prevent the formation of some cancers and heart disease.
Dates Make a Healthy Dog Treat
Can Dogs Eat Dates? Do you suspect dates are little raisins? Well, you’re not the only one! Although they compare in size to raisins, dates are completely safe for a dog to consume. Full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, dates are an excellent snack with health benefits not just for us, but also for our furry friends (Nasir et al. 2015, 18-20). However, just like with most things, a healthy, balanced diet is all about finding a balance. Which, by the way, experts say avoid giving your dogs raisins and grapes!
We’ve all heard the saying, moderation is key. The same applies to giving your pets Medjool dates. They are naturally sweet and fiber-rich, too many can make your pup’s blood sugar pile up too high and upset his tummy. They are a natural fiber and natural complex carb, i.e. energy, so no wonder your dog would get a wee bit hyper from a date. But that’s just ol’ pupper being ol’ pupper, right? Dates are a dog-friendly treat but like most human foods, don’t overdo! If you want to know what else can my dog have, look here for an easy-to-read list of foods your dog is safe to eat (Painter, 2020).
Safety Issues to Consider:
- Not Toxic: Dates have no chemicals that are harmful to your dog.
- Moderation is Key: Because they are so high in sugar, restrict how many dates you give your dog.
- Monitor for Reactions: Always monitor for signs of food intolerance, including diarrhea or vomiting, when adding dates.
More Info:
- Consult Your Vet: If you have doubts about your dog’s diet, it’s always better to consult your vet first before you add new foods.
- Age and Size Considerations: Smaller breeds and puppies may be more sensitive to new foods, so begin with even smaller portions.
2. Nutritional Content of Dates for Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Dates? Dates are very nutritious and filled with the right nutrients that can provide the best health benefits to your dog. They have:
- Vitamins: Dates are full of vitamins A, B6, and C, which maintain overall health and immunity.
- Minerals: They contain potassium, magnesium, and copper that are required for muscle and bone function and energy production.
- Fiber: The fiber content of dates is significant and can assist in digestion and soften the stool passage.
How to Give Dates to Dogs
In the process of incorporating this new food into the diet, dog owners must follow these guidelines when giving dates to dogs:
- Notice your dog’s response. If constipation, stomach upset, and loose stools are the consequences of the dates, then there are side effects happening in your dog in the guise of these symptoms. Ditch this snack and replace it with another safer alternative for your dog.
- Pit the dates ahead of time. Feeding your dog date pits will choke or stuff your dog’s intestines, particularly in smaller breeds. The pits are nontoxic, but they are a chocking annoyance.
- Understand how your dog handles sugar. Dates are cholesterol-free but contain excess sugar. If your dog is diabetic or is prone to overreacting to the sugar rush, feed them dates sparingly.
- Cut the dates into bite sizes. If your dog is prone to gulping food down, cut the dates into bite sizes to ease your dog’s digestive system. Small cuts in small amounts will also leave some space between the treats for a while.
Prior to Sharing with Your Canine
Certain human foods are toxic to dogs, so be sure to consult with your vet to determine if it is okay to add these foods to your dog’s menu. This article should not be used for dietary or medical purposes and is only for informational and educational purposes.
