Can Dogs Eat Dates? Safe Feeding Guide & Health Considerations

Can Dogs Eat Dates?

Dogs can eat dates in small amounts if you remove the pits. Dates are not poisonous to dogs, but there are important things you should know before sharing this fruit with your pet.

Nutritional Profile of Dates

• Dates are a type of fruit that come from date palm trees. They are a natural source of fiber, which can help support your dog’s digestion in small amounts. Dates also contain some key nutrients like vitamins A, C, B6, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium.
• One benefit of dates for dogs is that they offer a low-fat snack option. However, dates are very high in sugar. Too much sugar can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, or weight gain in dogs. It is important to only give your dog a small piece once in a while, not a whole date or several at a time.
• Always remove the pit before giving your dog any date. The pit can be a choking hazard and may even block their intestines.

Difference Between Dates and Raisins

• Raisins are dangerous for dogs and should never be eaten. Eating even a small amount of raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. In contrast, dates are not toxic to dogs and do not have this risk.
• Dates and raisins may look similar, but they are very different when it comes to dog safety. While both are sweet dried fruits, only dates are considered a safe treat in moderation if you avoid the pits.
• Because dates are high in natural sugar, watch for any signs of stomach upset after your dog eats them. This can help you know if dates are a good choice for your individual pet.

Potential Risks of Feeding Dates to Dogs

Dates can be a tempting treat for your dog, but there are a few concerns you should know about. These risks center around what is inside the fruit and what it is made of.

Choking Hazards and Seeds

• Dates have hard pits inside them. If your dog eats a date with the pit still inside, it can be a choking hazard. The pit may also get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract, which could cause a blockage.
• Removing all seeds before giving dates to your dog is very important. Small dogs are especially at risk because their airways and intestines are smaller. Swallowing a pit could cause coughing, drooling, or even vomiting.
• If you see your dog gag or show signs of distress after eating a date, you should contact your vet. Date pits are not toxic, but they can cause harm if not handled carefully. To be safe, only feed your dog pitted dates in small amounts, and watch out for signs of trouble.

High Sugar Content and Weight Gain

• Dates are high in natural sugar. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet may cause weight gain and can even lead to obesity and diabetes with regular overfeeding. Dogs that already have issues with their weight should not eat dates often.
• Eating a lot of sugary treats can also upset your dog’s stomach, which could cause vomiting or diarrhea. The high fiber content in dates might also make sensitive dogs have loose stools or digestive discomfort.
• Even though dates are not toxic, their rich sugar content makes them unsuitable as a frequent snack. Give your dog dates only in small pieces and do not make them a daily treat.

How to Feed Dates Safely to Dogs

Dates can be a safe treat if you properly prepare them and feed them in small amounts. Watch your dog closely for any signs of stomach upset or allergic reaction after giving dates for the first time.

Proper Preparation and Portion Sizes

• Always remove the pit from whole dates before giving them to your dog. Date pits can pose a choking risk or even cause a blockage in the digestive tract. Also, slice the dates into small pieces, especially for smaller dogs. This makes it easier for your dog to chew and digest.
• Dates are high in natural sugars, so only offer them as an occasional treat. For small dogs, give no more than half a date at a time. Medium and large dogs can have one to two dates, but only once or twice a week. Too many dates may cause weight gain or upset sensitive stomachs.

Signs of Allergic Reaction or Digestive Issues

• Pay close attention after your dog eats dates for the first time. Watch for signs like vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, coughing, or excessive itching. These symptoms could mean your dog is having an allergic reaction.
• Some dogs have sensitive stomachs and may get an upset stomach, loose stools, or gas after eating dates. If you notice any of these issues, stop feeding dates right away. Contact your vet if symptoms do not go away or if your dog vomits repeatedly, as this may signal a more serious digestive problem. Monitor your dog closely for the next 24 hours after introducing a new food like dates.

Comparing Dates with Other Dog Treats

Dates are sometimes shared with dogs as treats, but their high sugar content makes them less ideal. Safer and healthier options are often available from both human foods and your dog’s regular diet.

Dates versus Table Scraps

• Dates are not toxic to dogs, but they are high in natural sugars. Giving your dog more than a couple of dates can lead to problems like weight gain or upset stomach. This is especially important if your dog already gets treats or scraps from the table.
• Most table scraps, such as fatty meats, cooked bones, fried foods, or foods with spices, are unsafe for dogs. These foods can cause stomach upset, pancreatitis, or worse. Dates, while sweet, do not contain these harmful additives, making them a better choice than most leftovers. However, they still do not compare to specially made dog treats or balanced dog food.
• If you compare the risks, dates are less likely to cause harm than most scraps from your plate. Still, portion size matters. Always remove the pit to prevent choking.

Fruits and Vegetables as Alternatives

• When choosing between dates and other produce, fruits and vegetables such as apples (without seeds), carrots, and green beans offer safer and lower sugar options for dogs. These choices are not only low in sugar but are also packed with fiber and important vitamins.
• Treats such as blueberries and cucumber slices are low in calories and support healthy digestion. Unlike dates, these fruits and vegetables are less likely to cause stomach upset or issues with weight gain. They also do not stick to your dog’s teeth like sugary fruits do.
• Before giving any fruit or vegetable, check if it’s safe. Grapes, onions, and garlic are toxic for dogs. For safe alternatives, see this list of fruits and vegetables as dog treats. Stick to plain, bite-sized pieces and avoid added salt, butter, or seasoning.

What to Do If Your Dog Eats Too Many Dates

It can be worrying if your dog eats a large number of dates. Too many dates may cause digestive problems and other health issues.

Common Symptoms to Watch For

• Too many dates can upset your dog’s digestive tract. Large amounts may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If your dog is restless, drooling, or trying to eat grass, these might be signs of discomfort.
• Another symptom is increased thirst. Dates are high in sugar, so your dog may drink more water than usual. Some dogs might act tired or less playful.
• You should keep an eye out for signs of constipation or trouble passing stool. In rare cases, eating date pits could cause a blockage, leading to more severe symptoms like repeated vomiting or a hard, swollen belly. If you notice your dog straining, pacing, or whining, these problems need quick attention.

When to Consult a Veterinarian

• Call your vet if your dog shows serious or persistent symptoms, such as ongoing vomiting, diarrhea that lasts more than a day, or signs of pain in the stomach area. If your dog swallows a date pit, watch for signs of a blockage, such as not eating, repeated gagging, or difficulty pooping.
• Your vet may suggest fasting for a short time and then slowly offering bland food. Do not give your dog any antacid or human medication like famotidine unless your vet tells you to.
• Be ready to share important details such as how many dates your dog ate, when the incident happened, and the size and breed of your dog. This information helps your vet decide the best treatment steps. If your dog is very young, old, or already has health conditions, more caution is needed.