The Perfect Match? Do Dogs And Dates Make A Healthy Pair?

Dogs are loyal companions and love nothing more than being by our side, sharing not just in our adventures but our meals as well. Let’s face it, sometimes our pets can be a little too curious for their own good, especially around all things food.

And while we ensure that our pets are getting the right nutrition to maintain their health, what about the occasional treat?

Dates are a delicious and nutritious fruit enjoyed by people all over the world. They’re packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a popular snack for health-conscious individuals.

And the one juicy question on every dog owner’s mind is: can dogs eat dates?

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and risks of feeding dates to your canine companion. So, whether you’re contemplating sharing a sweet treat with your pooch or just looking to expand your canine culinary knowledge, we’ve got the scoop on dates and dogs.

Let’s get to the pit of the matter!

Potential Benefits Of Feeding Dates To Dogs

Dr. Andrew Miller, MRCVS, says, “Dates are full of fibre which is good for your dog’s digestive system, helping to keep their bowel movements regular and it feeds the good bacteria in their gut. Dates are also rich in minerals including potassium, copper, magnesium, and manganese.”

Since dates are rich in fiber, offering a few to your dog could help improve its digestive system especially if it suffers from constipation.

Aside from immune-boosting vitamins, dates also contain the following nutrients:

• Magnesium which helps promote healthy skin. Some studies show it could reduce the risk of heart diseases.
• Copper which is good for skeletal growth and red blood cell formation.
• Manganese that promotes healthy joints and helps manage joint diseases like arthritis.
• Potassium for regulating blood pressure and aiding in muscle and nerve function.
• Antioxidants that protect against cellular damage from free radicals.
• Vitamin B6 that enables better glucose generation and regulates hormones.

In addition, fibrous fruits like dates are ideal for obese dogs since fiber will help them feel fuller for longer.

But that does not mean this nutrient rich fruit can become a large part of your dog’s diet.

How Many Dates Can A Dog Eat?

The number of dates a dog can consume depends on factors such as their size, age, and overall health. It’s best to limit dates and any other healthy treats to not more than 10% of a dog’s daily caloric intake.

Which boils down to a small piece or two of dates, not more than twice a week.

That said, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before feeding your dog any new food, including dates.

Are Dates Bad For Dogs?

No, dates aren’t toxic to dogs. But you’ll agree that too much of anything, including a good thing can be bad.

There is a reason dates are called nature’s candies – they’re high on fructose, a natural form of sugar. And the fructose concentrate is more in dried dates. Therefore, giving your dog to much of this natural candy can lead to several complications, including:

• Obesity arising from the high sugar and calorie content in dates.
• Digestive issues arising from sugar and fiber, which can cause digestive upset including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort.
• Blood sugar imbalance that can become particularly problematic for dogs with diabetes.
• Tooth decay and gum disease.

That said, don’t confuse dates – almost always available in the market in dried form – with raisins (dried grapes).

While they may seem very similar in appearance, dates are usually at least 3 times bigger than raisins which are similar in size to peanuts.

Can Dogs Eat All Parts Of A Date?

The flesh of a date is safe for dogs. And while the pit of this fruit is also safe since it does not contain traces of cyanide, the bad news is that the hard-textured pit can be a choking hazard, especially in small dogs.

And that’s not all.

Date pits can also cause intestinal blockages if swallowed. Pitted dates are therefore the best option for your pet.

Ensure that dogs are fed pure dates only and not the kind in the market that comes sprinkled with sugar, or worse, chocolate. As you’d know, chocolate is toxic for dogs.

How To Safely Feed Dog Dates

Like any new food, dates should be introduced gradually into a dog’s diet. This will help ensure your dog doesn’t suffer from indigestion or allergic reactions. And like I always advise, check with the vet’s before introducing your pet to new foods or treats.

Cutting dates into bite-sized pieces is an easy way to go about feeding dog dates. Jackie Marvel, a veterinary nurse, says, “They (dates) are not toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs. Limit the amount of dates your dog eats, maybe only reserved for special occasions.”

Here are some easy recipes if you are considering introducing dates in your dog’s diet.

Date Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter (unsweetened)
• 1/4 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, and chopped dates. Mix well.
• Add water and mix until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
• Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool before serving.

Date and Yogurt Popsicles

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

• Blend together plain Greek yogurt, chopped dates, and water until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into popsicle molds or ice cube trays.
• Freeze for at least 4 hours or until solid.
• Pop out the popsicles or cubes and let your dog enjoy.

This is a great treat for hot summer days.

Date and Banana Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
• Add the chopped dates, oat flour, and egg. Mix well.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
• Cut out shapes with a cookie cutter.
• Place the shapes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool before serving.

In a similar vein, you can make dates and carrot/apple treats.

Date and Chicken Jerky

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 200°F (95°C).
• Cut the chicken breast into thin, even slices.
• Place the chicken slices and chopped dates in a bowl and mix well.
• Place the chicken and date mixture on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 2-3 hours or until the chicken is completely dry and crispy.
• Let cool before serving.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Date and Sweet Potato Bites

Ingredients:

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and grated
• 1/2 cup chopped pitted dates
• 1/4 cup oat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
• In a mixing bowl, combine the grated sweet potato, chopped dates, oat flour, and egg. Mix well.
• Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
• Let cool before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where Did Dates Originate?

Dates are fruits of the date palm trees that are native to the Middle East and North Africa. The trees are now found in many other regions, including the Mediterranean, and California in the United States.

There are over 200 varieties of dates. The most common types include Deglet Noor, Medjool, Barhi, Hayani, Khadrawy, and Zahidi.

When it comes to sharing this delectable fruit with your pet, it is best to stick to one or two known types, as different varieties can have varying levels of sugar.

The two types of dates considered the best for dogs are Deglet Noor and Medjool. These types of dates are soft, sweet, and easy for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Dates?

While fresh dates are easier for dogs to digest, dried dates are fine too. Dates, whether dried or fresh, are meant to be consumed in moderate amounts, and as nothing but occasional treats.

Too many dates can result in weight gain, obesity, and other complications like indigestion, and high blood sugar.