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Food & Diet
The Perfect Match? Do Dogs And Dates Make A Healthy Pair?
At A Glance
Dates are rich in vitamins and antioxidants and offer a lot of benefits to humans. But are dates safe for dogs? Absolutely! They are a harmless treat for dogs as long as they are given in moderation. The amount of dates your dog can consume depends on factors such as its size, age, and overall health.
Dates are not toxic to dogs, but they can be a choking hazard, especially for smaller dogs.
Like any new food, dates should be introduced gradually into a dog’s diet.
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.
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.
Meet Paul, a devoted dog dad to the delightful French Bulldog, Cofi. With a flair for humor and a deep understanding of Frenchie quirks, Paul brings a lighthearted touch to his writings. His relatable stories and practical insights are a blend of laughter and valuable advice and resonate with fellow dog owners.
Through his words, Paul aims to celebrate the joys and challenges of being a dedicated pet parent, reminding you that life is simply better with a four-legged, snorting sidekick by your side.