At A Glance
Can dogs eat figs? The short answer to this question is yes; dogs can safely eat figs - but as treats, and only in small amounts. And definitely not daily! Though figs contain many beneficial nutrients, too many can cause health issues for your pet.
Last Updated on: Mar 24, 2023
To fig or not to fig!
Many pet parents find themselves in a dilemma when it comes to sharing this juicy treat with their dog. So if you’re among those concerned pet parents wondering: are figs safe for dogs, the answer is a succinct yes.
Figs are packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium and dietary fiber that can provide a variety of health benefits for your pup.
However, while figs are generally safe for dogs, they should only be given as an occasional treat.
According to certified canine nutritionist Hannah Zulueta, “Figs are safe to feed as a rare occasional treat, but I would not recommend it as part of their regular diet.” Much like other fruits, figs contain sugar, which can be detrimental to your dog’s health if consumed in excess.
Read on to know how many figs you can give your dog, the health benefits of figs, and some simple but wholesome figgy recipes you can try!
Let’s get started.
Can dogs have figs? In moderate amounts, yes! Fresh figs are a safe, healthy, and tasty treat you and your dog can enjoy. Figs contain essential nutrients and dietary fiber that can help keep your furry friend in great shape.
The consensus among veterinary experts is that dogs should generally be fed only one to two fresh figs per week. As with anything new in your dog’s diet, try introducing figs in small amounts, especially if you have a small dog – to see how its body reacts.
Fresh figs, when given as an occasional snack or treat, offer the following health benefits:
Figs are abundant in essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and K, which are great for your pet’s health.
Dogs can benefit from the calcium content of figs, as the fruit can keep their teeth and bones strong and healthy.
Figs contain an impressive amount of dietary fiber and can help facilitate healthy digestion in dogs.
Feeding your dog a small amount of fig is ideal if it’s dealing with constipation.
Overall, figs are a safe and healthy treat that dogs can enjoy in moderation. However, too much of anything can be bad for your pup’s health, so it’s essential to stick to the recommended amount when giving your dog a portion of figs.
Now that we know how beneficial figs can be for our furry friends, let’s talk about the risks:
One of the most important things to keep in mind when giving your pup figs is their high sugar content, which can lead to health problems like weight gain and diabetes.
Though figs are a cause for concern only if fed in excess, it is best to err on the side of caution, if your dog is already dealing with blood sugar issues. In such cases, consult a vet before adding figs to your dog’s diet.
As with all fruits, your dog could potentially be allergic to figs, so pay close attention to any adverse reactions after feeding your pup a few pieces.
If you notice symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, consult a vet immediately.
While the fruit can be eaten in small amounts, the fig plant (Ficus tree) is poisonous to dogs.
The leaves, bark, and branches are toxic to dogs and can cause skin irritation, rashes, drooling, or other forms of allergic reaction that could be detrimental to your dog’s health.
“Figs contain ficin and ficusin – enzymes that may irritate your dog’s stomach. This is especially true if they eat too many of them, which may cause stomach pain and vomiting”, shares Dr. Sara Fernandez, a veterinarian with experience in small animal nutrition.
If you are fortunate enough to have access to fresh figs, you might be curious to know how you can get your pet to savor them. To help, I have compiled some ideas:
I’d recommend chopping a fig into bite-size pieces before serving them to your pup. This eliminates the risk of choking, especially if you have a food focused small dog. (If you do, you know what I mean!)
You can add the chopped pieces to its regular meal or serve a few pieces as a stand-alone treat.
Frozen figs make for great dog treats! As long as they don’t contain any added ingredients, you can safely give some to your dog as a cold treat on a hot day or even blended with some water for a pup-friendly smoothie.
Leftovers can be frozen back into a popsicle mold for a fun treat later.
If your pup loves to drink water, why not make it a bit more flavorful by adding some figs? Boil a small amount of chopped-up fresh figs in water, then let the mixture cool before straining it and giving it to your pup.
This can be a great way to introduce the flavor of figs or help a dog with tummy issues. Just ensure you use the recommended amount of figs when making this concoction to keep it pet-safe!
Try making this fig and peanut butter treat if you’re in the mood for some kitchen magic. All you need is some ripe figs, natural peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain any added ingredients or sugar), rolled oats, and an egg!
Check out the full recipe on Instructables.com.
This is a great way to bring out the sweet flavor of figs while keeping them healthy and safe for your pup. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place chopped figs onto a baking sheet and roast them until lightly browned.
Once they cool, you can serve them as treats for your pet or mix some with its regular food.
While the fruit itself is safe for dogs, the ficus plant is toxic due to its ficin content.
Ficin is a sap-like substance that can cause allergic reactions, diarrhea, or vomiting when ingested or even if it comes into contact with a dog’s skin.
No, fig jam is not recommended for dogs due to its high sugar content.
Human-grade jam usually contains added ingredients, such as artificial sweeteners like maltodextrin, xylitol, etc., that may be harmful to dogs.
Yes, dogs can eat figs off the tree. However, don’t let your pup come in contact with the Ficus tree’s leaves, branches, or bark, as these can be toxic.
Never let them eat any part of the fig plant except for the fruit.
Don’t feed your dog dried figs, as they are usually preserved by adding even more sugar, making them higher in calories and generally too sweet for a dog.
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.
