Can Dogs Eat
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6 min
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Read on for more information into whether dates can be included as part of a dog’s well-rounded, nutritious diet.
Dates aren’t particularly good for dogs as they’re very high in calories, however, as a fruit, there are some health benefits as an occasional treat.
High in A and B vitamins - For improved vision, a healthy skin and coat, a boosted nervous system, metabolism and brain health.
Rich in minerals such as calcium and iron - Essential for strong bones and teeth, red blood cell production and oxygen transport.
Energy boost - Though high in calories, dates have a low glycemic index which means they can healthily boost energy levels.
Source of fibre - To aid digestion, firm up poops and boost gut health.
Antioxidants - Good for a dog’s immune system, antioxidants fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and potentially lower the risk of cancer and heart disease.
Puppies have sensitive digestive systems, so dates might be too sweet for them. Try introducing the flesh of a date little bits at a time, cut into small puppy-sized pieces, and monitoring for any untoward reactions. This should only be for a treat, not a regular puppy snack.
Dates aren’t toxic to dogs, but they are high in calories and natural sugars, so feeding them too often or in too large a portion size can have a detrimental effect on their health. Too many dates can lead to weight gain or obesity-related issues.
Also, be sure to prepare them safely to avoid any pits or sharp pieces, which could form a choking hazard.
Dogs can be allergic to dates, so be sure to feed them to your pooch in a small amount if they’ve not eaten them before. If they show any of the following signs of an allergic reaction, take them to a vet urgently, and don’t feed them dates again.
Too many dates can make a dog sick, as they should be fed in small pieces as an occasional treat. They can also become sick if you feed them whole dates without the pits removed - or if the dates are spoiled or past their best. Always check the best-before date. If your pooch is allergic to dates, this can make them sick, too.
Yes, dates can be safe for dogs to eat in moderation as a treat. To serve them safely to your pooch, be sure to cut out the pit and chop the flesh into bite-sized pieces. Don’t give them too many dates or feed them to your dog too often, as they are very sweet, high in calories and could cause health issues.
Dates should only be fed to your dog in small portions - don’t let them go to town on a whole pack.
For a small dog, half a date cut into pieces is enough.
For a larger dog, 1-2 dates chopped up would suffice for a single portion.
Don’t feed dates to your dog every day, as they’re a treat food.
As there are a few varieties of dates out there, let’s get into which ones are best for your pooch to snack on…
Yes, dogs can eat raw dates. This is the best way to feed them to your dog, as they shouldn’t be cooked or marinated in any way. Make sure to remove the pits and chop a small amount of dates into tiny pieces. There are some health benefits to raw dates - they are a good source of energy, and have some fibre, vitamins and minerals. However, too many can cause weight gain and stomach issues, so be frugal with how often you treat your dog to this sticky fruit.
Yes, in moderation. The same applies to medjool dates as regular dates; they’re ok in small amounts as a treat for dogs, but too many, too often can lead to weight gain and stomach issues. Like other dates, they contain vitamins, minerals and fibre, so they’re healthier than other kinds of dog treats.
It’s not a good idea to serve dried dates to dogs, as raw dates are already high in sugar and calories, and dried dates are even more so. Stick to regular dates that can be chopped up with the pits removed, and served to your pooch as an occasional treat.
Yes, pitted dates are fine for dogs as a treat. The pits of dates shouldn’t be eaten by dogs at all, so all dates should have their pits removed before being chopped into small pieces and served to your pooch in moderation. Dates can provide some health benefits to dogs because they have fibre, vitamins and minerals - so they’re somewhat healthy as a dog treat.
If you like the sound of dates for your dog but are looking for alternatives, here are some other nutritious dog treats!
If you’re looking for healthy ways to treat your dog, Pooch & Mutt’s range of grain-free dog treats are packed full of delicious, nutritious ingredients that keep your pooch calm, happy and healthy.
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