Many dog owners ask the question, can dogs eat dates?
The answer is a simple yes. Dates are a versatile and nutritious healthy snack for your pooch and are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals. While they are safe for dogs to eat, the problems occur when too many are consumed. The high fructose content can lead to obesity and in extreme cases, diabetes. This is sweet treat is a tasty food that should be eaten as an occasional treat in moderation.
Are Dates Good for Dogs?
Dates are a healthy fruit for your furry friend, as they contain many B vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that have a positive effect on their immune system. The nutritional benefits for your dog include:
Dates In Dog's Diets Benefits
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin C
- Potassium
- magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Protein
- Fiber
- Fiber
Dogs Eating Dates Concerns
- Digestive upset in large quantities
- Cyanide in pit (Must remove)
Although dates are a food best given in moderation, they can make a great reward for when training your dog.
Most dogs love the sweet taste, so when used sparingly, not only do they provide many health benefits, they can also make training a breeze. Most dogs will happily learn a new trick for something tasty.
Are Dates Toxic to Dogs?
It is best to avoid feeding your dog too many dates at once, as it can cause stomach issues, your dog’s digestive system is not designed to digest large amounts of dietary fiber in foods such as dates.such as an upset stomach, gas, extreme hyperactivity, or weight issues.
The high fiber content may cause vomiting and diarrhea or pain in your pup’s tummy.
If your four-legged friend eats too many dates it can lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, making your pooch more susceptible to heart disease and diabetes. If dogs could talk they would most probably say they don’t like to diet, the same as most humans. It is best to use dates as an occasional snack instead of a meal staple.
The sugar content can cause a case of the zoomies even though the high fiber content does slow the absorption of the sugar to the point they can stabilized the blood sugar levels. Our pups all have moments of extreme happiness and run around in circles like loonies, but excess energy found in dates can also be a reason for indiscriminate running. The easiest way to relieve a sugar high is to let your dog run. Intence exercise or a game of fetch is a great way to combat the zoomies or by taking your dog for a long walk.
Can My Dog Eat Too Many Dates?
It is best to avoid feeding your dog too many dates at once, as it can cause an upset tummy, gas, extreme hyperactivity or other health issues.
The high fiber content may cause vomiting and diarrhea or pain in your pup’s tummy.
If your dog eats too many dates it can lead to obesity, making your pooch more susceptible to heart disease and diabetes. If dogs could talk they would most probably say they don’t like to diet, the same as most humans. It is best to use dates as a treat instead of a meal staple.
The sugar content can cause a case of the zoomies. Our pups all have moments of extreme happiness and run around in circles like loonies, but excess energy found in dates can also be a reason for indiscriminate running. The easiest way to relieve a sugar high is to let your dog run. A game of fetch is a great way to combat the zoomies or by taking your dog for a long walk.
Are Dates Bad for my Dog's Teeth?
Dogs, like people, are subject to plaque and tooth decay from too much sugar consumption. A single date is 80% natural sugar, so it is no wonder too many can easily lead to a trip to the doggy dentist. Dates are sticky and can get caught in your dog’s teeth. Over time, this can lead to pain in your dog’s mouth from gum disease.
Regular cleaning and can reverse any dental problems with your dog’s teeth. Using a toothbrush and toothpaste designed for dogs, or dental treats is a great way to keep your furry friend’s teeth in the best shape.
How Much Extra Weight Can Dogs Gain from Eating Dates?
A single date contains 67 calories, with the daily calorie count for most dogs averaging 25-30 calories per pound daily.
When answering the question of can dogs eat dates, one point to consider is how much food your pooch eats a day as part of their regular diet.
Dogs easily put on weight, it is amazing how little food they need. Tidbits and extra snacks can add to your dog’s daily requirements, causing very “cuddly” dogs.
The calculator offered by The Pet Nutrition Alliance will help you to keep your dogs body in optimal condition, by providing a recommended calorie count to help you with your furry friend’s weight management.
The good news is that they can be an excellent choice of doggy treats if given sparingly.
How to Feed a Dog Dates
When feeding dates to your dog, be sure to first remove the pit or the seed. Simply slice it open and remove the stone inside. Alternatively, you can buy pitted dates.
Not only can the large pits present a choking hazard, but they can also cause bowel obstruction or become lodged in your dog’s intestinal tract, leading to surgery. Plus the pits contain low levels of cyanide.
After removing the pit, you can cut the date into small pieces, or hold it while your pup nibbles off little bits. Large dogs will be tempted to swallow the whole date with minimal chewing. Cutting them into small amounts before feeding will help to prevent any problems.
Can My Dog Eat Dates FAQ's
Can Dogs Eat Fresh Dates?
Yes, fresh dates can be a healthy treat as apposed to store bought treats. To avoid giving your dog an upset tummy remember to remove the pit/hard seed from the date, because of the cyanide content or they can cause an intestinal blockage your dog’s bowel if ingested.
Can My Dog Eat Dried Dates?
Date fruit has several essential nutrients like magnesium and potassium which is essential in canine nutrition.
These sugary treats have a significant amount of fiber to help with digestive issues and can even help regulate their blood sugar levels by slowing the glucose absorption.
Conclusion On Can Dogs Eat Dates
Dates are a great source of dietary fiber, vitamin A, B vitamins, and a healthy dose of vitamin C strengthing their immune system. The potassium content they have can improve your dog’s heart health. Date consumption is a safe treat for your pooch and is an excellent training tool.
Your dog will love the middle eastern sugary morsel, just remember to give the tasty treats sparingly so you don’t end up with the side effects…. a slightly chubby friend, or plan on giving them plenty of intensive exercise.
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