Fruit
Can cats eat dates?
Not toxic, but too sugary and of no benefit to cats.
Why Sugar; the stone
By Maya HartIf your cat ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If a stone was swallowed by a small or medium dog, call your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting or straining if a stone was swallowed
How much, how often
Avoid.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Remove the stone
- Small pieces only
- Watch out for date-and-nut bars with chocolate or raisins
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
A pitted date is not toxic, but dates are very high in sugar and the stone can choke a dog or block the gut.
How much: Half a date for a medium dog, occasionally.
Can dogs eat dates?Cats In moderation
Not toxic, but too sugary and of no benefit to cats.
How much: Avoid.
The details
Dates are a natural sweet, and sweets aren’t a good habit for dogs — especially those that are overweight or diabetic. The stones are hard, smooth and just the right size to block a small dog’s intestine. Energy balls and baking that use dates often contain cocoa, raisins or nuts such as macadamias, which are more dangerous than the dates themselves.
Safer treats your cat can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat dates?
Not toxic, but too sugary and of no benefit to cats.
How much dates can a cat have?
Avoid.
What makes dates risky for cats?
Sugar; the stone.
What are the signs to watch for in cats?
diarrhoea, vomiting or straining if a stone was swallowed.
What should I do if my cat ate dates?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If a stone was swallowed by a small or medium dog, call your vet.
Is dates safe for dogs too?
A pitted date is not toxic, but dates are very high in sugar and the stone can choke a dog or block the gut.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
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