Fruit
Can dogs eat dates?
A pitted date is not toxic, but dates are very high in sugar and the stone can choke a dog or block the gut.
Why Sugar; the stone
By Maya HartIf your dog 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
Half a date for a medium dog, occasionally.
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.
Cats In moderation
Not toxic, but too sugary and of no benefit to cats.
How much: Avoid.
Can cats eat dates?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 dog can have instead
Apples
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blackberries
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat dates?
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 dates can a dog have?
Half a date for a medium dog, occasionally.
What makes dates risky for dogs?
Sugar; the stone.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
diarrhoea, vomiting or straining if a stone was swallowed.
What should I do if my dog 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 cats too?
Not toxic, but too sugary and of no benefit to cats.
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
More foods for dogs
Grapes and raisins
Watermelon
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation
Cherries
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Pineapple
- Dogs
- Safe
- Cats
- In moderation