Figs have long been considered a healthy fruit with early Olympic athletes adding it to their diets to help with training. If you love them as well, you may be curious to know whether dogs can eat figs. They definitely enjoy eating sweet treats so it’s fortunate for them that you can give your dogs figs without needing to worry about negative side effects or health issues. In fact, figs are good for dogs and they offer essential nutrients that canines need to maintain healthy and active lifestyles. However, dogs should not eat Fig Newtons since they contain a ton of empty calories and sugar. This is not only bad for dogs but can also lead to diabetes or obesity.
Fresh or dried figs make great treats for dogs. Even though figs aren’t poisonous to them, your canine companions may be allergic, which can lead to potential health issues. You should also be careful if you own a fig tree since the ficin in the leaves are toxic for dogs if eaten.
To help you learn more, we’ve compiled this guide on figs for dogs. From health benefits to signs that your puppy may be allergic, let’s explore why figs are OK for dogs to eat!
Contents
Are Figs Bad For Dogs?
Figs are a healthy fruit that is loaded with health benefits for dogs. For starters, they are rich in natural sugars, which will give your dogs energy without the crash that happens when they eat foods that contain refined sugars and empty calories. Figs give them this boost and allow them to exercise, be active, and maintain healthy lifestyles.
Generally, it’s best to feed dogs fresh figs because the dried versions contain more sugar. Although organic and natural, too much sugar can lead to adverse health effects including diabetes or obesity. However, a single fig only contains 30 calories so their risk of developing obesity is low if you give them figs in moderation.
Figs are also high in dietary fiber, which helps maintain regular bowel movements. If your dog is overweight and on a diet, figs can be a healthy treat to help them manage their weight because the fiber and water content in figs will keep them feeling full for longer periods. Keep in mind that too many figs can make their digestive systems work too quickly and dogs can end up with loose stools or diarrhea.
Finally, dogs need to have potassium in their diets and figs are rich in this nutrient. Potassium can help regulate your dogs’ blood pressure. If your dogs have high blood pressure, talk to your veterinarian about various natural treatments, including adding foods that are rich in potassium to their diets, such as figs. In addition, figs can provide many other heart health benefits.
How Many Figs Can Dogs Have?
Just like any treat, you should never give too many figs to your dogs. At most, you should give your dogs a couple of figs per week. Start with just a small piece of fig to make sure that your dogs aren’t allergic. Signs that they are allergic or have a sensitive stomach include:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Rashes
- Itchy eyes
- Skin inflammation
- Coughing and wheezing
- Decreased appetites
Also, new foods can sometimes lead to upset stomachs so giving your dogs just one fig to try before adding it to their regular diets can help their digestive systems adjust. A couple of figs each week may promote healthy hearts and help regulate blood pressure. Similarly, figs are good for dogs that are overweight and on diets.
Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons?
Although they aren’t toxic to dogs, Fig Newtons don’t offer enough nutritional value to warrant giving them as a treat. Fig Newtons are high in calories and sugar. They are also made with high fructose corn syrup, enriched flour, salt, whey, and preservatives. The added whey in Fig Newtons, which is a byproduct from milk, may be harmful for dogs that are lactose intolerant. There are alternative versions of Fig Newtons that are made with 100% whole grain wheat and without high fructose corn syrup. These are better for your dog but we recommend sticking with other dog-friendly treats like watermelon, raspberries, carrots, or figs.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Figs in Moderation
If your dogs aren’t allergic to them, figs are a perfectly safe treat to give them in moderation. Figs are high in fiber and potassium, both essential nutrients that your dogs need to remain healthy and happy. In addition, they taste great so it won’t take much to coax your dogs into eating them! Just make sure that you don’t give your dogs too many figs as it can lead to digestive issues.