When it comes to owning a dog, we want to give them all of the tasty treats and snacks we can. We want to reward them for their love, loyalty, and companionship. However, some treats that we enjoy as humans can be quite dangerous to dogs. As such, it is always better to quickly research the topic before you commit to giving your dog any kind of food product. With that in mind, you might want to ask yourself a simple question: Can dogs eat dates?
Dates are a very popular and enjoyable treat, and for many, they can be truly satisfying to chew on for a long time. However, dogs do not always react in the same that we do to some foods. What is the situation with dates? Could your canine companion have a date and be OK?
Can Dogs Eat Dates?
The shortest way to say this is yes, but in considerable moderation. Like most things, your dog will simply just keep eating dates if you throw them their way. It is highly recommended, though, that you take moderation into account. Nutritious and enjoyable, dates are very much the ideal snack for many people. However, if you give your dog these treats on a regular enough basis, you could run into some problems.
These dried fruits should be a rare snack that you can give your dog. It is not so much down to how much damage it can do, but dates are a very easy way to pile on weight. Your dog will simply keep on eating these gorgeous snacks and will keep on gaining in mass.
The benefits of the odd date are clear, though. They are a rich source of dietary fiber and also have a fair quantity of key vitamins and minerals. This includes vitamin A, some B vitamins, magnesium, and potassium to name just a few. This can help to strengthen a dog’s immune system for sure, and the extra fiber can be great for their digestion.
However, eating too much of a good thing can be bad for your dog. Excess data consumption can lead to upset stomachs, too frequent bowel movements, and/or constipation. It can also be a bad idea to eat lots of dates as, like many dried fruits, they have a massive sugar count. This means that your dog should only eat dates rarely.
Feeding Your Dog Some Dates
If you do choose to give your dog the odd treat in the form of a date, make sure you cut it up into smaller parts. Dogs tend to have a habit of mauling through their food which can increase the chances of choking as they swallow too fast. You should therefore cut the date up so that your dog is unlikely to choke. At the very least, it will ensure that they can digest the dates a little bit easier.
So, yes, you can give your dog some dates. Unlike other foods, there is no toxicity issue. The main problem is that your dog will enjoy a date so much that they will find it hard to stop!