Do you love eating dates? They are certainly a reasonably healthy choice for a snack for humans as long as they do not eat too many. But are they safe to share with your dog? If you are thinking of treating your dog with dried fruit, you will want to know if that fruit is safe for your dog to eat. Some dried fruit will not harm your canine, but that is not the case with all dried fruit. So can dogs have dates? The simple answer is yes, dates have health benefits and are 100 percent safe for dogs, but moderation is vital, and as with all foods, there are several things you should consider.
What Is A Date?
People have confused the raisin and the date, and yet they are quite different. A date is a dehydrated fruit that comes from the date palm, a flowering plant that is part of the palm family. It is a sweet edible fruit. Dates are quite creamy in texture and are used by humans to cook cakes and bread as well as eaten on their own. In contrast, the raisin is a dried grape. The two fruits are not related and have unique textures and flavors, as well as different nutritional values. Dates for dogs, in moderation, are safe, but avoid raisins. Grapes and raisins are not safe for dogs; they can be quite dangerous, so make sure you avoid these. Grapes can cause kidney failure in dogs, and to eat them can be fatal for your canine.
Nutrition And Dates
Are dates bad for dogs? No, dates are safe for your pooch to eat, and they can be beneficial as a low fat and cholesterol-free treat.
Dates have quite an impressive nutritional profile and certainly make quite a versatile snack for humans with considerable health benefits. Their natural sweetness is used as an alternative for sugar in baking. Dogs also get benefits when they eat dates.
a. Dates are high in fiber, which assists in digestion. Fiber helps the digestive tract work more efficiently, and it also is essential for the maintenance of blood sugar levels.
b. Dates contain many minerals and vitamins, including; vitamins A, B, and C, which enhance the dog's immune system. A boosted immune system will help the canine fight off diseases and infections. Also found in dates is potassium, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, which help promote and support bone development. Potassium can help with the management of your dog's blood pressure.
c. Dates are a good source of carbohydrates, which give an energy boost.
Dates not only assist with digestion but are good for heart health, are low in fat and cholesterol, and may even assist with arthritis.
d.Dates are low fat and low in cholesterol.
So can dogs eat dates? Yes, they can.
Considerations
One of the essential things about feeding your canine human foods is restraint. Though dates are safe for dogs and high in dietary fiber, the date is high in sugar content though the sugar is natural – sucrose, fructose, and glucose, that will provide your dog with energy. Though your dog may love them, they are a sweet treat, so make sure they are given to your dog in moderation. A dog's digestive system cannot deal with copious amounts of sugar. The results of overeating sugar are:
1. Diabetes
2. Obesity, which can lead to numerous health issues
3. Dental problems.
Some believe dogs, like humans, can also experience sugar highs, which will lead to poor behavior in your pooch, after a sugar peak comes a low where the animal will have no energy.
The considerable sugar content dates are not suitable for dogs with diabetes or if your beloved pooch is already overweight. Dates will only exacerbate these issues.
Cautions
When introducing any new food to your dog, you should proceed with caution. Dogs eat things even if they are bad for them, and they will not moderate the quantity they consume. Although dates are generally not a known allergen, it is prudent to take things slowly. So if your pooch has not eaten a date before, only provide a small piece for your dog to eat. It is safest to start small. Once your dog has consumed the sample, keep an eye on it over the ensuing hours to ensure there are no side effects.
Some of the dates' benefits can also cause issues, so you need to remain alert when you first try your dog with dates. The dietary fiber content can cause diarrhea and stomach upset.
Warning
Dogs eat dates with delight. Do not feed your dog the pit (hard seed in the center) out of the date. The pit is not toxic but is a choking hazard, and because of their size, they can cause a blockage in the small intestine. The risk of issues is exceptionally high because small breed dogs always ensure you remove the pit before giving it to your dog.
Too many dates are not suitable for your dogs. Overconsumption of dates can also cause health issues for your dog. Because the date's fiber content is significant, it can cause stomach issues, mainly if they eat too many. You will notice diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach cramps where the dog will arch its back. You do not want to send the dog's bowel into overdrive. The first sign your dog has consumed too many dates will be digestive distress—messy, smelly diarrhea. The blood pressure of your dog may also spike due to the high sugar intake, and this could make the dog hyperactive, really thirsty, or behave strangely.
Conclusion
Dogs will be attracted to the sweet smell of the date, and the majority of dogs eat dates happily and without issues. If you are feeding your dog nutritious, high-quality dog food, they will not need the benefits that the dates provide. However, if they lack fiber, a few added to the diet could assist in this area. The advantage of extra fiber is that it can make them feel full for extended periods. All your dog needs to ensure optimal nutrition is high-quality dog food. Dates are not bad for your dog if provided in moderation. It is a treat, and you would not give a child a whole bag of chocolates to eat, so neither should you give your dog many dates. Any human-type food you give your dog should be a treat or a supplement to their already healthy dog diet. Human food should not be used as a replacement for dog food. They make an occasional tasty treat as they are healthy and safe.
