Just like you, dogs like me love a sweet treat now and again. If it’s a hot summer’s day, figs may not be the first choice of fruit you will go for.
You’ll probably opt for peaches or watermelons but figs are just as tasty and nutritious. What about feeding them to your furry friends though?
I have often seen my owner eating figs and waited patiently by their side until I got a piece to eat too. To be fair, I do this whenever my owner has any food and it usually works.
If you are like me though, you may be curious whether figs are actually safe for dogs to eat.
While many foods are safe and delicious for humans to eat, I and my furry friends may become ill when eating the same ingredients.
When it comes to figs, I have eaten quite a few in my time and always felt fine afterward. If you’re looking for the short answer to whether dogs can eat figs or not, then it is, yes.
Most dogs can eat figs without any negative side effects or health issues. In truth, figs are good for pooches containing organic vitamins and nutrients that provide a range of benefits.
Come with me as I show you the benefits of feeding figs to your dogs but also some consequences for some of my canine buddies.
Is it safe for dogs to eat figs?
To cut a long story short, yes! It is safe to feed your dog figs but raw and natural figs are preferred due to their nutrient-rich insides. However, there are some downsides to treating your furry friend to a fig or two.
As with humans, dogs can suffer from allergies and sensitive stomachs. A fig has enzymes that can be too strong for some dog’s bellies.
If your dog doesn’t eat figs regularly and has a few at once, they will probably suffer from an upset stomach. This is usually followed by diarrhea and vomiting.
On the other hand, the benefits and positives of figs greatly outweigh the negatives.
Benefits of figs
Figs are rich in dietary fiber which is very good for the digestive system. This helps maintain regular bowel movements and prevents constipation or diarrhea.
Even if your dog is overweight like my Uncle Champ, figs can become a very healthy treat that can help manage your dog’s weight.
Don’t feed too many at once, however, as they can make digestive systems work too quickly. This can lead to loose stool, diarrhea, and a messy floor.
Figs are rich in natural sugars which will give dogs more energy without the possible crash that occurs with foods that have refined sugars or empty calories.
I remember when I ate some figs once and I chased our neighbor’s cat, Felix, for hours. He wasn’t so happy! Figs give us a natural boost of energy to keep us active and maintain a fitter, leaner body.
It is recommended that you feed dogs fresh figs because dried versions tend to have more sugar which can cause an energy crash and lead to medical issues over some time.
Figs are also very rich in the nutrient potassium and we dogs need this in our diets. Potassium is great at keeping a dog’s blood pressure at a regular rate.
You should consult your veterinarian about some natural treatments if your dog has high blood pressure. They should guide you in the direction of foods that are richer in potassium such as figs.
Our hearts can also benefit from these wondrous fruits as long as we are fed them in small quantities.
Possible allergic reactions
Always keep a close eye on your dog if they suffer from any allergies as some natural sugars in figs can cause problems.
Although figs are safe to eat for dogs, it is advised you stay away from fig newtons as these contain high levels of sugar and empty calories which can lead to obesity and diabetes in your canine friend.
Figs contain some enzymes which can be an irritant in some dogs. Usually, dogs will show signs of an allergy the first time they eat a fig.
The most common symptoms of a reaction are vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy drooling.
It is believed that some figs contain wasp eggs or larvae and this can cause allergic reactions in dogs. Of course, not all figs come from wasp-infested environments so this is quite rare.
It is quite common for dogs to take some time before their digestive system can regulate eating figs, especially if they are not used to it.
My terrier friend, Duke, ate one for the first time a few weeks ago and had signs of digestive trouble for a few days but he is fine now and we eat figs together!
Nonetheless, if you believe your dog may have an allergy to figs, immediately stop feeding any to them and contact your veterinarian to ensure your pup is healthy and fine.
What fruits can dogs eat?
As well as figs, other fruits are safe for dogs to consume. Below are some of my favorite treats which get my tail wagging every time:
- Apples – High in fiber and low in fat, these are healthy but only the skin and flesh as the pip is toxic to dogs
- Bananas – Rich in potassium and carbohydrates but with high levels of sugar, these should be given sparingly
- Blueberries – High in Vitamin B, these berries are packed with antioxidants for a healthy nutritious value
- Blackberries – Great source of potassium and magnesium
- Raspberries – Very sweet taste with little calories
- Strawberries – Full of health-boosting antioxidants but higher in sugar than most berries so should be given in small amounts
- Pears – Packed with Vitamin C and fiber but the pips contain cyanide so should be avoided
- Ripe tomatoes – Refreshing and full of vitamins but should be served in moderation. Unripened tomatoes contain a poisonous compound, solanine, that can affect the nervous and digestive system
- Destoned apricots, peaches, and plums – Safe to eat without the stone which is poisonous to dogs. Full of antioxidants that are rich in vitamins C, E, K, and B as well as potassium
In Summary
Figs are safe for consumption but in small amounts. Always serve them fresh and raw to avoid possible side effects.
If your dog is not allergic to figs, try and keep the servings to 2-3 figs per week in the form of a tasty snack.
This has made me hungry. I’m off to find some figs!
