Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons? Health & Safety Facts

Fig Newtons are extremely delicious, so, understandably, you’d never want to share, but if anyone could convince you to part with one, it’d be your pooch. After all, who can say no to those puppy-dog eyes?

But are Fig Newtons actually safe to feed your dog? As it turns out, the answer is yes — but that still doesn’t mean you should do it.

If you’d like to learn more about the risks and rewards involved in feeding your dog Fig Newtons, the guide below will fill you in on everything you need to know.

Are Fig Newtons Safe for Dogs?

There is nothing in Fig Newtons that should be toxic to dogs, so there’s little chance of your pup dropping dead because you gave them this snack.

Of course, there’s more to think about than just toxic ingredients. Fig Newtons are full of a variety of other things that are plain unhealthy for them, like whole wheat flour, sugar, and corn syrup. Simply put, there’s no reason for your dog to ever eat any of these.

All those ingredients are extremely high in calories and can lead to obesity, which is terrible for your dog’s health. It would be best if your dog never ate any of them.

That being said, one or two Fig Newtons won’t make much of a difference. Just don’t feed your dog a constant diet of Fig Newtons unless you want a chubby puppy on your hands.

Are Fig Newtons Healthy for Your Dog?

There are plenty of things inside each Fig Newton that are terrible for your dog, especially in large quantities. That doesn’t mean that they’re completely devoid of nutritional value, however.

Figs are a primary ingredient in Fig Newton, and they’re extremely high in dietary fiber, so they can help keep your dog’s digestive tract in fine working order.

They also have omega fatty acids inside them. These are important for everything from promoting healthy brain function to boosting immune response.

However, figs are also notorious for having a sap that can cause allergic reactions when consumed in large amounts. That means you should only give your dog figs in moderation, as the health benefits won’t do them much good if your dog throws up.

Of course, we’re not talking about plain figs here — we’re talking about Fig Newtons. The sap likely won’t be much of an issue, as all the sugar, salt, and other additives will probably sour your dog’s stomach long before the figs get a chance to.

Okay, But My Dog Ate an Entire Sleeve of Fig Newtons. Will They Still Be Fine?

Fig Newtons aren’t a threat in small quantities. But what if your dog ate a bunch of Fig Newtons?

Your dog will still most likely be fine. They’d have to eat several packages’ worth of the treats before their health became endangered. Hopefully, you’re not feeding them several packages of Fig Newtons or leaving several packages unattended, so that shouldn’t be an issue.

However, if your dog eats a bunch of these treats, there’s a good chance that they’ll get a little sick. You may have vomiting or diarrhea on your hands (and carpet), but those symptoms should clear up in a few days.

Now, if your dog has diabetes, that may be a different issue. It’s likely still not a life-threatening emergency, but it warrants a call to your vet, just to be sure.

If anything, the biggest worry that you should have is whether your dog ate any of the packaging. The plastic could cause an intestinal blockage, so you may need to take your dog to the vet if that’s the case.

How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Fig Newtons

If you’re worried about the possibility of your dog eating your Fig Newtons — whether you’re worried about their health or just protective of your snacks — there are a few things that you can do to minimize the risk of that happening.

First, understand that your dog is most likely to eat Fig Newtons because you offered them some. This is the simplest problem to solve — just tell your dog no. That’s easier said than done, we know.

Beyond that, the best thing to do is make sure you never leave the cookies unattended on a surface that your dog can reach. You can leave them in a cabinet, put them on a high shelf, or keep them in an airtight container.

Talk to your kids as well. Make sure they’re not offering the dog Fig Newtons or other treats when you’re not looking. Not only will this keep your dog from eating a bunch of sugar, but it will also ensure that your children don’t feed them something that actually is toxic, like grapes or raisins.

So, What’s the Verdict?

Fig Newtons aren’t toxic to dogs, so there’s no reason to panic if your dog snags a couple. That doesn’t mean you should allow your dog to eat them, though, as they’re full of sugar, salt, wheat, and other things that dogs have no business eating.

If you decide to offer your dog one as an occasional treat, that’s fine. Just don’t make a regular habit of it, and don’t give them too many at once. Also, if your dog is overweight or diabetic, it’s probably a good idea to skip sharing your Fig Newtons entirely.

You may enjoy the flavor of Fig Newtons, and your dog may be persuasive when there’s food involved. This is one instance when you should stay firm in telling your dog “no,” though.

Related Reads:

• Can Dogs Eat Granola Bars? Are Granola Bars Safe for Dogs?
• Can Dogs Eat Guava? Is Guava Safe For Dogs?

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Featured Image Credit: JLMcAnally, Shutterstock