Can Dogs Eat Figs? Vet Approved Nutrition Facts & Safety Guide

Vet approved

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Amanda Charles

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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When owning a dog, your primary responsibility is to keep them happy and healthy. Looking after your dog’s well-being is made possible through a combination of factors including regular exercise, mental stimulation, and a good diet. However, the common question that many dog owners ask is, can dogs eat certain fruits, for example, figs?

And the answer is—yes! Figs can be a healthy treat for dogs in moderation, and in this article, we will give you more information about how much and how frequently you can feed them.

Can Dogs Eat Fruit?

Dogs can eat a variety of different fruits, but some of them can be toxic, so you should know which before you give them to your dog. As most fruits are high in sugar, they should only be fed as an occasional treat. Also, many dogs aren’t in love with the flavor of some fruits, for example, oranges or cranberries, but on the other hand, some dogs love them so much that owners use them as treats!

Are Figs Safe for Dogs?

Figs are a beneficial and delicious treat you can offer your dog occasionally, but it’s essential not to overfeed your dog with figs because they are very high in sugar, which can lead to health problems in dogs. They are healthy not only for the digestive system, but also for the immune system.

Nutritional Value of Figs (100 g) ¹:

Benefits of Figs for Dogs

Figs are a very healthy and tasty fruit that is loved not only by humans but also by our furry friends. Because of their incredible nutritional value, they are not only delicious for dogs, but can also have some health benefits. As we already said, figs are full of dietary fiber, which is very important for the digestive tract. It has a role in regulating bowel movements and preventing constipation in dogs. They are also rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which are important for your dog’s immune system. Figs also contain bone-friendly minerals including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Risks of Figs for Dogs

There are also some factors that you should consider before giving figs to your dog. You should avoid giving your dog a dried fig because they are more concentrated in sugar and calories when dried. Also, it’s essential to know that only the fig fruit is good for dogs; other parts, especially leaves, can be toxic for dogs to eat. As we already mentioned, you should never overfeed your dog with figs, which means you should give them in small portions because otherwise, it can upset your dog’s stomach.

Another way figs can irritate your dog’s stomach is if, while rare, they are allergic or have an intolerance to them. While the most common food allergens in dogs are proteins such as dairy, beef and chicken other foods can trigger a reaction. When giving them figs for the first time, you should give them a small slice of fig to see if their stomach reacts negatively.

How Many Figs Can Dogs Consume Safely?

Depending on your dog’s size, it would be best not to give your dog more than one fig a week because of the high fiber, sugar, and potential stomach upset. Smaller dogs should naturally be given less than this. Before feeding figs, you should wash them properly and remove the skin from the fig because it may have some pesticides that can cause digestive problems. As we already said, dried figs have more sugar and calories than fresh ones, so you should always offer only fresh fruit to your dog. Generally, we recommend sticking to good quality, complete dog food to make sure your pup gets all the essential nutrients they need, and using fruit only as an occasional treat.

Human Foods to Avoid

We love our dogs so much, and sometimes it’s tough to resist giving them our food, especially when they look at us with pleading eyes. But it would be best to stay strong because sometimes our food can cause dog health problems. As well as the unsafe fruits we mentioned earlier, dogs should also never eat food like:

Final Thoughts

Most dogs love to eat fruit, but keeping them healthy is the priority, even if that sometimes makes them sad when they’ve had their fill and are begging you for more. The same goes for feeding them figs—they are healthy in small amounts, but overfeeding can cause some problems. It is best to keep this delicious fruit as an occasional treat.

Related Read: 

• Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons? What You Need To Know
• Can Dogs Eat Fruity Pebbles? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: stevepb, Pixabay