Can Dogs Eat Dates? Only Pitted and Very Few

What it gives your dog

Dates are a very concentrated fruit: about 280 kcal and 60-65 g of sugar per 100 g (3.5 oz). A Medjool date, the large soft kind, weighs about 20-25 g and provides around 65 kcal; a Deglet Noor, the small drier kind, weighs about 7-8 g and provides around 20 kcal. They have fiber (about 7 g per 100 g), potassium and some magnesium, nothing your dog doesn't already get from their food.

The real danger is the pit. It's hard, elongated and just the right size to get stuck in the esophagus or intestine of a small or medium dog, and biting down on it can break a tooth. Because of the sugar, too many dates cause diarrhea and add calories very quickly, and they aren't a good idea for diabetic or overweight dogs. Watch out for the party versions too: bacon-wrapped dates (salt and fat), almond-stuffed dates or chocolate-dipped ones.

How to serve it

Always pitted: open it and check
Plain, with no added sugar, filling or coating
In small pieces, never whole for small dogs
As an occasional treat, not in daily meals

How much can they eat?

Small dog (under 10 kg / 22 lb): one little piece, half a small date (about 4 g). Medium (10-25 kg / 22-55 lb): one small date or half a Medjool. Large (over 25 kg / 55 lb): one or two small dates, or one Medjool. At most once or twice a week, and within the 10% of daily calories set aside for extras.

Risks

Pit: choking, blockage or broken teeth
Lots of sugar: diarrhea and weight gain
Not suitable for diabetic dogs
Bacon-wrapped, almond-stuffed or chocolate-covered dates

Frequently asked questions

Are date pits bad for dogs?

Yes. They aren't toxic, but they're hard and elongated and can get stuck in the esophagus or intestine, especially in small and medium dogs. If your dog swallowed one, call your vet even if they seem fine, and watch whether they vomit, stop eating or don't poop over the next two days.

Can dogs eat dried dates?

The dates we buy are already a naturally dried fruit, so the same rules apply: pitted, in small pieces and in very small amounts. Avoid dates with added sugar, syrup or coatings, and stuffed ones. Because the sugar is so concentrated, a small piece of date is like a good chunk of fresh fruit.

Can diabetic dogs eat dates?

Better not. A Medjool date has about 15 g of sugar, which can throw off blood glucose in a diabetic dog. If you want to give a fruit treat, there are options with far less sugar, like cucumber or a few blueberries, and it's worth discussing with the vet who manages their diabetes.