Early Olympic athletes included figs in their diets because of the fruit’s reputation as a health food. The answer to the question of whether or not dogs can eat figs may be of interest to you if you share my affection for canines.
Dogs have a sweet tooth, so it’s good news that you can feed them figs without worrying about any untoward effects on their health. Actually, figs are beneficial for dogs because they contain nutrients that dogs need to stay healthy and active.
Fig Newtons are not good for dogs to eat because they are loaded with sugar and empty calories. This is harmful on its own, but it can also increase the risk of diabetes and obesity in canines.
Dogs can enjoy figs in both their fresh and dried forms. Figgy treats are safe for your dogs, but they may be allergic to them. If you own a fig tree, be wary because the ficin in the leaves is poisonous to dogs.
This figs for dogs guide was written to help you with your research. Why figs are safe for canines to eat will be discussed, along with the symptoms of an allergy in your canine companion.
Are Figs Bad For Dogs?
The health benefits of figs for dogs are extensive. For one thing, they’re loaded with energy-boosting natural sugars that won’t leave your dog crashing like those from processed foods do. They get this energy boost from eating figs, which allows them to work out regularly and lead active, healthy lives.
Fresh figs are preferable to dried ones when feeding a dog, as the latter are higher in sugar. Natural and organic as it may be, consuming too much sugar still carries the risk of health problems like diabetes and obesity.
If you give them figs in moderation, however, they won’t put on weight because a single fig has only 30 calories.
Figs are loaded with fiber, which aids in digestion and bowel control. Due to their high fiber and water content, figs can be a healthy treat for your dog to help them manage their weight while they are on a diet.
Keep in mind that feeding your dog an excessive amount of figs may result in diarrhea or loose stools.
Last but not least, figs are a good source of potassium for canines. If your dog’s blood pressure is too high or too low, try giving him some potassium.
High blood pressure in dogs can be treated with a variety of natural remedies, including the addition of foods high in potassium, like figs, to their diets. Discuss these options with your vet. Furthermore, figs can offer many other advantages to the cardiovascular system.
Can Dogs Eat Figs? Are They Safe For Dogs?
Fresh figs are safe for dogs to eat in small quantities.
Figs, especially fresh ones, are a great low-fat snack option. These fruits are not a good source of protein due to their low protein content.
However, figs are also a wonderful natural sugar source, but should be consumed in moderation because excessive sugar consumption can cause health issues such as diabetes or an upset stomach.
Minerals such as calcium, iron, copper, and magnesium can be found in abundance in fresh figs.
Can Dogs Eat Dried Figs?
A dog’s digestive system isn’t designed to handle dried figs.
Why?
Dry figs:
- are loaded with fat and calories;
- carry a lot of sugar;
- contain only 30% water instead of 100%;
- high in sugar and starch content;
Health Benefits Of Feeding Figs To Your Dog
- To aid in maintaining digestive health,The dietary fiber in figs helps prevent constipation by making the stool easier to pass. Consuming foods high in dietary fiber can help keep your digestive tract regular and free of discomforts like gas and bloating.
- How to Get Better Skin:If your dog suffers from dry, itchy skin, you can ease his discomfort by feeding him a few figs. In addition, a week after applying dried fig extract or cream, the dry area will show improvement. You should only use a tiny bit though.
- To aid in the development of healthy teeth and bones:The calcium in figs contributes to healthy teeth and bones.
- Possessing a high mineral content:Figs have many minerals, including iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium.
Can Dogs Eat Figs: Dog-Friendly Recipes
Peanut Butter & Fig Dog Treat
Ingredients:
- Rolled oats, one cup
- The equivalent of 2 tablespoons of peanut butter;
- 1 egg;
- The equivalent of a quarter cup of figs;
- About a quarter cup.
Instructions:
- Turn the oven temperature up to 350 degrees F.
- Have the oats ready in a bowl.
- Toss in the egg, stip with a fork, and stir until combined.
- Put some peanut butter in the bowl and stir it around. Mix well.
- A cookie sheet should be put in this location.
- Roll or pinch off a small amount of the oat mixture and shape it into a ball. Put it on the baking sheet. Continue until all the powder is gone.
- Oatmeal balls should be baked for about 10 minutes, or until they reach a golden brown.
- Figs should be washed and their stems removed.
- Blend or mash them to create a smooth puree.
- The puree should be combined with water in a saucepan.
- Allow the mixture to thicken as it simmers. Make sure to stir it up every once in a while.
- When it becomes too thick, remove it. It needs to cool down.
- Cover each peanut butter ball with a dollop of the puree. Alternatively, you can dip each ball in the puree.
Risks of Feeding Figs to Your Dog
- The sugar content of dried figs is quite high.Since the sugar and calorie content of dried figs are significantly higher than those of fresh figs, it is not recommended that you feed your dog dried figs.
- An overabundance of figs can cause gastrointestinal distress:The high sugar and calorie content of figs can be harmful to a dog’s digestive system if he eats too many of them. Consequences include stomach pain, diarrhoea, excessive gas, and bloating.
- Allergies:Because of the potential for fig allergies in canines, it’s important to introduce this fruit to your dog gradually over a period of several hours.
- Toxicity:In this case, the fruit is the only part of the plant that is completely safe to eat. Dogs can be poisoned by eating leaves, branches, or bark. Toxins in them can cause skin irritation, rashes, drooling, and other symptoms in your dog and are very dangerous. Conditional on treatment, it is potentially fatal.
How Many Figs Can Dogs Have?
Figs, like any other treat, should be given to dogs in moderation. Two or three figs a week is the absolute maximum that should be given to a dog. First, make sure your dog isn’t allergic to figs by giving them a very small amount. If they show any of the following symptoms, it’s likely that they have a sensitive stomach or are allergic to something:
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Rashes
- Ocular itchiness
- Infection of the skin
- Wheezing and hacking cough
- Reduced hunger
Giving your dog just one fig to try before incorporating them into their regular diet can help them adjust to the new food and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal distress.
Some research suggests that eating a few figs once or twice a week can help keep blood pressure in check and maintain a healthy heart. Similarly, dogs that are overweight and trying to lose weight benefit from eating figs.
Can Dogs Eat Fig Newtons?
Fig Newtons are safe to give to dogs and won’t make them sick, but they don’t provide enough nutrition to be considered a treat. Fig Newtons have a lot of sugar and calories. They contain ingredients like high fructose corn syrup, enriched flour, salt, whey, and preservatives.
Fig Newtons contain whey, a milk byproduct, which could be problematic for lactose-intolerant dogs. Those who prefer a healthier option can find Fig Newtons made with 100% whole grain wheat flour and no high fructose corn syrup.
We suggest sticking to other dog-friendly treats like watermelon, raspberries, carrots, or figs, despite the fact that these are better for your dog.
Conclusion
Figs are a healthy snack that can be given to your dog in moderation if they don’t have a sensitivity to them. Figs are a great source of fiber and potassium, two nutrients that are crucial to your dog’s health and well-being.
In addition, your dogs won’t need much convincing to eat them because of how delicious they are. Dogs love figs, but giving them too many can cause stomach problems.