Can Dogs Eat Figs?

After staring at the box of figs in your refrigerator, you must be thinking about sharing some with your furry friend. But can dogs eat figs?

In short, yes. Figs can be given to dogs in moderate quantities and serve as a human food that dogs can eat. But you should always be very cautious when you feed them figs. Why?

In this 2-minute read, we will learn why and some other factors you need to consider when you feed your pup the fig fruit.

Are Figs Safe For Dogs?

Figs are some delicious fruits that are jam-packed with nutrients. They are sweet but a great alternative to artificially made sweets. Adding them to your pup’s diet will keep him full and satiated for a long time. Other health benefits are:

1. Reduction of high blood pressure

Also known as hypertension, this condition can lead to various fatal consequences such as cardiac arrests and long-lasting heart diseases (article). One of the factors responsible for high blood pressure is a potassium imbalance in the body, which can result from consuming too little or too much sodium.

Figs are rich in potassium, which can help balance out the potassium levels in the bloodstream. They can also help flush out sodium levels in the blood.

2. Improved Digestive health

Figs have a fiber content, which is a great nutrient for pups with digestive issues. The consumption of figs will smoothen out their bowel movements. But too much fiber in your pooch’s diet is also not safe, which we will discuss shortly.

3. Increased bone density

Figs are also high in calcium, the minerals that are required for stronger and healthier bones. They also support the muscular system as well. This might help improve conditions such as osteoporosis. 

Now that we know how fig fruits are safe let’s delve into how they can be just as harmful. 

Health Risks of Feeding Figs to Dogs

Just like any other food, figs can be harmful to dogs when you feed them in large quantities. Here is what you need to know:

1. Choking hazard

One of the most common health risks of feeding dogs any food. Sometimes, big pieces of food can get stuck in their throat and cause them to choke on them. Small dog breeds are especially prone to choking on food.

2. Allergic reactions

Another one of the most common issues with food items is that your pup can have allergic reactions to them. Allergic reactions are unique for all dogs and do not have the same effects on all dogs. 

That is why you should always consult a veterinarian before introducing new food to your pup. Food allergies must never be taken lightly, as they might cost a pup their life.

3. High sugar content 

Even if it is natural sugar, too much of it can always be harmful to your pup. If your pooch consumes a lot of sugar, their chances of getting diabetes or dental issues are much more high, as they cannot synthesize sugar the same way as humans.

4. Fig tree poisoning!

One of the major reasons why eating fig fruit can be dangerous is that taking your pup near the fig plant is highly toxic. Fig plant poisoning has serious consequences, which we will now discuss.

Fig Plant Poisoning in Dogs

If there are fig plants around your house and you have a dog, we advise that you either train your pup to strictly not go anywhere near the plant or find a way to somehow remove it.

If dogs consume any part of a fig plant (other than the fruit), they are likely to suffer from a condition called fig poisoning (study). Fig plants contain a toxic sap called ficin, which can irritate your pupper’s skin, eyes, mouth, etc.

Symptoms of fig poisoning are:

• Vomiting
• Excessive drooling
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Itchy and irritated skin
• Watery eyes and mouth
• Blisters on their skin
• Oral infections.

If you notice these symptoms, rush your pooch to the emergency clinic. Fig poisoning should not be taken lightly, no matter what. Treatment may include making them vomit out the sap or washing and rinsing their mouth thoroughly (should be performed only by a professional), including continuous skin treatment.

How Do You Serve Figs to Dogs Safely?

Now that you know it is safe to feed figs to your dog, you must be thinking about how to serve them safely, given all the disadvantages of feeding figs to dogs. Here are some ways to do so:

• Choose organic– Always go for locally sourced, organically grown figs so your pup does not ingest harmful pesticides or chemicals.
• Rinse the figs thoroughly and carefully, as they might have retained the tree sap. As discussed earlier, the sap is highly toxic and can be fatal when consumed.
• Chop them into small pieces so your pup does not choke on any of them, even if he eats very fast.
• Control the amount that they eat. Never leave figs unattended, or your pup see this as an opportunity and eats too much of it.
• Add as a little training treat, the sugar in figs will provide them energy and is also a healthy snack.

Safe Alternative Food Options For Dogs

Figs might be tasty and healthy, but there are always alternatives. Not just for treats, these can also be added to their regular meals to enrich them. Some of the alternatives are:

1. Strawberries

These deliciously sweet and tangy fruits are safe and brimming with nutrients that support your pupper’s immunity. Strawberries contain vitamins (C and B9), fats, proteins, and minerals (Manganese and Potassium).

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are relatively non-toxic for dogs until they only consume the fruit’s fleshy parts. Seeds, leaves, or stems of tomatoes or green tomatoes have poisonous effects on dogs and can cause severe health risks.

3. Blueberries

Blueberries are another yummy alternative to figs. They contain up to 84 calories per serving and can be a healthy training snack. Blueberries can also be used to make healthy dog treat cookies for your pup.

Conclusion

If you want to feed your pup some figs, you are free to as long as you control how much they consume and how they consume it. Too many figs in their diet are never okay. 

We recommend that you add it to their treats but keep changing the treats every now and then. And before you introduce a new treat to your pup, always consult a veterinarian beforehand. Inquire about your pup’s allergies and sensitivities. You should also make sure that you start figs to them gradually and slowly. Too many at once can easily cause nutritional imbalance and tummy issues.

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