Can Dogs Eat Dates?

Yes, dogs can have dates—but only if they’re plain and served in moderation. Avoid chocolate-covered dates, stuffed dates, or anything with added sugars, nuts, or artificial sweeteners, which often contain xylitol and can be toxic to dogs. 

No, dogs should never eat date pits. 

Date pits are not digestible and can pose two major risks: 

• Choking hazard: Because they are hard and smooth, they can get stuck in your dog’s throat. 
• Intestinal blockage: If swallowed, the pit can travel through the digestive system and become lodged in the intestines. This can lead to vomiting, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite, and it may require emergency surgery. 

Dates sound like a wholesome snack, but what do they actually offer your dog? 

Dates contain: 

• Fiber: Fiber helps support healthy digestion by keeping things moving through the digestive tract.  
• Vitamins and minerals: Dates provide nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6. However, because dogs should only eat dates in small amounts, they won’t consume enough to gain meaningful nutritional benefits.  

Overall, while dates aren’t harmful, they don’t offer significant nutritional benefits for your dog. 

They can be. Dates aren’t toxic, but there are a few important downsides to keep in mind. 

• They’re high in sugar. Dogs don’t need sugar in their diet, and excess sugar can lead to weight gain and may contribute to long-term issues like diabetes. 
• They may cause digestive upset. The combination of high sugar and fiber can disrupt your dog’s digestive balance. Sugar can draw water into the intestines, while excess fiber can speed up digestion—together, this can result in diarrhea, gas, or stomach discomfort. 
• They’re calorie-dense: Dates pack a lot of calories into a small bite, making it easy to overfeed, especially for smaller dogs. 
• They’re a choking hazard. The pit can easily become a choking hazard or get stuck in your dog’s digestive tract. If swallowed, they may lodge in the intestines and cause a blockage that requires surgery. 

Dogs who are overweight or have diabetes should avoid dates altogether, as the sugar content can worsen their condition. 

When it comes to dates, portion size matters more than you might think. To avoid stomach upset and other issues, don’t overdo it.   

Dates and other treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete, balanced dog food.  

These are general guidelines. Your veterinarian can help determine the right portion size based on your dog’s size, health, and dietary needs. 

A little preparation goes a long way in making dates a safer treat for your dog. 

1. Serve plain. And avoid dates with dangerous ingredients.  
2. Remove the pit. This helps prevent choking.  
3. Cut into small, bite-size pieces. This makes the date easier to digest. 
4. Start with a small amount. And watch how your dog responds.  

If your dog ate more dates than recommended, you might notice: 

• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 
• Gas or bloating 
• Decreased appetite 

If you notice any of those symptoms:  

1. Remove access to any remaining dates. 
2. Offer fresh water to prevent dehydration. 
3. Feed a bland diet if mild stomach upset occurs—and if your vet approves.  

Call your veterinarian immediately if you notice: 

• Repeated vomiting 
• Severe or persistent diarrhea 
• Signs of abdominal pain (whining, restlessness, or hunched posture) 
• Lethargy   

Any of these could signal a more serious issue, like dehydration or a blockage. 

If your dog swallows a pit, contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic right away. 

If you’d like some alternatives to dates, there are lots of dog-safe fruits to choose from, including: 

• Apples (no seeds) 
• Bananas (no peel)  
• Blueberries 
• Cantaloupe (no seeds or rind)  
• Mango (no pit) 
• Pineapple (no skin)  
• Raspberries 
• Strawberries (no leaves)  
• Watermelon (no seeds or rind) 

You can also have some fruity store-bought treats on hand:  

Can puppies eat dates? 

Yes, puppies can eat very small amounts of dates, but it’s best to limit them. Puppies need nutrient-dense foods for growth, and sugary treats can upset their digestion. 

Are dried dates safe for dogs? 

Yes, dates are typically sold dried and are safe for dogs if they’re plain and fed in diced small amounts.  

Can dogs eat dates every day? 

No, dates in small pieces should be offered only occasionally—one to two times per week—to avoid excess sugar intake. 

Are dates healthier than other fruits for dogs? 

Not necessarily. While dates contain some nutrients, their high sugar content makes them less ideal than lower-sugar fruits like berries.