Dates

What are dates?

Dates are the fruit of the real date palm, which grows in dry and warm regions. The fruits are dried and preserved after harvesting. They have a brown color, a soft consistency and a sweet taste.

Dates contain many nutrients that can also be healthy for dogs. These include:

• Fiber, which aids digestion and can prevent constipation
• Vitamins A, B6, B12 and D, which are important for the immune system, skin, coat and eyes
• Minerals such as potassium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc, which are important for the muscles, nerves, blood and immune system
• Amino acid tryptophan, which can support the nervous system

Can dogs eat dates?

Yes, dogs can eat dates, but in moderation. Dates are rich in nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals, which can also be healthy for dogs. However, dogs should only eat small amounts of dates as they have a high sugar content.

Too much sugar can lead to obesity, diabetes or tooth decay in dogs. Too much fiber can also lead to diarrhea or flatulence. That's why you should only give your dog a small portion of dates every now and then.

How do you feed dates to dogs?

If you want to give your dog dates, you should follow a few tips:

• Remove the pit from the date. The pit can be poisonous and contain hydrocyanic acid, which can lead to symptoms of poisoning such as breathing difficulties, convulsions or even death.
• Cut the date into small pieces. This will prevent your dog from swallowing or choking.
• Only give your dog dried dates. Fresh dates are very hard to find and may contain bacteria or mold.
• Only give your dog a small amount of dates. A rule of thumb is that your dog should not get more than 10 percent of his daily calorie needs from snacks. For a 10 kg dog, this would be about two to three small pieces of dates per day.
• Monitor your dog after feeding it dates. If he shows signs of intolerance such as diarrhea, vomiting or itching, you should stop giving him dates.