Can Dogs Eat Figs?

Fig is an ancient fruit and has a lot of history attached to it due to which many communities find it very helpful in certain areas. Being rich in calcium and potassium, they are definitely great for bone health but a dog owner like me would first think if it’s good for their dog too.

So let’s see if can dogs eat figs.

Here you will find the health benefits of figs and potential risks if dogs don’t consume them in the right amounts. Down you can find a recipe for a dog treat and some interesting facts about figs.

Just keep reading…

What Are Figs?

Figs are fruits shaped like a teardrop. Fig is referred to as a syconium, a multiple fruits, as it contains many tiny seeds which are actually known to be fruits. The fig’s skin is purplish to brown (at ripening), and the flesh is red in color and tastes very sweet. When the fig is dried the skin turns to be white or yellow.

Figs can be consumed fresh, dry, or as a jam. Mostly figs are dried as it’s very difficult to transport them in their ripped form as they can’t last long.

Fresh figs contain 79% water and almost 19% carbs. Dry figs contain 30% water, 64% of carbohydrates, and 3% of protein. As usual, fresh figs contain fewer calories than dried ones. If you want we to talk in numbers 4 times fewer calories.

Can Dogs Eat Figs? Are They Safe For Dogs?

Dogs can eat fresh figs safely but in moderation.

Fresh figs are a great low-calorie treat without fats. These fruits contain very little amount of protein so they can’t be considered a good source of protein.

But figs are also a great source of natural sugar but they shouldn’t be given in big amounts as too much sugar can lead to health problems like diabetes or an upset stomach.

Fresh figs are rich in minerals like calcium, iron, copper, and magnesium.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Figs?

Dogs shouldn’t eat dry figs.

Why?

Dry figs:

• are a very caloric treat;
• are high in sugar levels;
• contain less water – only 30%;
• contain a lot of carbohydrates;

Health Benefits Of Feeding Figs To Your Dog

• Help promote digestive health: Figs are a great preventive for constipation as the dietary fiber in them is softening the stool. Dietary fiber promotes a healthy digestive system by reducing abdominal pain, gases, and bloating.
• Improving skin health: If the skin of your dog gets dry or itchy you can give a bit of fig to your dog as it helps fight these symptoms. Also, you can put dried fig extract or cream on the dry spot and it will give results in a week. But you should put only a very small amount.
• Help build and maintain strong teeth and bones: Figs contain calcium which is important for the strength of bones and teeth.
• Rich in minerals: Figs contain minerals like iron, copper, magnesium, and potassium.

Risks of Feeding Figs to Your Dog

• Dry figs are high in sugar levels: Dry figs have higher levels of sugar and contain much more calories than fresh figs, that’s why it’s better for the health of your dog dry form of the fruit to be avoided.
• Excessive amounts of figs can lead to digestive problems: Big amounts of figs can lead to digestive problems as dogs will consume too much sugar and calories. This can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
• Allergies: Dogs can be allergic to figs, that’s why it’s important when you introduce this fruit to your dog you give a very little amount and then monitor the dog’s condition in the next few hours.
• Toxicity: The only safe part of the plant is the fruit. Leaves, branches, and barks are toxic to dogs. They contain toxins that can be very harmful to your dog and cause skin irritation, rashes, drooling, etc. If left untreated it can cause life-threatening conditions.

How to Feed Dogs With Figs?

Figs should be given in moderation. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure that if this is the first time your dog eats figs that the amount will be small and you will check for allergic reactions.

Don’t give figs to your dog before their first feeding for the day. Eating figs on empty stomach isn’t good as it can cause digestive problems or the high amounts of sugar can make your dog hyperactive.

Figs contain pesticides that’s why you should make sure that they are washed and cleaned well before giving your dog.

Dogs shouldn’t eat more than 2 to 3 figs a week as they contain a high amount of dietary fiber.

Can Dogs Eat Figs: Dog-Friendly Recipes

Peanut Butter & Fig Dog Treat

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of rolled oats;
• 2 heaping tbsp of peanut butter;
• 1 egg;
• 1/4 cup of figs;
• 1/4 cup of water.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Put the oats in a bowl.
3. Add the egg, stip with a fork, and mix well.
4. Add the peanut butter to the mix. Mix well.
5. Place a cookie sheet.
6. Take a small bit of the oat mix and roll or pinch it into a small ball. Place it on the cookie sheet. Repeat until all mix is gone.
7. Bake oat balls until they are golden brown – around 10 minutes.
8. Wash the figs and pick off the stems.
9. Make a puree from it using a blender or by mashing them.
10. Put the puree in a saucepan and mix it with water.
11. Let it simmer until it gets thicker. Stir occasionally.
12. Take it off when it’s thick. Let it cool.
13. Put a little bit of the puree on each peanut butter ball. Or roll each ball in the puree.

Fun Facts About Figs

1. Figs naturally help hold in moisture in baked goods, keeping them fresher.
2. The fig tree is a symbol of abundance, fertility, and sweetness.
3. Fig puree can be used to replace fat in baked goods.
4. The early Olympic athletes used figs as training food.
5. Figs were also presented as laurels to the winners, becoming the first Olympic “medal.”

Let’s Wrap Up!

Dogs can eat figs as long as they are fresh. Dogs shouldn’t eat dry figs as they are high in sugars and calories. Figs have many health benefits for dogs like regulating blood pressure and helping promote a healthy digestive system.

If your dog is experiencing constipation, the fig is a great human food that can help in solving this problem.

Related Guide: Dog Constipation: What To Do If My Dog Can’t Poop?

FAQs

We hope you like the article ‘Can Dogs Eat Figs’. You can also check out our other articles to see which type of food you can feed your pup.

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