Can dogs eat figs? Yes, dogs can eat figs. Not many humans, let alone dogs eat figs but in fact they’re a highly nutritious fruit, full of flavor and extra juicy! Figs are nutritionally known for their high levels of potassium. Potassium has been shown to reduce blood pressure levels in dogs.
This fruit is also excellent for those dogs that are on a weight loss regime. They are low in calories yet super filling, meaning your dog may not be pestering you for more food once you’ve given them some fig.
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CAN DOGS HAVE FIGS?
Yes, figs provide dogs with high levels of fiber, potassium, calcium, magnesium as well as vitamins A, C and K. The dietary fiber from figs helps withbowel movements and is also essential for dogs that suffer from chronic constipation.
Health Benefits
Fiber
Monitoring your dogs’ fiber intake isn’t a necessity. However, moderate levels of fiber have shown to help with a dog’s digestive system. As well as this, dietary fiber is also good for maintaining weight. If your dog is on a weight loss regime and you find they’re still hungry after their meal, adding more fiber to their diet will make them feel full for longer.
Vitamin A
Figs help provide your dog with vitamin A. Vitamin A is vital for your dog as it helps to improve and maintain their optimal health. Vitamin A also helps to keep your dogs skin, coat muscles, and nerves in working order; without this vital vitamin, dogs will become lethargic and seriously ill. Other foods high in vitamin A include; carrots, spinach, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin K
Research suggests Vitamin K plays a vital role in ensuring your dog’s blood clots when necessary.
Vitamin C
This vitamin is of high importance. The antioxidants help reduce inflammation inside the dogs’ body as well as helping with cognitive aging. Dogs’ can produce vitamin C in their liver, but that does not mean you should factor it out of their diet as it offers other health benefits. Other foods high in vitamin C include; broccoli, sprouts, lychees, and lemons.
Potassium
High levels of potassium can be provided from figs. Potassium is an excellent nutrient for your dogs as it helps to control their nerve impulses, functions the brain, muscle activity, and function of the heart. If your dogs’ potassium levels become too low, it can cause hypokalaemia. Hypokalaemia can affect some dogs a lot, while others won’t show any symptoms. The lack of potassium can affect a dog’s neurological, skeletal, and cardiac muscles, and if left untreated, it could be fatal.
Health Concerns
As with all foods, they’re plenty of health benefits but there are also a few health concerns. Figs do not pose many concerns but you should take precaution as your dog may be allergic to them. Also, research suggests that the actual fig plant (not the fruit) can be toxic to dogs, as well as horses and cats. See below for more details.
Allergic Reaction!
As with all foods that are new to your dog, it poses the potential risk that your dog may be allergic to them. It is best to start off by feeding your dog a smaller portion of fig and then monitor their behaviors that follow to see if they show any signs of an allergic reaction (see below).
Allergic Reaction Symptoms:
> Vomiting
> Swollen & Red Lips
> Diarrhea
> Loss of Appetite
> Lethargic When Moving
> Seizures
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms. Call your veterinarian straight away to find out the procedures that follow.
Fig Poisoning
Scientific research suggests that dogs are ok to eat the fig itself, however the fig plant can be highly toxic to dogs, cats and horses. Ingesting any part of the fig plant can lead to a serious and even life-threatening toxicity in dogs.
Unfortunately, many dog owners may leave their fig plants in places that are easily accessible to dogs without realising the potential risks these highly toxic plants pose. Inside the plant is a sap that is very irritating for dogs, whether it’s on their skin or ingested.
Fig Poisoning Symptoms:
> Excessive Drooling
> Diarrhea
> Vomiting
> Stomach Cramps & Abdominal Pain
> Irritated Skin (especially around the mouth)
If you believe your dog may have eaten part of the fig plant, you should contact your local veterinarian straight away. The likelihood will be that your dog will have to go to the emergency clinic, and be forced to vomit, in hope the toxic plant comes up. This is followed by an active charcoal solution that your dog will eat. This helps to stop the dog’s body absorbing any remaining toxins.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FIGS?
Fresh figs can be very fragile, when ripe, they will often split open with juicy goodness even when they have not been touched! For this reason, the best figs are often local produced figs. Most chain supermarkets will often sell semi-spoiled figs or even worse, figs that have been picked before they’re ripe.
Unfortunately, fresh figs are somewhat difficult to find across the US. Even though figs can be grown in areas that have winter temperatures that do not drop below 20°F, it is difficult to purchase them outside of California. If you’re looking to provide this delicious snack for your dog, hopefully you can find some locally picked, fresh figs near you!
Adriatic Figs
These pale green-yellow figs, commonly known as “white figs” for their bright color. They’re also sometimes labelled and sold as “candy-striped figs” because of their yellow and green colors. As beautiful as they are on the outside, it’s the juicy, pink inside that gets all the attention for the extra sweetness flavor.
Adriatic figs are typically harvested during June and then again in August. The super sweet taste means they work well as a sweet treat alternative or just a healthy dessert.
Black Mission Figs
Black mission figs are super sweet, occasionally they can ooze a syrup-like liquid. Unlike their name, they’re not really balck in color, they’re more of a dark-blue, purple color. Inside, they’re full of bright pink colors and taste amazing. Due to their dark colors, spotting a less-than-fresh or unripened black mission fig is quite obvious.
Brown Turkey Figs
These figs have a brownish-dark purple skin. They’re a slightly different to the other figs as they are much milder in flavor and noticeably less sweet. On the inside, they tend to be a paler pink in comparison to other figs.
As they are not as sweet as normal figs, brown turkey figs are often used in salads or main meals rather than desserts. However, for dogs, they’ll be just fine on their own.
Calimyrna Figs
Calimyrna figs are one of the largest of its type. It has a greenish-golden skin with a striking pink inside that is full of fresh, sweet tasting juices.
Calimyrna figs are an excellent option to just cut up and serve them as they are. They have a distinctive nutty flavor and for this reason are a popular option to serve with nuts. This is probably not the best option for your pooch as they may have nut allergies, stick to the fig by itself!
MOST NUTRITIOUS FRUITS FOR DOGS
Kiwis
Kiwi’s make an excellent snack for your dog. If feeding kiwi to your dog, it is best to remove the skin before doing so as it can be difficult to digest. Kiwis provide your dog with high levels of vitamin C and potassium which are important nutrients within their diet. Kiwi’s may seem a small fruit for us humans, but a whole kiwi could be too much for a dog. Prepare the kiwi by slicing it into small chunks and feeding around ¼ or ⅓ of the kiwi at a time.
As with all ‘human’ foods, when introducing it into your dog’s diet for the first time, it is recommended that you contact your local vet for serving suggestions.
Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Some highly qualified veterinarians recommend this fruit as a natural replacement for shop-bought treats that can be high in fat and calories. However, like with all ‘human’ foods, it should be given to your dog in moderation and ensure they’re not allergic to it.
Bananas are best peeled and sliced for your furry friend; however, if they do eat the skin, you do not need to worry as it is not toxic. Finely slicing the banana into small chunks will help avoid any potential choking hazards.
If you have any mentally stimulating dog toys, for example, a kong, you can mush the banana up and put it inside the kong, this works great and keeps your dog occupied for an extended period of time.
Blueberries
Blueberries are an excellent choice of snack for your dog. They are super low in calories yet have high amounts of vitamin C & K, fiber, and antioxidants. Vitamin C and fiber are important components of a canine’s diet, as well as the antioxidants that help fight off diseases, illnesses and decrease the risk of arthritis in older dogs.
Blueberries also make an excellent choice of snack due to their size—no need for slicing and dicing, straight out of the packet into your dog’s bowl. Ensure you don’t leave the blueberries alone with your pup; otherwise, there’ll be some mighty clean up operation to come!
Watermelon
Watermelon is made up of 92% water, therefore makes it the perfect fruit for dogs in the summer. It is also low in calories, salt, and fat, as well as containing vitamins A, B6, and C, all of which are essential in a dog’s diet.
Can Dogs Eat Apricots?
Yes, well, with precaution and preparation. Apricots themselves are fine for dogs and full of nutrition. However, the seeds and other parts of the apricot plant can be harmful or even fatal for your dog! Apricot plants and their seeds contain traces of something called cyanide. When digested by dogs, cyanide prevents the uptake of oxygen by the red blood cells, making it difficult for your dogs to breathe and ultimately can lead to death.
Can Dogs Eat Plums?
Yes, but with extra precaution! Plums are an excellent source of nutrition for dogs as they are low in calories but contain high levels of fiber, vitamins A, C, K, and potassium. As well as this, they also contain antioxidants, which can help improve a dogs’ health and well-being later in life. Antioxidants have proven to help reduce inflammation around the muscles and joints, which decreases the risk of arthritis.
Can Dogs Eat Jelly, Jell-o or Jam?
Not really. It depends on the ingredients, but it not recommended. If the jelly, jam, or Jell-O only contains sugar, berries (strawberries, raspberries, or another dog safe fruit), and gelatin, it won’t be toxic.
However, store bought jelly, jam, and Jell-O can include ingredients such as artificial sweetener like xylitol, preservatives, colorings, and flavorings (such as grape), which can be toxic.
If the Jell-O or jelly does not contain these ingredients, it may be safer for your dog, but will still contain a vast amount of sugar which is never advised for dogs.
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Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?Disclaimer: Each dog is different, and every circumstance is different. All efforts have been made to provide accurate information. However, it is not provided by a qualified Veterinarian, Veterinarian Surgeon, or Behaviorist. The information provided is purely educational. The information should not be used as an alternative or substitute for medical care. If you have any health or medical concerns, contact a qualified Veterinary Surgeon or Veterinarian immediately.
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