Can dogs eat dates?

A single Medjool date has around 65 calories, much of it sugar. For a 10 kg (22 lb) dog, that is more than its whole daily treat allowance. Smaller Deglet Nour dates have about 20 calories each but are just as concentrated.

Regular sugary snacks contribute to weight gain and dental problems in dogs.

Date stones are narrow, hard and about 2 to 3 cm (1 in) long. They can lodge in the throat or intestine, especially in small dogs, and can crack teeth when chewed. Buy pitted dates if you have any intention of sharing, and still check each one.

Dates also stick to teeth. For a dog whose teeth are not brushed regularly, sticky dried fruit adds to the plaque that builds up along the gum line, so a quick rinse of water afterward is a sensible habit.

Sticky toffee pudding, date slices, energy balls and some breakfast bars use dates as a sweetener, often together with nuts, chocolate or raisins. If your dog eats one of these, read the ingredients to see what else was in it.

Dogs that are overweight, diabetic or prone to stomach upsets should not have dates. For everyone else, a sliver now and then is harmless. Lower-sugar fruits such as blueberries or apple make better regular rewards.

Chopped into four, one date also lasts longer as a reward than a single piece handed over whole.