Can Dogs Eat Dates? In Moderation

Why it’s fine in small amounts

WebVet's veterinary-reviewed article says dates contain nothing that is poisonous to dogs, though that does not make unlimited amounts a good idea. Dates contain fiber, potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6 and antioxidants, but they are also sugary: roughly two thirds of a date's weight is sugar, and a modest Medjool date carries about 66 calories. In larger amounts that sugar and fiber may upset the stomach, and regular overfeeding adds calories.

The pit is the other concern. WebVet says to always remove the pit first, because it is a choking and intestinal-blockage hazard.

Sugary treats are a particular worry for dogs with diabetes. WebVet says dogs with diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis or gastrointestinal disease need an individualized feeding plan, so ask your vet before offering dates to these dogs. Be careful with date-based sweets and baked goods, which can include ingredients that are dangerous for dogs, such as chocolate, raisins, macadamia nuts or xylitol.

Benefits

Some fiber, potassium and magnesium
Naturally sweet, so a very small piece goes a long way as a treat

Risks

High in sugar and calories
Pits can cause choking or intestinal blockage
Too much sugar and fiber can upset the stomach
Date bars, cakes and coated dates may contain unsafe ingredients

How to serve it safely

Offer plain dates only. Remove the pit entirely, then chop a small piece of flesh. Treats of all kinds should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories, and dates use up that allowance quickly. WebVet notes there is no validated date allowance by body size, so a small pitted piece counted within your dog's treat allowance is the sensible limit.

Skip dates for dogs with diabetes or on a weight-loss plan unless your vet agrees. Do not feed date-based sweets or baked goods.

Related forms

Food	Verdict	Why
Plain pitted dates	In moderation	A small piece occasionally, counted within the treat allowance.
Dates with pits	No	Pit risk: choking or intestinal blockage.
Date bars, energy balls and cakes	With caution	Often include ingredients such as nuts, chocolate, raisins or sweeteners like xylitol; check every ingredient.
Chocolate-covered dates	No	Chocolate is toxic to dogs; see our chocolate page.

If your dog already ate it

If your dog ate a pitted date or two, watch for an upset stomach and offer water. If your dog swallowed the pit, or ate a lot of dates, watch for vomiting, belly pain, loss of appetite or lethargy, and call your vet for advice, especially for a small dog.

If the dates came from a product that may contain xylitol, chocolate, raisins or macadamia nuts, treat it as urgent and call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 (US; fees may apply). Outside the US, contact your local emergency vet. Do not try to make your dog vomit at home.

Frequently asked questions

Are dates safe for dogs?

Plain, pitted dates are not poisonous, according to WebVet, and can be an occasional treat in small pieces. Their sugar content means they should be a rare extra rather than a regular snack.

Can dogs eat date pits?

No. WebVet describes the pit as a choking and intestinal-blockage hazard. Always remove it fully.

Can dates help with constipation in dogs?

WebVet says a treat portion of dates has not been shown to improve canine digestion. If your dog is constipated, ask your vet rather than using treats as a remedy.

Are dates safe for diabetic dogs?

WebVet calls sugary treats risky for diabetic dogs and says dogs with diabetes need an individualized feeding plan. Ask your vet which treats suit your dog.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

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