Sometimes dog owners are not sure if certain foods are good for their dogs or not.
In this article we will deal with figs and their impact on a dog’s health. Should figs be a part of a dog’s diet? How often should we feed our dogs figs? If you are wondering whether figs are safe for your dog or not, we will give you the answer. Just continue reading this article and you will find out soon, but first we will tell you something more about this fruit.
If you are a dog owner, this article will be interesting and useful for you, so let’s start.
More about Figs
Fig tree is an Asian species of flowering plants and it belongs to the mulberry family. Its fruits are called figs or common figs. Fig is an important crop and it is grown commercially all around the world. Figs are native to Middle East and western Asia but today they are grown worldwide. It is known that the edible fig is one of the first plants cultivated by humans. Raw figs are a great source of dietary fiber but they are not rich in essential nutrients.
This fruit contains polyphenols and other phytochemicals. Many people love this fruit but what about dogs? Can we feed them figs or they may be harmful? Read along this article and you will find out.
Are Figs Safe For Dogs?
If your dog has eaten some figs, don’t panic immediately! Nothing bad will happen to your dog because figs are on the list of the foods that are safe for dogs. Although figs are safe, you should be careful. A small amount of figs won’t do any harm to your dog. Not only figs are safe for dogs but they can also be very beneficial. If you feed your dog figs, you will add potassium and fiber to his diet.
Actually, figs are a great source of dietary fiber, which can regulate bowel movements in your dog and prevent constipation. Also, fiber can help your dog manage weight. Due to their high potassium content, figs are shown to regulate blood pressure. Figs are also rich in natural sugars, which can give your dog bursts of energy.
As you can see, figs can be very beneficial for your dog as long as they are eaten moderately.
It is recommended to serve your dog fresh figs, because dried figs may be too high in sugar. The same can be said to baked goods like pretzels. You should also know that most of fig-based recipes that you can find on internet are not suitable for your dog.
How Many Figs Should Dogs Eat?
As we have already said, dogs should eat figs in moderation. It is recommended to feed your dog one or two figs two times a week. This way your dog will stay healthy and you will avoid any side effects that may happen to your dog. If you feed your dog large amounts of figs or if you feed him figs too often, it may cause stomach upset, diarrhea and other problems in the gastrointestinal tract of your dog. It is known that too much fiber may cause loose stools and diarrhea.
Also, it is possible that some dogs may be allergic to figs. Itching eyes, coughing, breathing difficulties and mouth rash are some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction to figs. If you notice that your dog has any of these symptoms, you should stop feeding him figs and you should find some other fruit that you can serve as an occasional treat to your dog.
Also, it is recommended to take your dog to the veterinarian. He will tell you which foods are good for your dog and which can be harmful.
Summary
Like many other fruits, figs are also safe for your dog, but you should feed them in moderation. A small amount of figs may be beneficial for your dog and provide him necessary nutrients. Feeding your dog figs once or twice a week is more than enough.
Otherwise, large amounts of figs are bad for your dog’s health. They may cause many gastrointestinal and other health problems. Because of that, it is best to feed your dog figs in moderation. Remember that moderation is always the key of good health and that you are the only responsible for your dog’s health.
One more advice is to start with small amounts when you are introducing any new food into your dog’s diet. Not all dogs are the same, you should know that. But, in general, figs are safe for dogs if eaten as occasional treats only.
Keep in mind that figs should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. We hope you have enjoyed this article and we also hope you will provide your dog healthy and balanced diet. You can read more articles regarding food such as sardines, and see if they are safe for your pooches.
