food
Dates
NOT RECOMMENDED
Dates are not poisonous to dogs, but they are extremely high in sugar and the hard stone is a choking and blockage hazard. Best avoided.
What to do
If your dog has swallowed a date stone, or has eaten a large quantity of dates, contact your vet for advice. Watch for repeated vomiting, a painful tummy, or not passing stools.
When to contact a vet: Yes if a stone has been swallowed, if your dog cannot keep water down, or if there are signs of a blockage.
Symptoms to look for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Wind and stomach discomfort
- Gagging or retching if a stone is stuck
- Repeated vomiting or straining if a stone causes a blockage
Why
Dates are the fruit of the date palm and, unlike grapes and raisins, they are not linked to the kidney damage seen with grape and raisin poisoning. Dates are not toxic to dogs. The problems are nutritional and physical. Dried dates are around two thirds sugar, so even a couple of dates is a large sugar load for a dog and can cause stomach upset, wind and loose stools, and regular feeding adds unwanted calories for dogs prone to weight gain. The hard stone inside an unpitted date can be swallowed whole and may lodge in the throat or gut, and stones are a particular concern for small dogs and dogs that gulp their food. Dogs with diabetes, pancreatitis or a sensitive stomach should not have dates at all.
- Safer parts
- The soft flesh of a pitted date is not toxic if a dog steals one.
- Parts to avoid
- The hard stone, which is a choking and intestinal blockage hazard.
- Preparation
- If you do offer a date, remove the stone first and offer only a very small piece. Chopped fresh fruit or a purpose-made dog treat is a better choice.
- How much matters
- One stolen date is unlikely to harm an average-sized dog, but a handful, or a whole box, can cause significant stomach upset. Dates should never be a routine treat.
- Severity
- Usually mild, but a swallowed stone can become a surgical emergency.
Sources
- PDSAVeterinary organisation — Nutrition
- PetMDVeterinary information — Physical hazard
- American Kennel ClubVeterinary information — Nutrition
Information reviewed against recognised veterinary and animal-safety sources. Source organisations are independent of Is It For Dogs unless otherwise stated.
Last reviewed 6 September 2026 · next review due September 2027.
Safety classifications are based on available expert and veterinary information. Individual dogs may react differently, particularly dogs with allergies, existing health conditions or specific dietary requirements.
Important: Is It For Dogs provides general information about the safety of foods, plants, drinks, ingredients and other items around dogs. Our information is based on sources we consider reliable and is intended to help dog owners make informed decisions. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified veterinary professional. Read more
Dogs can react differently depending on their size, age, health, allergies, medications, the amount consumed and other circumstances. An item classified as Safe is not necessarily suitable for every individual dog.
If your dog has eaten something potentially poisonous or dangerous, has eaten an unknown substance, or is showing concerning symptoms, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary service immediately.
Do not induce vomiting or give your dog medication unless specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional.