food
Fig fruit
NOT RECOMMENDED
The ripe fruit of the fig is not poisonous to dogs, but it is high in sugar and often upsets their stomach. The fig plant itself is a different, more serious matter.
What to do
Withhold further figs and offer fresh water. Contact your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea continues beyond a day, if your dog seems unwell, or if there is facial swelling or intense itching.
When to contact a vet: Yes if there is persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, mouth swelling or signs of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms to look for
- Diarrhoea or loose stools
- Vomiting
- Drooling
- Mouth irritation
- Itching or skin irritation in sensitive dogs
Why
Ripe fig fruit is not listed as toxic to dogs, and a small piece of fresh fig is unlikely to poison a dog. However figs are very high in natural sugar and fibre, and they commonly cause loose stools, wind and stomach discomfort, especially in dogs unused to them. Dried figs are more concentrated still. Fresh figs also contain small amounts of the same irritant sap found in the plant, so unripe fruit, skin and stems can irritate the mouth and gut. Figs are a recognised food allergen in some dogs. Because there is little nutritional reason to feed figs and a clear chance of stomach upset, they are best avoided as a treat. Note that this record covers the edible fruit only — fig houseplants and fig trees, including the weeping fig, are covered separately as a plant risk.
- Safer parts
- A very small amount of ripe, peeled fig flesh is not toxic.
- Parts to avoid
- Unripe fruit, skin, stems, leaves and the milky sap, which are irritant.
- Preparation
- If your dog has stolen a ripe fig, monitor for stomach upset. Do not offer fig leaves, stems or unripe fruit, and do not use figs as a regular treat.
- How much matters
- A single small piece of ripe fig is usually tolerated. Several figs, or dried figs, are likely to cause diarrhoea and stomach upset.
- Severity
- Usually mild and short-lived, but uncomfortable.
Sources
- PetMDVeterinary information — Digestive effects
- 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.