Figs are a great sweet fruit that I love eating and mixing in my Vitamix to create jams and smoothies. They’re full of vitamins and minerals and a great source of fiber for humans. But can Pugs eat fig and should you feed it to them?
The short answer is Yes, dogs can eat this fruit in small doses and they even contain several benefits for your four-legged friend. That being said, if your Pug eats the leaves off the fig plant, they could be at risk for fig poisoning.
Okay, now that you know your Pug can eat a fig, let’s take a look at the benefits of feeding your dog fig.
Health Benefits of Fig For Dogs
There are some great things about feeding your pooch fig. But remember, you should never feed your dog fig more than three times per week.
Related: Can Pugs Eat Fruit?
#1 Figs Are Rich In Natural Sugar
We all know that dogs shouldn’t eat large amounts of sugar. However small doses of natural sugar can be beneficial to your pooch.
Natural sugar can be a great source of energy for dogs. Unlike artificial sugars, it won’t cause your dog to experience a sugar high and then crash and burn.
#2 Rich In Fiber
Fresh figs are high in soluble fiber, which can help aid in digestion, by slowing down the food in the intestines allowing more time for nutrient absorption.
This fibrous fruit can also help aid in constipation issues with your pooch.
The fiber that is found in figs is great for dogs that are dealing with weight problems, weakened colons, and dogs that are at risk for diabetes mellitus.
#3 Figs Are Rich In Potassium
Like bananas, figs are rich in potassium. According to human studies, the potassium in figs has been shown to reduce blood pressure in humans.
If your Pug suffers from chronic hypertension, they may be hypokalemic. (low in potassium)
Always consult with your veterinarian before giving your pooch any medications or fruits and vegetables.
#4 Good For The Heart
Figs contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber that collects extra cholesterol as it passes through the digestive system. This has been proven to help lower cholesterol levels in humans, with the result being a heart-healthy fruit.
This fruit can do the same for your dog’s heart and can help him/her to stay stronger.
#5 Figs Can Help Manage Weight
This fruit is known to be filling food, meaning it can help manage your dog’s weight. If your dog is on a diet or is hungry all the time, you may want to consider adding small doses of fig to their weekly diet.
You may also want to check out this weight management food for Pugs.
Serving your dog 1-2 fresh figs can be great for controlling their hunger. Just make sure you don’t give them too much fig, otherwise, it can lead to health problems.
Side Effects In Dogs From Eating Figs
Regardless of what type of human food or vegetables you feed your dog, if you feed them too much, it can cause side effects for your pooch.
As I mentioned above, they are not toxic to your pooch. However, some dogs may be allergic to this fruit and if they accidentally eat a fig, you’ll want to monitor them closely for the next few days:
Look for symptoms like:
- Wheezing
- Coughing; eye itchiness
- Rash in the mouth or on the skin
- Vomiting
If your Pug has an allergic reaction to this fruit, you’ll want to contact your veterinarian, to prevent any further complications.
Dogs that are not allergic to figs should be fine eating small doses of fresh figs. You should avoid giving your Pug dried figs, as they are higher in calories and have high sugar content.
What Is Fig Poisoning?
Every dog owner should understand that fig plants can be extremely toxic to dogs, puppies, cats and even horses. In fact, any part of the fig plant can be life-threatening toxicity in dogs.
According to Wag, the leaves on a fig plant contain a sap that can be extremely irritating to a canine’s skin or when ingested. If your dog eats any part of this plant, it can lead to fig poisoning.
In fact, many people keep these plants as houseplants because they are easy to grow, and don’t realize the potential threat these plants are to dogs.
This plant is also referred to as Rubber Plant, Rubber Tree, Weeping Fig, Ficus, Indian rubber plant, and Climbing fig.
Fig Poisoning Symptoms
Regardless of what part of the plant your dog consumes, you may start noticing several symptoms. Unusual drooling, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting.
The sap in the fig leaves can affect your dog’s skin and you may notice your pooch rubbing their face, developing irritated skin, and some dogs even get watery eyes.
Canine fig poisoning is a very serious problem, and your dog should be taken to the vet immediately for evaluation and treatment.
Even if your dog only ingested a small amount of fig sap, you need to seek medical attention.
Be sure to take a part of the fig plant with you to the vet. This will help the vet treat your dog and confirm that your dog has fig poisoning.
Are Fresh Figs Good for Dogs?
As mentioned above, in most cases dogs will be fine with eating small doses of this fresh fruit.
There are several other human fruits that are beneficial for your dog, without having to worry about accidentally poisoning them.
If you do decide to feed your pooch fresh fig, make sure you do so in small amounts. You want to make sure you monitor your dog for any signs of digestive upset or skin irritations.
Avoid having fig trees or plants in your home or your backyard. If you do have a fig tree in your yard, make sure you put a fence around it that keeps your Pug away from it.
Final Word On Are Figs Safe For Pugs
Pugs love eating fruits and vegetables. Not to mention many fruits are not only tasty, but they provide extra nutritional benefits for your pooch.
Instead of giving your dog fig, consider giving them other fruits such as blueberries, bananas, mangos, strawberries, oranges without the peel, which are tasty and nutritious for dogs.
As a responsible pet owner, it’s important to know which fruits are not good for dogs and which ones they can safely eat.
Related Questions
Can dogs eat Fig Newtons? Fig Newtons are NOT toxic for dogs, but one cookie has 110 calories and the main ingredient is sugar. One cookie contains 12 grams of sugar, which is way too high for both you and your dog!
References and Further Reading
BBC Good Food – Jo Levin – The Health Benefits of Figs
ASPCA – Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants