Can Dogs Eat Figs? Sweet Fruit Guide (2026)

Nutritional Benefits of Figs for Dogs

Fresh figs offer several nutritional benefits when fed as an occasional treat:

Dietary Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and regular bowel movements
Potassium: Supports muscle function, heart health, and nerve function
Natural Sugars: Provides quick energy (but also means limited portions)
Calcium: Supports bone and teeth health
Magnesium: Important for muscle and nerve function
Antioxidants: Help fight free radicals and support overall health

Nutrient	Per Medium Fig (~50g)	Notes for Dogs
Calories	37 kcal	Moderate calorie treat
Sugar	8g	High - limit portions
Fiber	1.5g	High - too much causes diarrhea
Potassium	116mg	Supports muscles and heart
Calcium	18mg	Bone health
Magnesium	9mg	Nerve and muscle function

Risks and Concerns

While figs are safe for dogs, there are important risks to consider:

High Sugar Content

Figs are one of the sweeter fruits, containing about 8g of sugar per medium fig. Too much sugar can cause:

Weight gain and obesity
Dental problems and tooth decay
Blood sugar spikes (dangerous for diabetic dogs)
Stomach upset

High Fiber Content

While fiber is generally healthy, too much too quickly can cause:

Diarrhea (the most common problem)
Loose stools
Gas and bloating
Stomach cramping and discomfort
Vomiting in sensitive dogs

Allergic Reactions

Some dogs may be allergic or sensitive to figs. Watch for:

Itching or scratching
Skin rash or hives
Swelling of the face or mouth
Vomiting or diarrhea

First Time Feeding Tip

Always introduce figs gradually. Start with a tiny piece (about the size of your fingernail) and wait 24-48 hours to watch for any adverse reactions before offering more.

Why Fig Plants Are Toxic to Dogs

While fig fruit is safe, the fig plant itself is toxic to dogs. This includes:

Fig leaves
Fig stems and branches
Fig tree bark
The milky sap (latex) from any part of the plant

Toxic Compounds in Fig Plants

Fig plants contain several toxic compounds:

Ficin: A proteolytic enzyme that irritates the mouth, skin, and digestive tract
Ficusin (Psoralen): Causes photosensitivity reactions when exposed to sunlight
Latex sap: Causes skin and mouth irritation on contact

Symptoms of Fig Plant Poisoning

Symptom Type	Signs to Watch For
Skin Contact	Redness, irritation, rash, itching, swelling
Oral Exposure	Drooling, pawing at mouth, mouth irritation
Ingestion	Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite
Sun Exposure After Contact	Skin burns, blistering, severe irritation (psoralen reaction)

If Your Dog Ate Fig Leaves

Contact your veterinarian if your dog has chewed on or eaten fig leaves or any part of the fig plant. While usually not life-threatening, they will likely experience digestive upset and may need supportive care. Keep affected skin out of sunlight to prevent psoralen burns.

Dried Figs: Why to Avoid Them

Dried figs are not recommended for dogs for several reasons:

Concern	Fresh Fig	Dried Fig
Sugar per fig	~8g	~24g (3x more!)
Calories per fig	~37 kcal	~93 kcal
Choking risk	Low (soft)	Higher (sticky, chewy)
Additives	None	May contain preservatives

The concentrated sugar in dried figs makes them much more likely to cause:

Severe digestive upset and diarrhea
Weight gain with regular consumption
Dental problems from sticky residue on teeth
Blood sugar issues in diabetic dogs

How to Safely Prepare Figs for Dogs

Follow these steps to safely share figs with your dog:

Step 1: Choose Fresh, Ripe Figs

Select fresh figs that are soft but not mushy. Avoid figs that are overly ripe, fermented, moldy, or have an alcoholic smell. The skin should be intact without splits or holes.

Step 2: Wash Thoroughly

Rinse the fig under cool running water to remove any dirt, pesticides, or bacteria from the skin.

Step 3: Remove the Stem

Cut off and discard the stem. While small, it's part of the plant and can cause irritation.

Step 4: Cut Into Small Pieces

Cut the fig into small, bite-sized pieces appropriate for your dog's size. This prevents choking and makes it easier to control portions.

Step 5: Serve Plain

Serve the fig pieces plain - no added sugar, honey, or other toppings. The natural sweetness is enough for your dog.

Storage Note

Fresh figs spoil quickly. Store them in the refrigerator and use within a few days. If you have a fig tree, make sure fallen figs are cleaned up promptly so your dog doesn't eat too many.

Portion Guidelines by Dog Size

Due to high sugar and fiber content, fig portions should be small. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your dog's daily calories:

Dog Size	Weight	Fig Portion	Frequency
Extra Small	Under 10 lbs	1/4 small fig	Once weekly max
Small	10-20 lbs	1/2 small fig	Once or twice weekly
Medium	20-50 lbs	1 small fig	Once or twice weekly
Large	Over 50 lbs	1-2 small figs	Once or twice weekly

Dogs That Should Avoid Figs

Consult Your Vet First If Your Dog Has:

* Diabetes (high sugar content)
* Obesity or weight problems
* Sensitive stomach or digestive issues
* History of pancreatitis
* Known food allergies

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat figs?▼

Yes, dogs can eat fresh figs in small amounts as an occasional treat. Figs provide fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. However, due to high sugar and fiber content, too many figs can cause digestive upset, vomiting, or diarrhea. Never feed dogs fig leaves or plants, which are toxic.

Are fig leaves toxic to dogs?▼

Yes, fig leaves and the fig plant are toxic to dogs. They contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin (a psoralen) that can cause skin irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have a fig tree, keep your dog away from the leaves and branches. Contact your vet if your dog eats fig leaves.

Can dogs eat dried figs?▼

Dried figs are not recommended for dogs. They contain concentrated sugar (much higher than fresh figs) and can cause digestive upset, diarrhea, and contribute to weight gain and dental problems. The sticky texture can also be a choking hazard. Stick to small amounts of fresh figs only.

How many figs can I give my dog?▼

Small dogs can have half a small fig, medium dogs can have 1 small fig, and large dogs can have 1-2 small figs. Due to high sugar and fiber content, figs should only be an occasional treat - once or twice a week maximum. Always introduce new foods gradually and watch for digestive upset.

What are the benefits of figs for dogs?▼

Fresh figs provide dietary fiber for digestive health, potassium for muscle and heart function, natural sugars for energy, and some vitamins and antioxidants. However, these benefits are best achieved through small, occasional servings due to the high sugar content.

What happens if a dog eats too many figs?▼

Eating too many figs can cause digestive upset including diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, and gas due to the high fiber and sugar content. Regular overconsumption can contribute to weight gain, dental problems, and blood sugar issues in diabetic dogs. If your dog eats many figs, monitor them and contact your vet if symptoms persist.

The Bottom Line

Fresh figs are safe for dogs in small amounts as an occasional treat. They provide fiber, potassium, and natural sweetness that many dogs enjoy. However, the high sugar and fiber content means portions must be limited to prevent digestive upset.

The most important rule: While fig fruit is safe, the fig plant, leaves, and stems are toxic. If you have a fig tree, keep your dog away from it and clean up fallen fruit regularly.

Stick to fresh figs only (avoid dried), introduce them gradually, and watch for any signs of allergies or digestive issues. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian before adding new foods to your dog's diet.

Can Dogs Eat Figs? Sweet Fruit Guide

Warning: Fig Plant Is Toxic

✓ Safe

✗ Dangerous/Avoid