Can Dogs Have Fig Newtons?

Fig newtons are tasty, irresistible, and moist fig cookie snacks.

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Figure out this; you walk around the compound holding this chewy goodness, and your canine comes and snatches it off.

Confused, you try to follow the dogs and take them away, but they are too fast for you.

It’s not that you can’t share your fig newton with them, but you’re not sure if it’s safe for their health.

So, can dogs eat fig newtons?

Yes, dogs can have fig newtons but in moderation.

They contain nutrients such as fiber, manganese, and niacin.

However, too much of them can be harmful to dogs because of their sugar and fat content.

This article will look into the risks, alternative treats, and whether different dog groups can have fig newtons.

Can elderly dogs eat fig newtons?

Yes, elderly dogs can have fig newtons but in moderation.

They contain sugar that can pose health challenges to elderly dogs.

As dogs get older, they are prone to get sick more often.

For instance, teeth may wear out more quickly when they eat many sugary foods.

Look at the ingredients label when feeding your elderly dog with fig newtons.

Exposure to toxic substances can make the dogs sick more than the younger ones because immunity reduces as dogs get older.

Can diabetic dogs eat fig newtons?

Yes, diabetic dogs can have fig newtons, but only if they are homemade and too much sugar is excluded.

Giving your diabetic dog sugary fig newton would cause a spike in blood sugar, thus worsening its condition.

Can puppies eat fig newtons?

Puppies can eat Fig Newtons, but sparingly.

They can cause stomach upset, obesity, and diabetes if given too often.

It’s best to use them as rewards instead of giving them out freely.

The recommended number of fig newtons for puppies is one per day.

If your puppy has allergies, it’s best not to give them to him completely.

To know whether your puppy is allergic, give a small portion, and observe any reactions within the next 24 hours.

Possible risks of too much fig newton to dogs

Diabetes

A diet high in sugar, such as fig newtons, increases blood glucose levels, affecting insulin production.

Therefore if you give your dog too many fig newtons, they could get hyperglycemic (sugar high) or hypoglycemic (sugar low).

Dogs with diabetes need to be fed a special fig newton that is sugarless or avoids giving them altogether.

Pancreatitis

Fig newtons have fat that can cause pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas that causes abdominal pain and vomiting.

The symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss.

Obesity

Fig newtons can lead to weight gain in dogs if not taken moderately.

Overweight dogs have a higher risk of developing diabetes mellitus, leading to kidney disease and other serious health problems.

Some of the symptoms of obesity include difficulty breathing, arthritis, and joint pain.

Tooth decay

Tooth decay is a common health problem associated with sugar in dogs.

When dogs eat sugar-rich foods like fig newtons, the bacteria in their mouths produce acid that attacks the teeth.

This leads to tooth decay and eventually tooth loss if left untreated.

Alternative healthy treats besides fig newtons

Sweet Potatoes – Sweet potatoes are great for dogs who have diabetes because they have less sugar than regular potatoes.

They also help clean teeth by scrubbing them when chewed on.

Peanuts – Peanuts are high in protein and low in fat, making them an ideal treat for dogs with allergies.

They also help soothe upset stomachs in dogs who have eaten something that doesn’t fit them.

Bananas – Bananas give dogs energy and help fight off infections such as yeast in their ears or skin problems like hot spots.

They also help relieve constipation in dogs that have eaten sugary treats without enough roughage in their diet.

Strawberries – Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins A and C, which helps strengthen the immune system of dogs.

Watermelon – Watermelons are an excellent treat for dogs because they’re low in calories, high in water, vitamin C, and beta-carotene.

It is also a natural diuretic, meaning it can help your dog lose weight.

Blueberries – Blueberries are also excellent for dogs because they have antioxidants and vitamins C, remarkable for their immune system and skin health.

What happens if my dogs ate fig newton unattended?

The first thing to know is how much it has consumed.

If the dog has eaten a few, there may be no effect but if it’s too much, observe any sickly symptoms.

Consult your veterinarian when the symptoms persist or visit a nearby vet clinic for further testing.

If the dogs are diabetic, don’t wait for symptoms to appear because they may experience a diabetic shock.

Call the vet doctor immediately if you realize they have eaten fig newtons.

How to prevent dogs from having too much fig newtons

Prevention is better than cure.

Therefore it’s best to always store your fig newton out of dogs’ reach.

You can safely store them in a closed refrigerator or place them on high shelves.

Moreover, you can ensure that dogs are attended to and that the kitchen is locked when they are outdoors.

Otherwise, train your dogs on the ‘stop it’ and ‘leave it’ commands.

It is helpful, especially when the dog snatches them away or picks the dropped fig newtons.

Conclusion

There you have the answer on whether dogs can have fig newtons.

Dogs have a sweet tooth, so they’ll love fig newtons.

However, let them eat sparingly because they contain sugar and fat that may cause health problems.

When you purchase fig newtons, check the ingredients label for any toxic substance such as xylitol.

If you’re introducing fig newtons to your fluffy companion, give a small piece so you can identify any allergic reaction.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.