| Verdict for dogs | Caution |
| Severity | 2 / 5 — Mild — usually stomach upset; watch them. |
| Safe amount | A taste at most |
| Category | Fruit |
| Source | VCA Animal Hospitals — pet health library · reviewed 2026-08-07 · confidence: medium |
Dates are not toxic, but they are one of the sugariest fruits there is and the pit is a choking and obstruction hazard. A stray pitted date will not harm a healthy dog; a handful will cause diarrhea. Check that any date product is not mixed with raisins.
Don't make it a habit. Watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a lost appetite over the next day and call your vet if it doesn't settle or your dog seems unwell.
Never induce vomiting and never give any medicine unless a vet tells you to — it can do more damage than the poison. What we will and won't tell you.
If you're sharing food because you want to treat them, a treat formulated for dogs does the job without the guesswork.
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Can cats eat dates? — Feed with caution to cats.
Not toxic, but be careful — dates aren't poisonous to dogs, and they come with caveats that matter. Dates are not toxic, but they are one of the sugariest fruits there is and the pit is a choking and obstruction hazard. A stray pitted date will not harm a healthy dog; a handful will cause diarrhea. Check that any date product is not mixed with raisins.
Watch for: Vomiting; Diarrhea or loose stools; Loss of appetite; Belly discomfort or unusual tiredness. Some signs lag by a day — call, don't wait.
The safe amount is a taste at most, as an occasional treat rather than a daily habit. Large amounts mainly cause stomach upset; if that doesn't settle within a day, call your vet.