Can dogs eat figs? Yes, in small amounts. A piece of ripe, fresh fig is safe for most dogs and adds fiber and potassium. Figs are high in natural sugar, though, and dried figs are even more concentrated, so portions stay small. The bigger concern is the fig plant itself: its leaves and milky sap can irritate a dog's mouth, stomach and skin.
Yes, fresh and in small pieces. A bite or two of ripe fig now and then is fine for healthy dogs. Limit dried figs, skip fig bars and jams, and keep dogs from chewing fig leaves, branches or unripe fruit in the yard. Too much can cause diarrhea.
Table of Contents
Fresh vs Dried Figs
Drying removes water and concentrates everything, including sugar. Here's the difference, using USDA FoodData Central values:
| Per piece | Fresh fig (medium, ~50 g) | Dried fig (~8 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~37 kcal | ~21 kcal |
| Natural sugar | ~8 g | ~4 g |
| Fiber | ~1.5 g | ~0.8 g |
| Water | ~79% | ~30% |
Approximate USDA values. Per 100 g, dried figs have about three times the sugar of fresh figs.
One fresh fig is close to a full day's treat budget for a 10 lb dog. That's why a slice or two is enough.
Fig Trees, Leaves and Sap
The ASPCA lists ficus fig plants as toxic to dogs, naming ficin, an enzyme, and ficusin, a compound that can make skin more sensitive to sunlight, as the culprits. The edible fig tree belongs to the same Ficus family and has the same kind of milky sap. Chewing leaves, stems or unripe fruit can cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea, and contact with the sap can irritate the skin.
Keep dogs from chewing fig leaves and branches. This applies to outdoor fig trees and to popular houseplants in the same family, such as weeping fig and fiddle-leaf fig. If your dog chewed one and is drooling, vomiting or pawing at its mouth, rinse the mouth with water and call your vet. Ripe fruit flesh is the only part to share.
If you have a fig tree, pick up fallen fruit during the season. Overripe figs ferment and grow mold, and dogs tend to gulp them whole.
How Much Fig Can a Dog Eat?
| Dog's weight | Fresh fig | Or dried fig |
|---|---|---|
| Under 15 lb | 1 small slice (about ⅛ fig) | A tiny piece |
| 15 to 40 lb | ¼ fig | ½ dried fig |
| 40 to 70 lb | ½ fig | 1 dried fig |
| Over 70 lb | Up to 1 fig | 1 to 2 dried figs |
Our estimates for healthy adults, once or twice a week at most. All treats should stay under about 10% of daily calories, a guideline from WSAVA.
Figs are a natural laxative for many dogs. If stools turn soft, cut back or stop.
How to Serve Figs Safely
- Wash fresh figs and cut off the stem.
- Slice into small pieces. The skin and tiny seeds are edible.
- Serve plain, on their own or mixed into a spoonful of plain yogurt.
- Chop dried figs finely, since they're sticky and chewy, and use only a pinch.
Fig Products to Skip
- Fig bars and cookies: mostly flour and sugar. A crumb won't hurt, but they're not a treat to share.
- Fig jam and preserves: very sugary; check for xylitol in sugar-free versions, which the FDA warns is dangerous for dogs.
- Figs wrapped in bacon or stuffed with cheese: fat and salt.
- Fig and nut mixes: some nuts, like macadamias, are toxic.
Dogs That Should Skip Figs
- Dogs with diabetes or weight issues: the sugar adds up quickly. See our weight control dog food guide.
- Dogs with a sensitive stomach: figs' fiber can trigger diarrhea.
- Dogs with a fig allergy or latex sensitivity: rare, but stop if you see itching or swelling.
Lower-Sugar Fruit Swaps
- Blueberries, fewer calories per bite
- Strawberries, sliced
- Watermelon, seedless and rind removed
Is the fig fruit or the fig tree the bigger concern? The tree. Ripe fruit in small amounts is fine, but leaves, branches and sap can irritate the mouth, stomach and skin.
Are dried figs OK for dogs? Only a small piece now and then. They're concentrated sugar and can cause loose stool.
— Dr. Sarah Miller, DVM
Figs for Dogs: Quick Serving Guide
✓ Do
- Serve ripe, fresh fig flesh
- Cut it into small pieces
- Keep dried figs to a pinch
- Pick up fallen figs in the yard
✕ Don't
- Let your dog chew fig leaves or branches
- Share fig bars or fig jam
- Give big portions of dried figs
- Offer unripe or moldy fruit
Dogs with diabetes or a sensitive stomach should get a vet OK first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat dried figs?
A small piece is OK, but dried figs are sugary and sticky. Chop them finely and keep it rare.
Can dogs eat fig skin and seeds?
Yes. The skin and tiny seeds of ripe figs are edible.
Can dogs eat Fig Newtons?
A crumb won't hurt, but fig bars are mostly sugar and flour. Skip them as a treat.
Are figs or dates better for dogs?
Both are sugary. Fresh figs are lighter than dates, but neither should be more than an occasional bite.
My dog ate figs off our tree. Is that dangerous?
A few ripe figs usually just cause loose stool. Call your vet if your dog ate leaves, branches or lots of unripe fruit, or seems unwell.
Wondering about other foods? Our A-Z guide to what dogs can eat sorts them into safe, moderation and avoid.
The Bottom Line
Can dogs eat figs? Yes, a small piece of ripe, fresh fig is a safe occasional treat. Keep dried figs to a pinch, skip fig bars and jams, and keep dogs away from fig leaves, branches and sap, which can irritate the mouth, stomach and skin. More answers in our Can Dogs Eat…? library.
References & Sources
Written by CPD Nutrition Desk using the sources below. We are not affiliated with these organizations, and this guide is not a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.
- USDA — USDA FoodData Central
- ASPCA — View source
- WSAVA — WSAVA guidetotreats dogs 251107
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Paws xylitol its dangerous dogs