Date

23 foods contain this ingredient

Fruit

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About Date

Date is the fruit of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), included in some pet treats as a naturally sweet, fiber-rich ingredient.

Dates are used in pet foods primarily as a source of natural sweetness, soluble fiber and carbohydrates, contributing small amounts of minerals (like potassium) and antioxidants but not meaningful protein or fat. Because they are calorie-dense and high in sugars, dates should be used sparingly—small amounts may be tolerated by dogs but are not nutritionally necessary for cats, and pits or sulfite-treated/dried fruit can pose choking, obstruction or sensitivity risks and may exacerbate obesity or diabetes.

Derived from: fruit of the date palm, Phoenix dactylifera
Primary role: natural sweetener and fiber source

Why it's used

Dates are made up largely of natural sugars (sucrose, glucose, fructose) along with several grams of dietary fiber per serving, plus potassium and polyphenol compounds such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. In pet treats, they function as a whole-food alternative to refined sweeteners while contributing texture and mild sweetness rather than meaningful protein or fat.

Common concerns

Sugar load Dates are high in sugar by weight, so they are generally discussed as an occasional addition rather than a routine one for dogs managed for diabetes or weight.
Pit hazard Date pits are hard and can pose a choking hazard, chip teeth, or cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, particularly in small dogs, so pits are removed before feeding.
Dried and treated fruit Dried dates are calorie-dense per bite compared to fresh fruit, and any sulfite-treated or coated dried fruit can carry added ingredients that some pets react to.
Relevance to cats Dates provide no nutrient that is essential to feline diets, and as obligate carnivores cats have no dietary need for this fruit even in small amounts.