Sugar might not be toxic to dogs, but it’s definitely not good for them. Many dog parents assume that a little bit of sweets won’t hurt their pets, but that assumption is dangerously wrong.
Granulated sugar isn’t toxic, but excessive consumption can lead to obesity and other physiological symptoms. And many “sugar-free” candies contain xylitol, a chemical that’s deadly for dogs.
They’re high in fat
Dogs and cats may love sweets, but they are not good for them. These treats are loaded with calories and can lead to weight gain, heart disease, diabetes, and more. Sugar is also harmful to dogs’ teeth and can cause gum disease.
Most of us think that a cube of sugar, a bite of cookie, or some chocolate is harmless for our pets. However, a single cube of sugar or piece of candy is not enough to harm a healthy animal. A large amount of sugar will upset a pet’s stomach and cause gas, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea (sometimes explosive or bloody).
Sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it can be dangerous. It disrupts the biome of gut bacteria that dogs need to survive. Sugar can also trigger metabolic issues, such as high blood pressure and obesity, and contribute to a host of health problems, including tooth decay and pancreatitis.
In the wild, dogs would encounter carbohydrates naturally as part of their omnivorous diets. Today, many pet parents are feeding their dogs table sugar and other processed sugar derivatives that aren’t natural for dogs. Additionally, some sweets contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs. Xylitol poisoning causes hypoglycemia, and without emergency treatment, it can be fatal. Xylitol is found in a variety of candies and gums, so beware of letting your dog chew on these.
They’re empty calories
Dogs don’t need added sugar in their diet. Their kibble already contains the carbohydrates they need to live, and these break down into glucose in their bodies for energy on a daily basis. Sugary sweets and processed foods contain empty calories that add unnecessary weight to your dogs’ bodies, which can lead to a variety of health issues like diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
The sugar found in chocolate and some other common sweets can be extremely toxic to dogs. It contains a compound called theobromine, which is known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination, panting or restlessness, muscle tremors, seizures, and an irregular heart rate in severe cases. Many of these symptoms can be fatal, so it is important to keep chocolate and other sweets out of your dogs’ reach.
Other sweets that should be avoided are those that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol, which is extremely toxic to dogs. This ingredient is often used in mints and toothpaste, and can cause a low blood sugar reaction in dogs. In addition, raisins and grapes are harmful to dogs as well, so it is important to check ingredients when buying these treats for your dog.
They’re unhealthy for dogs
It’s no secret that sugar isn’t the healthiest food for dogs. However, it’s not the actual sugar itself that is toxic to canines; it’s other ingredients used in sweet treats that are detrimental. The problem with consuming too much sugar is that it disrupts the body’s digestive system, and can cause an upset stomach, gas, bloating, diarrhea, or even vomiting. Over time, excessive sugar consumption can also lead to long-term metabolic problems like obesity, hyperglycemia, diabetes, and heart disease.
Dogs can get their sweet-tooth satisfaction by eating healthy fruits, such as apples, bananas, and pears, appropriately sliced or cut up without core and seeds to prevent choking. But it’s important to remember that sweets and candy containing other ingredients, such as xylitol, raisins, and chocolate, are toxic to dogs and can be fatal depending on the amount consumed.
The biggest danger of candy is that it can contain a substance called theobromine, which is dangerous to dogs (and humans). Too much of this chemical can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea, panting or restlessness, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and tremors. If you suspect your pet has eaten too much of a toxic treat, you should contact a vet or animal hospital immediately. The treatment for theobromine poisoning varies, but may involve fluids and medications to prevent shock and other life-threatening conditions.
They’re toxic
Sugar isn’t just bad for humans, it can also be toxic for dogs. Dogs don’t need added sugar in their diets, as balanced kibble already contains the carbohydrates they require to live and thrive. Sugar can be harmful for dogs in a number of ways, including upset stomachs, weight gain, and an altered gut biome. Moreover, the excessive dietary intake of sugar can cause diabetes in dogs and other long-term health problems.
Moreover, some people may think that they can occasionally give their dog a small piece of candy or other sweets to satisfy their pet’s desire for these foods. However, they should know that even a single bite of candy can put the dog’s health in danger for several reasons.
For example, many sugar-free candies and gums contain a type of artificial sweetener called xylitol that is dangerous or even life-threatening for dogs. Ingestion of xylitol can result in a sudden drop in blood sugar and liver failure in pets. It can also cause stomach aches and even lead to seizures and death in severe cases.
Even when they don’t contain xylitol, candy and other sweets are generally unhealthy for dogs because they have little nutritional value. Additionally, some types of candy like dark chocolate or coffee-flavored candies contain caffeine that is a stimulant and can raise the heart rate and blood pressure in dogs.
