We all know the face. That adorable, sad and begging look that your puppy learned to master when there is something flavourful around. Have you ever noticed that the face becomes megawatt when there is sugar involved? Therefore, the big question to be answered is whether dogs can eat sugar? Or even more, is it safe for them? The quick answer is yes, dogs can eat sugar.
With the quick response resolved, we want to dive into the longer response, which is not so simple. Remember that there are many forms of sugar that your dog can consume. But some forms should be avoided at all costs.
If you’ve ever wondered about the effects of sugar on your dog, we have your answers.
Your dog and sugar
As mentioned, there are many forms of sugar. While some are good for your dog to eat, others should not be given. That said, even good types should only be given to your dog in moderation. To get a better idea of the different types of sugar, let’s examine them below.
Granulated sugar
This is the most common type of granulated sugar. Also known as white or regular sugar, this is the sweetener most often used in food and beverages. You will find it in recipes such as cookies, brownies and cakes. You can also find it in soft drinks, coffee and sweets. Other forms of this type of sugar include brown, raw and liquid, but all are used for more or less the same thing.
Dogs can have this form of sugar on a limited basis, depending on the food product in question. For example, many dog foods contain varying levels of sugar. It is also not uncommon to find sugar in dog treats that are given to dogs regularly.
Granular sugar alone is not toxic to your pet. Giving them a lot can cause various health problems (which we will discuss later). Moderation is also important. The point is that although granulated sugar is not toxic to your dog, it is rarely served in its raw form. Many other ingredients commonly found with sugar can have devastating effects.
Artificial sweeteners and dogs
Many parents of pets fear giving sugar to their dogs, so they mistakenly opt for sugar-free treats or even artificial sweeteners. Unfortunately, this is there to feed your pet with chocolate. First of all, snacks and treats described as sugar-free are using another type of ingredient to add a sweet flavour to their recipes. This is in the form of artificial sweeteners.
The most common fake sugar is Xylitol, and can have a deadly effect on your pet. Your dog’s pancreas releases insulin into the bloodstream to control blood sugar levels. When your puppy consumes xylitol, it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, indicating to the pancreas that it needs more insulin.
The rapid increase in insulin causes a decrease in blood sugar in your pet. When this happens, your pet becomes hypoglycaemic, which can cause liver failure, seizures and can be fatal if not treated immediately.
It is important to keep this in mind for your pet’s welfare. Sugar-free or dietary products may contain this toxic ingredient. It is better to give your pet a small amount of granulated sugar or none.
What happens if my dog eats any fructose type sugars?
The latter type of sugar is known as natural sugar. Fructose is behind the sweetness you taste in fruits, vegetables and some grains. Your dog uses them to get energy in the form of carbohydrates. Fructose is considered a simple carbohydrate and is a necessary part of a balanced canine diet.
Keep in mind, just like sugar in chocolate, there are fruits and other vegetable foods that your dog cannot eat, such as macadamia grapes and nuts. In addition, corn syrup with high fructose content is not healthy for your pet’s diet. This brings us to our next topic…
Your dog’s sugar diet
To quickly recap, artificial sweeteners (xylitol) are toxic to your pet and should not be given to them. Granular sugar can be given sparingly, while fructose is a healthy part of your pet’s diet (again, within healthy limits).
As you know, granulated sugar is the processed form of sugar cane, while fructose is the natural sweetener found in fruits, etc. An important difference that we have not yet mentioned, however, is that although both are safe for your pet to eat, only one has dietary benefits. Granular sugar has no known benefits for your dog. Fructose, on the other hand, yes.
As mentioned above, fructose is a simple carbohydrate that gives energy to your dog. They benefit from the slow release of sugar to provide fuel to the muscles. It can also help increase endurance, reduce appetite and even help digestion. This is important for especially active dogs.
Nutritional Guidelines
The AAFCO regulates the nutritional guidelines necessary for canines. According to its graph, there is no minimum daily need for carbohydrates. Although carbohydrates can be beneficial, they are not necessary. Your dog gets most of its energy from fat and protein. Carbohydrates, although they can help with energy, are not essential for your diet.
According to the National Research Council, canines do not need carbohydrates to live a healthy lifestyle. This can be a surprise due to the high amount of carbohydrates in most dog foods. In fact, the average manufacturer uses between 46% and 74% carbohydrates in its formulas.
Therefore, if sugar, even in its naturally energy-producing form, is not necessary, why is it abundant in your store-purchased product? First of all, it is a cheap filling, easily accessible, has a long service life and most of our modern feed formulas would not be possible without it.
Consequences of excess sugar on health
Unfortunately, not only are sugars not necessary, but they can also bring serious health problems. Too much sugar, whether in granulated or fructose form, will cause problems in your pet ranging from stomach discomfort to debilitating diseases.
Below, let’s take a look at the health concerns associated with the most acceptable (and edible) canine sugars.
Turned stomach: Eating too much sugar, whether cane or fruit, can cause your pet to have stomach problems. Symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach pain, gas and nausea are common when they surrender more than they should. This usually happens due to an imbalance in your digestive system. Dogs have enzymes in their digestive tract that break down food. An abundance of sugar can cause enzymes not to react properly, causing the problems mentioned above.
Dental problems: Like us, too much sugar can cause problems in the teeth, gums and tongue. Granular sugar can give your dog cavities, rotten teeth and even the eventual loss of them. Even excess fructose can have the same effect. This is because the bacteria in the mouth turn sugar into acid. Acid corrodes the enamel of your pet’s teeth, causing problems.
Weight gain: Sugary snacks and goodies, along with many carbohydrates, cause weight gain in canines. This is especially true for older dogs or those who are not so active for one reason or another. As we have already said, carbohydrates are a popular ingredient in many dog foods. This led to an increase in canine obesity. Carrying many kilos has its health risks, including joint pain, heart and respiratory problems.
Diabetes: Another problem associated with excess sugar and weight gain is diabetes. This is a serious health problem caused by the pancreas that does not create the insulin necessary to neutralise blood sugar levels.
Other diseases: Insulin that is released into your pet’s body can create changes in your dog’s hormones and other metabolic balances. It can affect your energy level, muscle tone and immune system. With these changes, your dog may become more susceptible to diseases and infirmities.
Sugar poisoning: Although we mentioned talking about the edible forms of sugar, we wanted to leave toxicity as the last issue. Fake sugars, such as xylitol and chocolate, can cause serious diseases. These two items alone can cause hypoglycaemia, seizures, liver failure, muscle spasms, internal bleeding, heart attack and even death.
Final thoughts
Sugar in moderation is not harmful to your pet. In the right way, it can give them an explosion of energy. Unfortunately, the nutritional benefits are limited to just that. On the other hand, too much sugar can have serious consequences. So, what’s the best way to go? In our opinion, it is better to stay away from granulated sugars. The disadvantages are considerable, not to mention that foods with which sugar is associated can be harmful.
If you want to satiate your pet’s treat, choose safe fruits. As mentioned, not all fruits should be given to your puppy, but apples, bananas and pears are acceptable snacks that your dog will love. We hope you enjoyed this overview of sugar and whether or not it is safe to feed your pet.