As we know, too much sugar is not even good for humans; immeasurable consumption can lead to many serious ailments, and so it is for dogs. That’s why veterinarians recommend limiting sugar for dogs to prevent long-term health issues.
What is sugar?
Sugar is a sweet carbohydrate that is soluble in nature and serves as a source of energy for the body by breaking down into simpler sugars, such as glucose.
Sugars occur naturally in various food products, including fruits, dairy products, and some types of millets. These sugars are not bad for the health of humans and animals, but sugars like added sugar, refined sugar, free sugars, and fructose should either be consumed in a minor quantity or completely avoided. Here you will ask, “Why?” The answer is that these sugars make your diet high in kilojoules, and this can lead to health issues like obesity, tooth decay, and diabetes.
Natural vs. added sugar
Natural sugar for dogs comes in whole foods (fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, and dairy products) with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They are the best source of energy and antioxidants, while added sugars for dogs are processed items for flavor, cause faster blood spikes, and provide empty calories. They just contribute to obesity and increase the risk of inflammation, tooth decay, diabetes, and heart disease in animals. Sucrose (white sugar), brown sugar, rice malt syrup, maple syrup, and coconut syrup are all added sugars that should be dodged.
Can dogs eat sugar? Side effects of dog eating sugar
If it’s natural sugar, then yes, and if it’s added sugar, no. It offers no nutritional value to the body and only contributes to serious health problems in pets.
Side effects of dog eating sugar?
If sugar is consumed as an occasional bite by your dog, then there is no problem with it, but if your dog has no control over added sugar, then there are several possible side effects that can develop over time. Let’s discuss them:
• Obesity
Sugar has empty calories. It only causes weight gain and obesity in dogs rather than providing any nutritional value. As we all know, obesity is itself a problem that can lead to other health issues such as joint pain, improper cardiac functioning, arthritis, and respiratory problems. Many dog breeds are prone to obesity, such as Labradors, beagles, and dachshunds, if they consume sugar in an uncontrolled manner.
• Dental problems
Dental problems are common in humans after incalculable use of added sugars, and so it is with dogs. Too much sugar consumption causes sticky and hardened tartar buildup, cavities, gum inflammation, and periodontal disease in dogs.
• Diabetes
Regular sugar intake can affect a dog’s body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, which develops into diabetes mellitus and needs lifelong management with insulin injections and antidiabetic medicines. Increased urination, weight loss, cloudy eyes, decreased appetite, and excessive thirst are common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.
• Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas in dogs, and the reason behind this inflammation is high-fat and sugary foods. Vomiting, fever, dehydration, and belly pain are the common symptoms. Cocker spaniels, poodles, beagles, dachshunds, and miniature schnauzers are the dog breeds that are most affected by pancreatitis.
• Liver problems
The liver metabolizes sugar and filters out toxins from the body. Excessive sugar intake can cause severe stress on the liver, which leads to fat deposition and inflammation that develops into hepatic lipidosis and other potential liver diseases in dogs.
• Heart disease
A high sugar diet or excessive consumption of sugar can cause hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, and excessive weight gain, which all put pressure on the cardiac muscles, leading to increased difficulty in breathing, low energy, reduced stamina, and poor circulation in dogs.
• Weakened immune system
Too much sugar for dogs impairs immune response by decreasing the effectiveness of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell). This makes the dogs more vulnerable even to small infections by decreasing their immunity to fight against them.
• Digestion problem
A dog’s body is not made to process large amounts of sugar. Eating indeterminable quantities may lead to abdominal pain, vomiting, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort.
What sugars are safe for dogs?
According to Pet MD Natural sugars are the only sugars for dogs because they come from natural sources such as fruits, dairy products, seeds, nuts, etc. All natural sugars are rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, which makes them a healthier option than processed food and treats. Remember, too much fruit is also bad for the dog.
Safe natural sugar options for dogs
If you really want to spoil your furry friend with sweet treats, then you must go for natural sugars, which are not only safe for their health but also equally satisfy the sugar cravings in dogs.
Some safe options are:
- Blueberries
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Apples
- Watermelon
- Pineapple
- Raspberries
A low-sugar alternative for dogs
- Carrots
- Cucumber
- Pumpkin
- Green beans
- Sweet potatoes
- Peanut butter
- Dairy products like yogurt and milk.
If you want to give processed food and treats to your dog, then you must go for natural sugar options. Many brands in the market offer low- or natural-sugar treats. Always read labels before buying one for your pooch.
FAQ
1. How much sugar is too much sugar for dogs?
It is said that sugar does not comprise more than 10% of the overall diet of a dog. If your dog is regularly taking added sugar, then it is too much sugar for dogs.
2. What are the symptoms of sugar poisoning in dogs?
The common symptoms of sugar poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, low blood sugar, abdominal discomfort, lack of energy, weakness, seizures, and collapse.
3. What happens if a dog eats sugar?
If a dog eats too much sugar, they might get vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and long-term health issues such as diabetes, obesity, pancreatitis, tooth decay, heart disease, liver problems, and a weaker immune system. Always prefer natural sugars for your paw friend to prevent these health problems.
Final words
Sugar for dogs should always be restricted to safeguard your dog’s overall health. Although added sugars are also not toxic, they don’t offer any health benefits to your dog either. The common cause behind the dog’s poor dental health, hypertension, obesity, etc., is too much uptake of processed sugar. The best way to keep your dog healthy is to either totally eliminate sucrose from the dog’s diet or to add safer options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to their diet. If you prefer processed store food, then you must check the labels before offering it to your canine friend.