Who doesn't enjoy sweets? From cakes to biscuits to candies, nobody is more eager to dig into an ice cream cone as summer approaches than your cute animal companion.
However, since sugar is a main ingredient in many of the unhealthy goodies we all like, is it okay to occasionally give the four-legged family members sugar?
Are dogs safe to eat sugar?
However, since sugar is a main ingredient in many of the unhealthy goodies we all like, is it okay to occasionally give the four-legged family members sugar?
Are dogs safe to eat sugar?
Given that sugar has numerous detrimental effects on people, including weight gain and dental issues, it should come as expected that it is not the best diet for dogs to eat.
Another reason sugar for dogs is a problematic element is because it frequently appears in items we wouldn't think to look for, like almost any manufactured food you may find on store shelves. Therefore, even though you might not even consider giving your dog a candy bar, it might very well be hiding within breads, chips, and crackers that you occasionally let your dog chew on. Even if your dog won't be negatively affected by a small amount of sugar every now and then, pet parents should nonetheless be concerned about the amount of sugar their dog is regularly consuming.
Above all, dogs' diets don't need to contain more sugar. The only sugar they require to survive is carbohydrates, and any well-balanced kibble already has the carbohydrates and other nutrients needed for normal bodily functions. The body converts carbohydrates into glucose, which is the type of sugar that keeps your dog alive and allows their bodies to operate correctly. Thus, even though they can taste wonderful, processed foods and sugary treats don't offer your dog any nutritional benefits.
What are the sugar hazards to dogs?
Sugar has a number of detrimental effects on dogs, just as it does on humans. First of all, it may result in weight gain, which increases your dog's chance of developing a number of diseases, including diabetes. Lethargy, hip problems, respiratory disorders, and heart disease are only a few possible negative impacts of weight gain in dogs. Consuming too much sugar can also lead to inflammation across the body, and this is bad for both people and dogs.
Allowing your dog to nibble on sugary foods like donuts may cause digestive issues in the short term, such as vomiting or diarrhea. Both people and animals depend on the bacteria, along with other microorganisms that live in our stomachs, to help us digest our food correctly. When this balance is disturbed by consuming too much sugar, diarrhea can result.
Like us, your dog's teeth may suffer from an excess of sugar, and most pet owners would prefer not to have to spend a lot of money on costly dental cleanings or treatments.
Sugar in Its Natural Forms
What about natural sugars for dogs, such as those present in healthy, pet-friendly foods like apples, bananas, and blueberries? Fructose, the sugar found in fruit, serves a valuable function by giving our canine companions the energy they require to play fetch in the backyard, go for a long walk, and chase a Frisbee (as well as a squirrel). Because they are packed with additional health-promoting nutrients that are beneficial to both humans and dogs, fruits are the best source of sugar for dogs. In fact, a lot of fruits also make excellent dog treats.
Naturally, this does not mean that any fruit is allowed, and just like with any human meal, vegetables and fruits should only be given in moderation (and only with your veterinarian's approval). In actuality, fruits such as grapes are poisonous and should never be given to dogs as a source of sugar.
Another Perilous Sugar Source for Dogs
It's not necessary to rush out and locate sugar-free substitutes for your dog, such as peanut butter, just because they shouldn't eat sugar. Many of these products use artificial sweeteners in place of sugar, while certain of these sweeteners, like Xylitol, can be harmful or even fatal to dogs. This specific fake sugar is extremely harmful since it contains xylitol, which can lower your dog's blood sugar or result in hypoglycemia or quick liver failure.
It should go without saying that chocolate, another common source of sugar, is not good for your dog. Theobromine, a chemical found in chocolate, is highly toxic to dogs. If your dog consumes any kind of chocolate, it might be fatal, especially dark, semi-sweet, or baker's chocolate. The symptoms of a theobromine overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, greater thirst and urination, agitation or panting, an elevated heart rate, spasms of the muscles, and, in some rare cases, seizures. Your veterinarian will need to act quickly to treat these symptoms.
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