What are the side effects of a dog eating sugar?

In this research you will know the answer to the query “What are the side effects of a dog eating sugar?“.

Well if you feel guilty for eating ice cream in front of your dog well do not.

Any kind of sugary treat is not needed by dogs.

Its also not true that you do but thats another matter.

You will not harm your dog if you give him a cookie for his begging habits if that is what you are wondering.

Not in the near future. More important is what happens in the long run. Your pets health may be affected in many ways by regular sugar consumption.

The following are the main problems caused by too much sugar.

Is sugar toxic for dogs?

The short answer is no. When ingested in small quantities like a cookie or two sugar is not a real threat to your dogs health.

You can develop a sweet tooth in your dog if you treat him occasionally with treats containing sugar.

Animals use glucose for energy just like humans do and sugar is a type of glucose. Carbohydrates in your pets food provide him with the glucose he needs.

There is no need for refined sugar because it is basically empty calories with no real benefits other than a momentary taste sensation.

Five side effects of a dog eating sugar?

Granulated sugar or sweets made from it can cause various short and long-term problems some of them quite serious.

Diarrhea

One of the most common problems your dog faces when eating sugar is diarrhea. A stomach upset is caused by sugar which interferes with the good bacteria in the animals gut. After this messy episode your dog would not learn his lesson so you must be firm and refuse to give him any more sweets.

Cavities

Its true that your dog loves sugar but so do the bacteria in his mouth. Sugar is used by bacteria to produce acids that damage the teeth leading to cavities. The same thing happens to us and we brush our teeth regularly. How about your dog? Do you brush his teeth twice daily? Most likely not. If you take your dog to a dentist he’ll hurt a lot and you’ll hurt a lot as well if he has Cavities. If you’re wondering what kind of pain we’re talking about just look at the prices.

Hyperactivity

Sugary treats can make your dog get a sugar high and become quite agitated. Donot ever give your dog sweets when you have to leave home to make him feel better. The house will look entirely different when you return and not in a good way since the dog has to release its excess energy in some way.

Obesity

Overeating sugar causes the body to store it which results in excess weight and obesity. One out of four dogs is obese did you know? Excess weight can lead to problems such as joint pain heart disease and difficulty breathing. Some breeds such as Labrador retrievers basset hounds and terriers are prone to obesity anyway so giving them sugary treats will only worsen their condition.

Diabetes

It is possible to develop metabolic changes and diabetes from consuming sugar regularly. Your dog will become lethargic if his body does not produce enough insulin to properly process glucose. Despite having enough sugar in his system it isnot being used to provide energy. High blood sugar on the other hand damages the dogs internal organs especially the liver and kidneys.

How much sugar can dogs have a day?

You understand why you should refrain from dividing your cookies with your best four-legged friend now that you have read about what sugar addiction can do to your pet.

The best thing to do if your pet is a persistent beggar as many of them are is to trick him with alternative treats.

Fructose is a natural sugar found in fruit and it is far healthier than sugar not to mention all the other nutrients. 

Its a good idea to keep a bowl of fruit at the ready and provide your dog with apple or banana slices instead of cookies.

Your pet will know the difference but will appreciate getting a few berries if you put on a show and make it seem like its something hes lucky to get. You should keep in mind that grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.

Anything else is fine so feel free to treat your dog to small bites of a healthy snack.

Is brown sugar safer than white sugar?

People who are health-conscious use brown sugar instead of white sugar but the health benefits are minimal while the dangers are the same.

So brown sugar does not seem to be a better alternative for your dog (or you for that matter). Also raw sugar does not seem to be a better alternative.

Brown sugar differs from white sugar in that it contains molasses which gives it its distinctive color.

Additionally it contains more minerals like magnesium potassium and calcium but your pet can also find those in his regular food.

Yes brown sugar has fewer calories than white sugar but the difference is still quite small. White sugar has 16.3 calories per teaspoon while brown sugar has 15 calories per teaspoon.

The production of both types of sugar is very similar. Molasses is removed from white sugar during refinement.

Conversely the brown sugar you buy at the store is created by adding molasses back into the white sugar crystals.

The situation is not much better with raw sugar. It is only boiled once to make raw sugar from sugarcane juice. When refined sugar is made it is boiled several times to remove molasses.

Fruit is still better at the end of the day.

Are sweeteners safer than sugar?

If you’re wondering if you can give your dog sugar-free treats the answer is definitely no! Dogs need to be protected from xylitol which is present even in small amounts in most sugar-free sweets.

Artificial sweeteners can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar levels causing liver and kidney damage.

You can find xylitol in many other products besides diet candy such as peanut butter yogurt or toothpaste.

You should always read the label carefully before giving your dog human food.

The symptoms of xylitol poisoning include lethargy vomiting lack of coordination and seizures. See a veterinarian as soon as possible! 

Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame sucralose and saccharin are not toxic in the same way as xylitol.

The plants would not cause a medical emergency but there is serious concern they are not safe for human consumption at least long term so keep your dog away from them too.

Is honey a more healthy option for dogs than sugar?

There is no doubt that honey is better for dogs because it contains natural sugars vitamins and minerals.

In fact its not toxic at all but of course you should not overdo it as it can still cause weight gain.

Honey cookies are generally safe for pets but you should still be cautious.

Dogs are not particular about recipes and will salivate at any sight of cookies regardless of their composition.

A dog suffering from a sore throat or seasonal allergies can be treated safely with honey. Consult your veterinarian before giving your dog honey if he has diabetes.

Is there any sugar in best-selling dog biscuits or dental chews?

Of course! Manufacturers add sugar to their products in various forms to make them more appealing to your dog and to make it reject other types of food that do not taste as good.

In an Italian study it was found that most dog treats contained glucose fructose or sucrose. When it came to added sugar content dog biscuits were the best followed by dental chews.

If you are a responsible dog owner you will read the label carefully not just a few ingredients. Produced food features healthy ingredients first and hides the unsafe ones among fancy-sounding ingredients.

Every dog needs a chew now and then but keep in mind that most commercial dog treats can make your dog obese if they are consumed regularly.

Here are some products to avoid if your dog suffers from diabetes as they contain too much sugar.

Conclusion

There is no such thing as a sweet tooth in a dog.

In exchange for sharing their owners’ desserts they develop a friendship. Canot hurt a dog with a cookie right?

It is never just one cookie and before you know it your dog will jump up on your sofa and demand to have his share of ice cream.

Dogs with too much sugar can develop dental problems upset stomachs and become overweight resulting in all the health problems that come with it.

Give your dog a piece of fruit or a teaspoon of honey if you want to give him a sweet treat. If they contain xylitol which is toxic to dogs diet cookies can be very dangerous to them!

If you want to read more about dog health tips read here: Dog Health Tips and Tricks.

What are the side effects of a dog eating sugar? (Watch Video)