Can dogs eat caramel? Do you know dogs were the first animals to be domesticated by humans? They are the most loyal companions of humans.
The love and care humans and dogs share is unconditional. Therefore, they are all-time meal partners of their owners. They eat several human foods, but what about caramel? Can dogs eat caramel too? Let’s see the answer.
The answer is a straight NO. Dogs cannot eat caramel because it is not good for their health. Though, it does not contain any compound toxic to dogs.
The problem is that caramel is pure sugar, and such a high amount of sugar can cause dental issues, obesity, and many other medical conditions in dogs, making it an unhealthy treat.
What are the side effects of caramel on dogs?
Caramel is a part of a lot of mouth-watering desserts that humans and dogs both love to eat. But can dogs eat caramel? What are its long-term and short-term effects on pups’ health? Let’s have a look at it.
Short-term effects of caramel on dogs
Caramel is raw sugar, and the after-effects are horrible when dogs consume caramel candies. Pooches often lose control over themselves. Your pooch can run a long distance without stopping and taking a breath. Let’s uncover other effects below:
Hyperactivity
Excess consumption of caramel can make your furry-friend hyperactive. You’ll see him running around the home and tearing your carpets and whatever he finds in his way.
Upset stomach
Too much caramel can cause your dog to vomit. It also causes diarrhea in dogs and other stomach issues.
Food comma
Large quantities of caramel cause extreme lethargy in pooches. Apart from it, feeding caramel makes dogs moody and irritable. At times, it becomes difficult to handle them.
Long-term effects of caramel on dogs
Caramel leaves long-lasting suffering and pain for your furry friend.
Dental cavities
Like humans, pups consume too many sugars; their teeth get affected. The enamel gets destroyed, and they suffer from dental issues and pain.
Weight gain
The more the sugar intake, the more the pooch’s weight. As a result, dogs face difficulty walking, leading to many other health issues.
Caramel addiction
Just like children, dogs can also become addicted to caramel. As its effects are horrible, keep your pups away from caramel.
Did you Know?
We have written many articles about what dogs can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Dogs Eat Pork chops?
Can caramel kill dogs?
Can dogs eat caramel? Can it kill them? The answer is YES! But wait, don’t panic.
Caramel that contains xylitol is fatal for a dog’s life. When dogs eat such it, the xylitol is absorbed in their bloodstream.
It causes a rapid release of insulin to reduce the blood glucose level, eventually leading to hypoglycemia. It is also called xylitol poisoning. It can cause liver failure in dogs.
If the dog gets proper treatment on time, its life can be saved. So whenever you encounter caramel overdose, take your loving friend immediately to a veterinary clinic.
Can dogs eat caramel cakes?
Well! Caramel cake is not harmful to dogs, like one or two bites, if taken in small amounts. But still, it is high in sugar. Moreover, it also has elevated levels of carbohydrates and calories.
Such treats are not considered healthy as they can make dogs addicted to them. Therefore, it is better to keep caramel cake out of the reach of your furry companion.
Can dogs eat caramel ice cream?
No, Dogs cannot eat caramel ice cream. Firstly, it contains caramel which is not good for dogs. Secondly, it has added sugars and flavors unsuitable for a dog’s digestive system. Moreover, some ice creams also have nuts that can be a choking hazard.
Some ice creams also contain chocolate which is poisonous to dogs. Chocolate contains theobromine that dogs cannot metabolize. It accumulates in the dog’s system, which causes chocolate toxicity.
If not caramel, what else can dogs eat?
We are sharing some healthy alternatives to caramel for your furry friend. So be ready to share your favorite snacks with your pooch. Here we go.
- Apple
- Seedless watermelon
- Chicken
- Peanut butter
- Plain popcorn
- White rice
- Salmon
- Sardines
And a lot more. So do not forget to buy these for your dog when you buy your ration.
The bottom line
Can dogs eat caramel? A question that needs an immediate answer. No, they cannot due to the short-term and long-term deteriorating effects it has on your pup’s health.
It contains high sugar, which causes obesity, hyperactivity, lethargy, stomach issues, and much more. Therefore, it is better to opt for other much better and healthy options.