Most of our fur babies at home love desserts. However, can you give maple syrup to dogs? Let’s find out in the article below!
Can You Give Maple Syrup to Dogs?
Yes, dogs can have maple syrup, but only if it is 100% pure. Pure maple syrup has great nutritional properties for both, humans as well as dogs. Maple syrup is made from the sap of the sugar maple tree. The sap has beneficial compounds that boost immunity and overall health and offer
protection from and/or treatment for certain types of cancers.
Maple syrup contains manganese, zinc, and vitamin B2, which are essential for bodily functions. Manganese boosts the health of the reproductive system, aids enzymes to produce energy and fatty acids, and helps the body utilize proteins and carbohydrates.
Zinc has anti-inflammatory and immunity-boosting properties. Vitamin B2 is necessary for producing red blood cells in the body and promotes the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates into energy. Maple syrup is lower in calories compared to honey and has anti-diabetic and antimicrobial properties too.
The imitation maple syrup has a harmful additive called xylitol which acts as an artificial sweetener. It is highly toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems, seizures, hypoglycemia, and eventually lead to liver failure. If your dog consumes it, it will warrant an emergency visit to the vet.
Are Sweet Foods Good for Dogs?
It is important to note that a dog’s body cannot break down sugar and fat, and a human body can. Hence, giving your dog too many sweet foods can cause short-term health issues like diarrhea and stomach upset. Long-term problems include tooth decay, obesity, diabetes, and even pancreatitis.
Moderation is the key, a once in a while small treat of maple syrup is alright but do not give your dog maple syrup often. Processed sugars are never a good idea to give your dog. Chocolates are toxic for dogs. Cookies, cakes, biscuits, ice creams all contain sweeteners that are dangerous for your dog’s health. Coffee and tea are dangerous for your dog as well.
Most commercially available dog foods contain sugar. They may appear on the label as fructose, sorbitol, beet pulp, honey, or molasses. They can give your dog a quick glucose boost, but natural sugars are always a better option.
Sweet Items Dogs Can Have
1. Manuka Honey
Manuka honey has antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and allergy alleviating properties. Blackstrap molasses has nutrients like manganese, selenium, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin B6.
2. Fruits
Small fruits like apples, berries, bananas, pears, watermelon, and cantaloupes are healthier sweet options. Avoid feeding your dog grapes or raisins as they are dangerous for them.
3. Fruit Popsicles
You can make fruit popsicles and feed them to your dog to give them a natural source of glucose. You can make fruit popsicles with pineapples, carrots, bananas, oranges, yogurt with berries, among other fruits. Moreover, you can feed apple bacon, oatmeal cookies, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and/or peanut butter to your dog without any tension.
You can give unsalted Peanut butter in moderate amounts as excess consumption can lead to
weight gain.
4. Carrots
Carrots are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It is low in calories and can be consumed both in raw and cooked form.
5. Berries
Blueberries and blackberries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They constitute a low-calorie, nutritious snack for your dog.
Since dogs can develop a sweet tooth just like humans, refrain from feeding your dog sweet treats often.
Can you give maple syrup to dogs? Yes, you can but in moderate quantity and 100% pure maple syrup only. Besides, 100% pure maple syrup, you can choose fruits and certain vegetables to give to your dog as a sweet treat.