While Jello is considered one of the safest foods to give people that are recuperating from surgery and illness, it doesn’t necessarily mean that Jello is healthy for your dog. Although dogs can have Jello or other gelatin on occasion, there are better treats to spoil your pet with.
So if you want to share your dessert, then yes, dogs can eat Jello without terrible side effects, but we’d recommend other organic, whole food desserts. Read on to learn more about the types of Jello that you can give to your dog and the good and bad aspects of feeding your pup this sugary treat!
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Avoid Store-Bought Jello Products
The biggest problem with store-bought Jell-O products is the ingredients that they contain. Most have sugars or artificial sweeteners, both of which are not good for dogs. Also, these products contain artificial coloring, which are also bad for dogs. Some even contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that is toxic to dogs.
But, this doesn’t mean that you need to steer clear of anything made with gelatin. In fact, gelatin in itself is actually very good for dogs. It is rich in amino acids that are good for the skin, fur, and joints.
Is Gelatin Good For Dogs?
Gelatin is made from skin, tendons, and other animal by-products, and can be a healthy part of a dog’s diet. It can help to prevent arthritis in dogs of any age, and it is good for brain health. But, you need to make sure that you are giving your dog real gelatin treats, and not commercially prepared products that are loaded with chemical additives.
Making Your Own Gelatin Dog Treats
If you want to give your dog healthy gelatin treats, the best way to do it is to make your own. These treats are easy to make, and most dogs really love them. When you make the treats yourself, you know exactly what goes into them, and you can make sure that your dog is not eating anything that isn’t healthy.
You need to start out with unflavored gelatin, and go from there. There are many different types of flavorings you can add yourself, including low-sodium broth and pureed vegetables. Here is a simple recipe for gelatin dog treats, and a few flavoring options.
Ingredients
- 1/2 C cold water
- 1/2 C hot water
- 2 tbsp unflavored gelatin
Flavorings
Like Jello, owners can choose a variety of flavors for their dogs.
Coconut
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut
- 2 C unsweetened coconut water
Pumpkin & Cinnamon
- 2 C pumpkin puree
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Dog Treats
- 2 C water
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp dog treats
Directions
Pour cold water into a bowl and add gelatin. Add hot water, and whisk until the gelatin is dissolved. Mix in the flavoring of your choice. Pour mixture into ice cube trays, cover, and chill overnight. Keep refrigerated up to four days.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Homemade Jello
If you want to give your dog gelatin as a treat, feel free to do so, as long as you know what is in it. When it is made with no chemical additives or sweeteners, homemade dog treats can be healthy for dogs of all ages, including puppies. It only takes a few minutes to make healthy gelatin dog treats, and your dog will love them.
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