We’ve all been there where we’re trying to enjoy a hearty breakfast of waffles, pancakes, or french toast with a bit of syrup when your dog walks in and looks longingly for a few bites. In an effort to keep things safe and healthy for your pups, you might have wondered whether syrup was good or bad for dogs.
Generally, you should avoid giving them any since dogs don’t need to have added sugar in their diets, and too much sugar can actually be harmful for them. In addition, pancake syrup often contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol, dyes, and preservatives that aren’t great for dogs.
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Why Is Syrup Bad For Dogs?
As a rule of thumb, any foods that are high in sugar are not healthy for dogs in large amounts, and most syrups, even natural syrups, are high in sugar. Avoid giving corn syrup, as it is not healthy for dogs, and is extremely high in sugar. Stick with other options that are healthier, such as maple syrup or unpasteurized honey.
Maple Syrup Is A Better Alternative
Yes, maple syrup is loaded with many nutrients, including manganese and zinc. These two nutrients work together to help support a healthy immune system. They also help to fight inflammation, which even works as an immune-stimulant.
It’s safe to give maple syrup to your dog as an occasional treat, as long as you keep it to very small amounts (no more than a teaspoon, once or twice per week).
Avoid Sugar-Free Syrups
You may be thinking that instead of giving regular syrup to your dog, that they can have sugar-free syrups once in a while. These should be off-limits as well. Many sugar-free foods, including many types of table syrup, contain artificial sweeteners that are not only unhealthy for dogs but can be downright poisonous.
Generally, it’s best to stay on the safe side and avoid giving your dogs any type of syrup.
One of the main things used in sugar-free foods is xylitol. This is a sweet-tasting sugar substitute that is perfectly safe for humans to eat but can be deadly for dogs. When dogs ingest xylitol, they can secrete too much insulin, which can cause blood sugar levels to drop in as little as 30 minutes to levels that can potentially be fatal.
Symptoms of xylitol toxicity include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Seizures
No, Dogs Can’t Eat Syrup
If you really want to give a sweet treat to your dog, give them natural honey. This is actually loaded with nutrients that dogs need, and they love the taste. A small amount (a teaspoon full or so) on a dog-friendly biscuit is not only a delicious treat that dogs love, it’s also good for them.
Some of the health benefits of honey for dogs include:
- Rich in vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E, and K
- Rich in minerals, including calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper, and manganese
Honey can help dogs with digestive problems, and it is also good for treating allergies in dogs. It’s rich in antioxidants, and the darker the honey, the healthier it is. Make sure that you always use raw, unpasteurized honey to get the most health benefits. Talk to your vet about other healthy treats that you can give to your dog like pumpkin, green beans, mangoes, or squash that are good for dogs and that they’ll love eating.