Most connoisseurs add maple syrup to bakery items and other sweet treats to enhance their taste. Seeing the texture of this golden elixir, our dogs feel interested in eating those foods. But can dogs have maple syrup?
Dogs and other mammals who don’t have issues consuming sugary items can have maple syrup. Well, their guardians must exercise some safety concerns while offering this sweet extract. Moreover, they need to be certain about the right maple syrup for dogs. This article will guide them through this concept.
Can Dogs Have Maple Syrup?
Luckily, dogs can also enjoy the unique flavour of maple syrup. You just need to choose the right syrup for your dog to avoid any side effects. So go for the natural maple syrup, not the artificial one. This can offer zinc, manganese, and antioxidants. Whereas, artificial maple syrup will only cause upset stomachs, vomiting, diarrhoea, organ damage, etc. in dogs.
Dogs can have negative impacts from the sugar content of this syrup. So always keep the quantity low. Also, ask their vets before offering them any treats.
Can Maple Syrup Be Bad For Dogs?
Almost all human foods pose health threats to dogs. This happens, especially when these foods are contaminated with toxic ingredients. The result can be the same when eating too many of the safe foods. Now let’s see how maple syrup can be bad for our paw friends.
Corn Syrup Can Increase Fat
Maple syrup can be bad for dogs when its ingredients are not right. For example, some maple syrups have corn syrup with high levels of fructose. This can put on weight in our paw friends, leading to being overweight or obese. For diabetic dogs, the sugar content can be threatening as it will spike the blood sugar level. Moreover, the artificial maple syrup is full of artificial flavourings that can trigger allergies in dogs. These can also upset their stomach, resulting in diarrhoea and stomach pain.
Artificial Sweeteners In Maple Syrup
We think sugar is not good for us; that’s why we opt for sugar-free maple syrups. Trust me, they are worse options for your dog. Sugar-free maple syrups contain artificial sweeteners called xylitol. When a dog consumes xylitol, he may have to deal with hypoglycemia, liver failure, seizures, lethargy, etc. In such cases, they show symptoms like vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, weakness, and shaking.
Preservatives Are Harmful For Dogs
Artificial maple syrups are not only harmful for corn syrup but also for their preservatives. This type of maple syrup contains sulfite, a preservative. It can upset a dog’s stomach and other body organs. Like sulfite, many other preservatives can cause allergic reactions in dogs.
Too Much Maple Syrup Is Not Good
Let’s say you are offering a natural maple syrup with zero harmful ingredients. Yet, it can be a threat to dogs. Maple syrup is mostly sugar and can disrupt a dog’s digestive system. Besides, its fat content can inflame dogs’ pancreas and increase their weight. This syrup again causes fermentation in the stomach, resulting in gas and bloating.
Any form of maple syrup, whether it has artificial or natural ingredients, is high in calories. Meanwhile, too many calories are life-threatening for diabetic and overweight dogs.
How To Offer Maple Syrup To Dogs?
Before you offer maple syrup to your pet, you need to choose the right product. As said earlier, preservatives, xylitol, and corn syrup make maple syrup harmful to dogs. It means you have to choose a product that doesn’t have these ingredients. In short, you have to opt for organic and real maple syrup for your dog.
You can add a bit of this syrup over the piece of pancake or mix it with peanut butter. If your dog is struggling with eating dog food, just add maple syrup to his food. This will make him eager to eat his meal.
You must be certain of the quantity of the syrup. We know that too much maple syrup can upset a dog’s stomach and lead to many other health issues. Hence, the quantity must be less. For small dogs, ¼ teaspoon of it is fine. For medium dogs, it should be ½ a teaspoon, and for large dogs, it should not be more than 1 teaspoon.
When Can Dogs Have Maple Syrup?
When we say dogs can have maple syrup, this statement doesn’t apply to all dogs. We know diabetic dogs should not eat sugar or sugary foods at all. As maple syrup has sugar, it should be a part of diabetic dogs’ diet.
Again, dogs with allergies to plant-based foods cannot have maple syrup. It comes from the sap of maple trees and is then created as an elixir. So make sure first if your dog has any allergies or not.
The all-in-one solution would be asking his vet whether this treat can suit him. His vet knows about his health condition, so he can give you the right advice.
Alternatives Of Maple Syrup For Dogs
Don’t worry if your dog doesn’t fit the position of enjoying the maple syrup. You can go with some of its alternatives.
Raw Honey
The texture of maple syrup and raw honey is almost the same. In fact, honey will offer more health benefits than this syrup. Since honey is also a source of sugar, you need to offer it to your dog in moderation.
Peanut Butter
Peanut butter without artificial sweeteners can be a healthy treat for dogs. You can use it as a topping on your dog’s food when maple syrup is not safe for him.
Whipped Cream
Whipped cream that doesn’t have preservatives, additives, or artificial sweeteners is another luscious treat for dogs. However, its quantity should be less, as sugar is there.
Coconut Oil
If your dog is diabetic or, for any reason, he can’t have sugary items like maple syrup, coconut oil is for him. This can offer him moisture and a good taste in foods without any sweetness. For dogs with an upset stomach, coconut oil would be the best alternative to maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions: Can Dogs Have Maple Syrup?
Can dogs eat maple syrup every day?
Along with artificial maple syrup, natural maple syrup can also be harmful to dogs if taken every day. Don’t offer it to him more than twice a week, and yes, it should be the natural one.
What kind of sweetener does maple syrup have?
Natural maple syrup contains the sap of maple spices and maple trees. Artificial maple syrup contains xylitol, which is marked as sugar-free syrup.
What is better for dogs, honey or maple syrup?
Both honey and maple syrup are safe for dogs in their natural forms. Their only difference is that honey comes from floral and maple syrup comes from woodsy. They both offer antioxidant properties with certain minerals.
Can maple syrup cure dogs’ low blood sugar?
If your dog has hypoglycemia or extremely low blood sugar levels, sweeteners like maple syrup and honey can be good for him. However, you need to take your vet’s guidance first before opting for this step.
Final Thoughts
Since all maple syrups are not good, we may think, Can dogs have maple syrup? The answer is yes if it is a natural and original maple syrup. They can eat a bit of this extract when they are not diabetic, overweight, or have high blood sugar levels.