We have all heard that sugar is toxic for dogs, but the latest research says this is not true. So can dogs eat sugar cookies? No, not exactly. Learn why sugar cookies can be harmful to them.
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Whenever you get or bake cookies at home, its irresistible smell all around the house makes everyone’s mouth water, isn’t it?
Your dog also feels like having those delicious cookies, just like humans. Your dog may sneak a cookie behind you, but is it ok to feed your dogs sugar cookies? Can they have sugar cookies?
This is a common question that many pet owners have in their minds. It is a common myth that sugar is toxic for dogs, but in reality, it is not immediately lethal, and it may cause harm in the longer run. Occasionally, dogs can eat sugar cookies when the sugar is content is low.
In this guide, you will learn:
- When your dog eats sugar cookies, what happens exactly?
- Are there cookies that your dog can eat?
- Is sugar toxic to dogs?
- Is it bad if my dog ate a cookie?
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What Would Happen if Your Dog Ate Sweet Cookies?
Undoubtedly, during the festive season or during party time, with food all over, it may become tempting to give your dog some sugary food items.
Especially when it comes to cookies, we all know that cookies contain sugar, and when it comes to your dog, you must be wondering is it ok if he eats sugar cookies.
Although sugar cookies are not the right option for dogs, they are not toxic. Many vets say that dogs do not digest sugar or any other sugary items as well as we humans do.
They do not need the unhealthy fat contained in sugar. Usually, all other ingredients present in the cookies are safe for dogs, but sugar has to be avoided if possible.
In case your dog eats sugar cookies; there are a few things that you must keep in mind, like:
- Feed your dog a lot of water with a regular meal.
- You need to keep a close eye to see if there is any sign of allergy due, which can cause an upset stomach.
- If you see serious symptoms like loose stool or constipation, never hesitate to consult with a vet.
Are There Cookies That Your Dog Can Eat?
Pup cookies are easily available everywhere; they are the best options for dogs if they are really fond of cookies. Unless you find any harsh symptoms of cookies on your dog, which were meant for humans, they are safe.
If you are still looking for cookies specially made for dogs, then buy pup cookies from amazon or any retail store. Cookies made up of wheat flour or oatmeal cookies are the best options for them, instead of sugary or chocolate cookies.
If you don’t want your dog to get ill, make sure you keep your sugary cookies out of their reach. Sugar and other elements like chocolate or raisins contain fat that is not safe for a dog’s stomach.
They find them hard to digest. Therefore, many people who have fed their dogs with sugar cookies in large amounts have ended up taking their dogs to a vet with worsened conditions. So it is recommended to feed only pup cookies to your dogs as they contain safe ingredients.
Also, here is a list of cookies that you can serve to your dogs as a snack:
- Peanut butter and oatmeal cookies
- Peanut butter and pumpkin puree cookies
- Cookies made up of banana and apples
- Bacon oatmeal cookies
- Peanut butter cookies
- Wheat flour and oatmeal cookies
Is Sugar Toxic to Dogs?
Like humans, too much of everything can become toxic for dogs also. Sugar is something that has harmful effects on everyone. So why do you wonder is sugar toxic to dogs? Definitely yes, it is bad for them when it is given in large amounts.
We don’t pay enough attention to this and end up feeding our dogs sugary items or beverages every day. But this is not right; too many sugary things can lead to obesity or even diabetes in your dog.
Sugar can even cause problems with your dog’s teeth. Here are a few reasons why your dog should not have sugar:
Upset Stomach
If you want to avoid your dog having stomach upset, just take out sugar from their meals. You don’t want to clean up your dog’s vomit; avoid feeding them any sugary items.
Toxicity
Artificial sweeteners or chocolates are toxic to your dog’s health as chocolates contain theobromine, which can even cause death to your dog. Nothing is as toxic as chocolate for your dog.
Cavities
Another reason why you should not give your sugar is to avoid dental cavities. Sugar contains acids that lead to loss of minerals, which loses enamel, and an outer coating of teeth, which leads to dental problems for your dog.
Weight gain
Just like for human bodies, sugar is empty calories for dogs. If you are continuously giving your dog sugar, there are high chances of weight gain. Weight gain also leads to various health diseases in dogs. Majorly it leads to joint problems and cholesterol issues. Breathing is an additional problem that takes place due to being overweight.
Metabolic changes
In the long term, sugar can cause changes in your dog’s metabolism. Sadly, it can worsen the health of dogs.
You might like to read: Are Raspberries Good for Dogs?
Is It Bad If My Dog Ate a Cookie?
Not exactly; it is not bad that your dog ate a cookie if it is sugar-free, nut-free, and does not contain harmful ingredients. Even if it was a sweet cookie, you don’t have to worry unless there are any stomach upset symptoms. Dogs must eat cookies that either contain less sugar or no sugar or are made of wheat flour.
Common Signs Your Dog Ate Something Bad
Every adverse reaction of a dog can be due to eating something wrong or in excess. There are a few general symptoms that you must look into to reach your dog’s vet. The following are common signs that show your dog has eaten something bad:
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Trouble breathing
How To Serve Cookies to Dogs?
You can make cookies for your dogs at your home by using peanut butter and pumpkin puree. Here are two common recipes that you can follow to make dog’s cookies:
The peanut butter and pumpkin puree cookies are common and safe for dogs. All you need is peanut butter, pumpkin puree, eggs, and wheat flour. Mix all ingredients well and make a thick paste. Bake the pasta for 15 to 20 minutes and cut them into cookies.
Another recipe is oatmeal and peanut butter. You need ripe bananas, oats, and peanut butter. Mix all ingredients together, preheat the oven for 30 minutes, and then bake the blend for 15 minutes at 350 F.
Both recipes are safe for dogs; these cookies can work as an excellent snack.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar-Free Cookies?
No, you should not feed your dogs sugar-free cookies. It is forbidden to give your dogs sugar-free cookies.
All sugar-free cookies contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol. This artificial sweetener is responsible for increasing your dog’s insulin level, which could lead to liver failure and, sadly, even death in some cases.
A Few Final Words
Dogs are not supposed to eat sugar cookies, as they could lead to high carbs and fats, which can be harmful to them. Sugar cookies can lead to many health issues for your dogs, so it is important to avoid feeding them sugar cookies.
If your pup yearns for sweet treats, it is best to either treat them to pup cookies or else to bake them recipes like peanut butter and oatmeal cookies without any sugar in them. These cookies are safe, and they will not cause any untoward accidents.
Lastly, if your dog has ingested a sweet cookie, you don’t need to be alarmed immediately. Unless it starts showing signs of distress, a sugar cookie might just pass through your dog’s system without it even noticing anything.