Reasons Why Dogs Should Not Have Sugar 

Who doesn’t love sweet treats like ice cream and candy? Let it be known that these types of treats should not be fed to dogs. Although it is a necessary component of their diets, there are certain sugars found in sweets that can be harmful to dogs just like it is to people. Below are the main reasons why your four-legged friend should avoid sugar.

Upset Stomach – All animals rely on the bacteria and other microorganisms to help them digest the food that they eat. A higher dose of sugar than our pets are used to can upset the balance of those microorganisms and lead to diarrhea.

Toxicity – Artificial sweeteners like xylitol and chocolates can be toxic to dogs. Xylitol can cause a life-threatening blood sugar drop or hypoglycemia in dogs.

Cavities – Yes, dogs can get cavities too! The problem with sugar is that bacteria in the mouth use it which produces acids. Acids increase the loss of minerals in the enamel or the outer coating of the teeth which can lead to dental disease.

Weight Gain – Refined sugars are nothing but empty calories! If you are constantly giving your dog sugar, they will more than likely gain weight, which can stress joints and lead to other problems down the road.

Diabetes – If your dog continues to gain weight, there’s a chance he or she could develop Type II diabetes. Dogs who have this condition can’t process sugar because their pancreases either doesn’t produce insulin or makes very little. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that regulates the amount of glucose or sugar in the blood.

As you can see, there are many negative impacts when it comes to sugar. Remember that refined sugars are empty calories. They provide no health benefits to you or your dog.