“Yes.” Your dogs can be given syrup in a limited quantity. Can anyone deny that syrup of any kind is a simple yet delicious addition to the diet? The term “syrup” is very appetizing for humans, so it is for your furry friends. So, would you like to know if dogs can eat syrup? Scroll down to know some essential facts on syrup and dogs.
Table of Contents
What is a Syrup?
A thick, sugary, concentrated, and sticky liquid made by boiling down plant sap, fruit juice, or grain extracts generally consists of a sugar base with natural or artificial flavoring and water. Some popular syrups are – Honey, Maple, Chocolate, Pancake, Fruit, Corn, Agave, Malt, Sorghum, etc. A lovely topping, syrup adds taste to your pancakes, waffles, French toast, fruit salads, and oats porridges.
Nutritional Value of Syrups per Tablespoon Serving
List of Syrups
Fat
Protein
Carbs
Calories
Regular Syrup
0.01
–
13.71
53
Maple Syrup
0.04
–
13.42
52
Chocolate Syrup
0.22
0.41
12.69
54
Honey
–
0.003
0.824
64
Pancake Syrup
–
–
12.29
47
Agave Syrup
0.15
0.52
16.23
68
Fruit Syrup
0.02
0.01
14.15
53
Corn Syrup
–
–
16.78
64
Malt Syrup
–
1.49
17.11
76
Sorghum Syrup
–
–
15.73
61
Is Syrup Safe for Dogs?
Studies show syrups are not lethal for dogs. However, it is better if syrups of any kind are fed in moderation to dogs since they are high in sugar. Ensure you check the ingredients before providing them to your pups. Whereas natural syrups are rich in sugar, store-bought syrups contain artificial flavors and additives such as chocolates, xylitol that can cause danger to your dogs. Considering the nutritional components that can be good for your dog’s diet, syrups can be regarded as a safe and occasional treat to dogs.
Why is Syrup Good for Dogs?
Some contents in syrup that are good for dogs include:
Vitamin B2: Riboflavin produces red blood cells that transport oxygen and other vital nutrients throughout our body.
Manganese: This helps in utilizing carbohydrates and proteins. They also boost reproductive health and help certain enzymes to build fatty acids and create energy.
Zinc: Zinc plays an essential role in reducing inflammation and, jointly with manganese, gives a good immunity.
Antimicrobial properties: Antimicrobials are agents that fight against microorganisms and stop their growth in the body.
Calcium: This mineral is essential for a dog’s dental health and overall bone health.
Choline: Choline is an amino acid kind of nutrient that maintains healthy liver and muscles.
Folate is a type of B vitamin that produces healthy red blood cells and repairs the DNA. As a result, it reduces congenital disabilities during early pregnancy.
Anti-Cancer Properties: Some syrups can be used as medicines in pets due to their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that fight cancer.
The nutrients mentioned above are present in maple syrup, unpasteurized honey, agave syrup, corn syrup, and fruit syrup.
Why is Syrup Bad for Dogs?
Some syrups contain artificial sweeteners, colors, flavors, and preservatives. As a result, they are toxic for your four-legged friends. Some of these are listed below:
Xylitol: Though artificial sweeteners like xylitol are helpful to human beings, they are unsafe for dogs. Xylitol causes hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death in dogs. So, if your store-bought syrup says it is “sugar-free,” consider not to feed your pets at any cost. Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in your dog are:
Lethargy
Weakness
Coma
Seizures
Sugar: Any syrup, be it natural or store-bought, are high in sugar content. Syrups contain 60% sugar and can pave the way for many diseases when dogs eat them daily. So, it is best to serve in moderation. Keep syrups away from your diabetic dogs. Symptoms of canine diabetes as a result of excessive sugar consumption are:
Excessive thirst
Dehydration
Increased appetite
Weight loss
Increased urination
Dental Issues: As a sugary food, syrups cause dental issues in your dog.
Chocolate: Chocolates contain substances like caffeine and theobromine, which are stimulants and harmful for dogs.
Chemicals and artificial color, flavors, and preservatives are found in chocolate, pancake syrup, and store-bought syrups like maple syrup, corn syrup, and fruit syrups.
How much Syrup to feed Dogs?
According to vets, two to three tablespoons of syrup (maximum) once a week and nothing more than that should be sufficient for dogs.
What If My Dog Ate Syrup?
The side effects of feeding your dog a large quantity of syrup that contains toxic ingredients knowingly or unknowingly can be listed into two categories: Instant Side Effects and Long-Term Side Effects.
Instant Side Effects: Some of the ingredients that make a syrup can be dangerous for your kibble nibblers. They cause instant symptoms like:
Frequent urination
Dehydration
Excessive thirst
Weight loss
Lethargy
Increased appetite
Vomiting
Seizures
Fast heart-rate
Skin rashes
Allergic reactions
Weakness
Confusion
Long-Term Side Effects: Some ingredients in these types of syrup may not cause harm instantly, but they may act as slow poison gradually. Here is a list of health issues that your dog may suffer with:
Obesity
Diabetes
Dental problems
Liver failures
Pancreatitis
Blood pressure
Inflammation of joints
Suppose you find your dog accidentally eating syrup. In that case, approach your vet immediately. Report the quantity consumed and the period between the consumption and the call. This can help your vet get a clear picture of the next course of action. If your vet is not approachable, it is best to contact the Animal Poison Control Center to treat your dog immediately.
Alternatives to Syrup
Healthy alternatives to syrups would be feeding natural foods like dog-friendly fruits, vegetables that are either cooked or ripened and sliced or diced. However, among syrups, Maple syrup or Honey can be a healthy alternative when made at home or prepared naturally.
Yes, dogs can be fed with honey. Honey has vital nutrients that support a dog’s health in many ways.
Can Dogs Eat Agave Syrup?
No, dogs cannot be fed agave syrup since the toxic elements in agave outweigh the nutritional benefits; it is not a good option for your dog’s diet. In addition, it contains 68% of sugar.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Syrup?
No, dogs should not be given golden syrup. Otherwise known as corn syrup, they contain 76% of sugar and only a few nutritional contents like Zinc. Zinc can be made up in other dog foods even, let alone corn syrup.
Can Dogs Eat Fruit Syrup?
Yes, dogs can eat fruit syrup when prepared at home without adding any extra sugar. However, it is simpler to peel, cut, and serve fruits instead of opting for a less healthy and more tiresome process.
Can Dogs Eat Pancake Syrup?
No, dogs should not be fed pancake syrup since they contain extra sugar, dyes, preservatives, and artificial flavors. This has no nutritional value.
Conclusion
Gathering all the facts mentioned in the article, you would understand that syrup can be of any good to dogs? On a nutritional note, it is not an excellent addition to your dog’s daily diet. However, suppose you and your dog meet eyes while planning to grab a bite of syrup-coated treats. In that case, you are free to do so only “occasionally.”
