Most people know that sugar is not good for humans – but what about dogs? Can they have a little sweetness now and then, or should sugar be avoided altogether?
Here we look at what’s involved, why sugar can be harmful to dogs and what to do if your four-legged friend has had too much.
Is sugar dangerous for dogs?
Sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it is **not healthy either**. Dogs have no nutritional need for sugar – their bodies are built to absorb energy from protein and fat, not from fast carbohydrates.
A little sugar once in a while is rarely dangerous, but **regular intake** can cause:
– Stomach problems (gas, vomiting, diarrhea)
– Obesity
– Tartar and tooth loss
– Increased risk of insulin resistance and diabetes
In short: dogs do best by **avoiding sugar completely**.
Why do dogs like sweet things?
Dogs have fewer taste buds than humans, but they can still taste sweet things.
This explains why many dogs love fruit – and sometimes want to taste what we eat.
But just because something tastes good doesn’t mean it’s good for your body – and that goes for dogs too.
Is there any “okay” sugar for dogs?
Yes, **natural sugar** in some fruits and vegetables is harmless in small amounts.
Fruits like blueberries, strawberries and apple pieces (without core) can be good snacks, as they also contain fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
But fruit and treats should never take over the diet. As a rule of thumb, snacks and treats – including fruit – should **not make up more than 10% of your dog’s daily energy intake**.
The rest should come from a **complete and balanced complete feed** that follows the FEDIAF nutritional guidelines.
? Read more about our natural feeds here: https://www.majstor.se/hundfoder
Sugars to avoid completely
Some sweeteners are downright dangerous for dogs, especially **xylitol**, which is found in many chewing gums, throat lozenges and sugar-free products.
Xylitol can cause severe blood sugar drops, vomiting, seizures and, in the worst cases, liver damage – even in very small amounts.
Other types of sugar that are not toxic but unnecessary and unhealthy are:
– White sugar
– Brown sugar
– Icing sugar
– Cane sugar
– Syrup
In short: stick to **natural ingredients without added sugar**.
My dog ate sugar – what should I do?
If your dog has ingested a small amount of sugar, such as licking something sweet, it’s usually not a problem.
But if he’s eaten **large amounts of sugar, candy or anything with xylitol**, you should **contact your vet immediately**.
Too much sugar can irritate the stomach or pancreas, and xylitol is acutely toxic.
Always keep an eye on treats, baked goods and chewing gum – many dogs are curious and quick.
Majstor stands for natural dog food – without added sugar
At Majstor we believe in **pure, natural and honest dog food**.
Our food contains **no unnecessary additives, flavor enhancers or sugar** – only high quality raw materials, designed to give the dog everything it needs every day.
For us, consideration is not about offering something sweet – it’s about providing **balanced nutrition that keeps your dog healthy and happy**.
Explore our range ?
– Majstor Lamb & Rice – natural feed for sensitive stomachs: https://www.majstor.se/produkt/lamb-rice
– Majstor Duck & Rice – tasty feed without added sugar: https://www.majstor.se/produkt/duck-rice
In short
– Sugar is not toxic, but unhealthy.
– Natural sugar from fruit is okay in small amounts.
– Avoid all added sugar – especially xylitol.
– Choose natural food without additives – your dog will thank you.
Quick facts: Sugar and dogs
Question Answer
Can dogs eat sugar? -No. Sugar is not toxic, but it is unhealthy for dogs.
Is xylitol dangerous for dogs? -Yes – highly toxic even in small amounts. Found in sugar-free chewing gum and candy.
Is fruit okay? -Yes, in small amounts. Choose dog-friendly fruit such as blueberries, strawberries and seedless apple pieces.
**Sources:**
The information in this article is based on veterinary recommendations from international sources such as VCA Hospitals, PetMD and the American Kennel Club (AKC), as well as on the FEDIAF guidelines for nutritionally balanced diets for dogs.
