Gingerbread is a common treat that many people enjoy either baking themselves or buying from the shop.
Dog owners tend to feed their human treats to their pets but should these include gingerbread?
In this article, we will discuss the safety of gingerbread for dogs and whether or not it should be a part of their diet.
Like many human ‘foods’ gingerbread contains high levels of sugar and other ingredients which offer nothing to a dog and which could be harmful. You should not feed gingerbread to your dog.
The ingredients in gingerbread
Gingerbread is made up of several ingredients that are common in baked goods, including flour, sugar, molasses, and spices like ginger and cinnamon.
While these ingredients are generally safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, some of them can be harmful if ingested in large quantities.
Sugar is one of the most concerning ingredients in gingerbread, as it can cause digestive upset and contribute to obesity in dogs.
Additionally, molasses is high in sugar and iron, which can be toxic to pets if ingested in large amounts.
Ginger, on the other hand, is safe in small amounts and may even have some health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and aiding in digestion.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that ginger should be given in moderation, as too much of it can cause upset stomachs and other digestive issues.
Gingerbread facts for dogs
- The ingredients in gingerbread such as sugar, molasses, and spices like ginger and cinnamon are generally safe for pets to eat in small amounts. However, too much of these ingredients can cause digestive upset or other issues.
- One of the biggest risks of gingerbread is the presence of xylitol which can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure if ingested by dogs.
- Additionally, there is also a risk for choking on the small pieces so it’s best to keep this treat out of your dog’s diet altogether.
The risks of gingerbread for dogs
One of the biggest risks that gingerbread poses to dogs is the presence of xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs and cats.
Xylitol can cause rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure.
Symptoms of xylitol toxicity in pets include vomiting, tremors, and seizures.
Another risk of gingerbread is the potential for choking.
Dogs can easily choke on small pieces of gingerbread biscuits and treats.
Go for dog friendly treats instead
The bottom line
There are lots of things that you can treat your dog with but gingerbread is not one of them.
The high sugar content, the presence of xylitol, and the risk of choking make it best to keep gingerbread out of reach.
Instead, opt for dog-friendly treats that are specially formulated for their dietary needs.
If you’re concerned about your pet’s health after ingesting gingerbread or any other potentially toxic food, contact your veterinarian immediately.
