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Published: 21 Mar 2024
Kathy R. Conner
Kathy R. Conner
Kathy is a licensed veterinary surgeon and writer in Miami. With over 20 years of experience in deal with pets and small animal, she hopes to share her knowledge on what she learned throughout her life to all animal lover. On her free time, she likes to attend Yoga and Meditation classes.
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Our articles are meticulously composed and vetted by veterinary professionals, guaranteeing precision and pertinence by consulting credible sources, chiefly scientific journals and veterinary manuals. Prior to publication and major revisions, we thoroughly validate the factual correctness, providing well-researched content rooted in veterinary science.

Sometimes, when you’re reaching into your freezer, your dog Fido might be nearby. If you pull out a caramel ice cream to enjoy, you’ll likely catch your pet gazing longingly at the delicious treat in your hand. This could lead you to wonder, can dogs eat caramel, or is it safe for them to have caramel? 

Caramel is commonly used in candy production and often has many forms as a sweet treat. But, can dogs eat caramel? Well, the answer is no. Although we, humans, can freely enjoy caramel as a dessert, it provides nothing good for your pet and can cause some real harm. 

While it isn’t toxic to dogs as well, it contains raw sugar, which dog lovers should never feed to their pets. Sugar can cause health issues to the dog, including diabetes, obesity, cavities, and it can even affect their mood. Read on for more information about dogs and caramel.

Why is Caramel Bad for Dogs?

Is caramel bad for dogs? Well, not exactly. Caramel is not included on the veterinary list of foods that are toxic for pets, so a dog can process it.

You may notice that some dog foods and treats often contain sweetened flavors. And caramel is sometimes placed as an ingredient in dog food but in a very small percent.

However, remember that our dog relies on us to feed them a nutritious and healthy diet, in the same way, children do. We have to make sure that they receive a wealth of good food while staying away from bad food.

Caramel is made up entirely of sugar that has been heated so that it caramelizes. While humans can occasionally savor a small amount of sugar, pets should avoid it at all times.

But unlike us, a dog’s body cannot digest and dispose of a lot of sugar, and the adverse effects of caramel are largely magnified when served to a dog, no matter its size.

As mentioned, caramel can take many forms as sugary treats and it is often added to chocolates. And in the first place, many people are already aware that chocolate poses the greatest danger to dogs and must definitely remain “non-grata” in a pet’s nutrition plan.

Caramel sugar is as bad for the dog’s overall well-being. Though, again, not considered poisonous, that much sugar can make a dog sick and set off long-term health problems that are difficult to reverse at times.

Is Caramel Okay for My Dog to Eat

Can Cause Vomiting and Diarrhea

A dog is not equipped to deal with large amounts of sugar. It may experience negative effects instantly after ingestion, and symptoms can include diarrhea and vomiting. If this does occur, you should stop feeding your dog and go to your vet if the symptoms persist after 24 hours.

Increases Weight Gain

Sugar represents empty calories, and caramel is basically pure sugar. A single candy stolen from the counter won’t lead to Fido becoming overweight, but it won’t take too many sweet treats for him to gain extra pounds.

Obesity is a major issue for dogs as they can struggle to carry their own weight. It can lead to muscle and joint problems, and it’s extremely challenging to alter weight from a canine that wants to eat. Particularly, if he got used to consuming sugary treats like caramel. Obesity can also lead to long-term concerns like diabetes.

Dental Issues

For almost a whole manner of tasks, dogs always rely on using their teeth and mouth. Besides drinking and eating, they use their mouth to identify and carry objects, and even defend themselves against potential threats when needed.

Thus, keeping your dog’s teeth in top shape is crucial, and coating them in a sugary and chewy sweet will lead to gum problems, tooth decay, and a host of other oral hygiene issues.

Behavioral Problems

A dog may show changes in his behavior after having a taste of caramel. A sugar rush is a real thing. It can be irritating in kids, but it will often pass without too many concerns.

But for dogs, it can lead to injury and could raise the dog’s blood sugar levels and undergo a massive sugar crash. He can become addictive, and your dog may crave more.

As a result, he will begin to adjust his behavior to try and get more of the sugary treats, which can eventually lead to behavioral and disciplinary problems. It’s also impossible to convince a caramel dog that he should trim down on a specific food, and he will see no reason why he shouldn’t have more.

Are There Side Effects in Giving a Dog Caramel

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Caramel?

You might also be wondering, what do I do if my dog ate caramel? Now if Fido accidentally consumed a bit of caramel, he’ll probably be all right. But you really must not frequently give your pup caramel.

Even though caramel itself is not poisonous to canines, some caramel-containing treats most possibly have some additional ingredients that are toxic for pets like chocolate.

The side effects of chocolate consumption include vomiting, diarrhea, excessive urination, increased thirst, and racing heart rate [1].

If your pup has mistakenly ingested a piece of caramel chocolate, bring it to the vet right away. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may take hours to develop, and these symptoms may last for days.

If your dog eats coffee-flavored caramel sweets or a caramel-flavored drink, the same safety measures should be taken.

You should also be aware that some candy treats contain artificial sweeteners known as xylitol which is dangerous to our canine friends.

Additionally, a pup who consumes a high sugar diet puts him at risk of a host of health problems such as cavities, obesity, depression, and diabetes.

Can I Feed My Dog Caramel as a Treat

What Alternative Treats Can I Give My Dog?

Like people, a pup can have a sweet tooth. If you want to give your dog a sweet treat, there are some better alternatives than caramel. These include:

Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt is a great treat for dogs that do not have a dairy intolerance. It can be beneficial for a pup that is suffering from an upset stomach. Moreover, plain yogurts contain high quantities of protein and calcium.

Peanut Butter

This nut butter has many healthy fats and proteins, making it an excellent option for dogs. It also makes a great filler for chew toys and other dog toys.

Frozen Fruits

You can also try making some frozen fruits such as frozen apple dog treats. Bits of banana or strawberries and really any fruits are actually good low-calorie alternatives (just like veggies), but make sure to avoid raisins and grapes.

These home-made cold snacks are edible and may help relieve oral discomfort. But don’t overdo it as fruits are high in sugar and are also high in water which can sometimes cause loose stools.

Doggy Treats

Many homemade doggy treats can also be made with ingredients that help keep the gums and teeth of your furry friend clean. Homemade snacks can also contain ingredients that enhance the shiny coat of the pet too.

Due to messes and an overall healthier digestive tract, healthy dog treats can mean fewer clean-up as well.

Is Caramel Bad for Dogs to Have

Frequently Asked Questions

Will eating Caramel kill dogs?

No, eating caramel will not kill dogs. With that being said, it’s essential to note that even though caramel is not deadly, it’s also not good for dogs, and they should not consume it.

What happens if a dog eats caramel?

As stated, caramel contains raw sugar. So it’s never a good idea to feed your dog caramel. As it does to humans, sugar can cause obesity, dental disease, and diabetes. After eating any caramel, monitor your dog, and if you have any concerns, call your veterinarian.

Can dogs eat caramel corn?

No, dogs cannot eat caramel corn. Caramel popcorn is very sugary, sweet, and sticky, making it bad for their health and teeth. Plain popcorn is safe for dogs in small amounts, but any corn with toppings, such as butter or caramel, is not safe for pets to eat frequently. But if Sparky happens to eat a piece that you accidentally dropped on the floor, it won’t hurt him.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat caramel? We already established that caramel is not dangerous in any way to our canine friends as long as it’s not mixed with chocolate or specific nuts.

Apart from the fact that caramel is just “pure sugar” with a different taste, there is no reason to be concerned just yet. That is unless Fido might eat it in large quantities.

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