Is Sugar Bad for Dogs?

Sugar probably isn’t good for dogs, but just how bad is it? And why should we pay attention to the sugar content of foods and treats that we feed our dogs?

By
CJ Puotinen
-
Published:
2
Can dogs eat sugar? They can but it isn't a good idea.
Although sugar is not toxic to dogs, just like with humans, too much can be harmful to them. Credit: Ioannis Tsotras | Getty Images
Dogs have a sweet tooth, just like their human companions. With functional sweet taste receptors on their tongues, dogs prefer sugary foods when they’re available. Just as in humans, sugars and starches (carbohydrates that the digestive tract quickly converts to sugar) cause canine blood glucose levels to rise.
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2 COMMENTS

  1. I discovered recently that AAFCO approved a new nutrition label in July 2023 and was recommending that all states enforce it by 2030. This new label resembles the one used with human food, so the percent of carbs and fiber will be included.

  2. I was highly disturbed at, and disappointed with, WDJ that CJ Puotinen’s article about sugar didn’t start out about the danger of xylitol. It is a long article and I believe there are probably many readers (only one is too many) who will skim the beginning of the article and never get deep enough to discover that some bubble gum, peanut butter and other products are deadly.