With its sweet, rich and unique flavor, it is safe to say that people love maple syrup, but what about their pets? Anyone who loves maple syrup may have been tempted to slip their canine friend a bite of syrupy pancake under the breakfast table, but can dogs have maple syrup?
Surprisingly, yes, our canine companions can have maple syrup, albeit in limited quantities. Maple syrup contains high amounts of natural sugars, which generally should not be consumed in high quantities by humans or animals. Dogs, however, because of their size, are more sensitive to high sugar levels (1) than their human counterparts.
Dogs Can Have Maple Syrup
Dogs can enjoy the occasional taste of maple syrup. Dogs can also enjoy other natural sugars like honey, brown sugar, molasses, and certain fruits. Real maple syrup, along with other natural sweeteners, lacks potentially harmful preservatives and artificial sweeteners. It should also be noted that dogs should not eat chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which have the potential to cause serious illness (2).
Dogs Should Not Have Artificial Ingredients
You should never give your pooch maple syrup that contains artificial ingredients. Artificial table syrup, or substitute syrups, contains ingredients that could make your dog ill. Dangerous ingredients to look out for include:
- Corn Syrup
- Preservatives
- Xylitol
Corn Syrup
Maple syrup alternatives that contain corn syrup pose a severe risk for dogs. Corn syrup is a highly processed sweetener that contains unhealthy amounts of processed sugar. This high and unnatural sugar content poses a risk for healthy dogs and especially dogs who are diabetic. High sugar levels are also a leading cause of obesity and weight gain for both dogs and humans (3).
Preservatives
Preservatives also pose a dangerous risk to dogs. Preservatives have been linked to poor digestion, skin and coat issues, irregular bowel movements and depression (4).
Xylitol
Xylitol is a common ingredient in artificial table syrups and pancake syrups. Xylitol presents numerous potentially deadly hazards for dogs. Dogs who consume xylitol may experience negative liver failure and hypoglycemia. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, shaking or even seizures (4).
Letting Dogs Have Maple Syrup The Right Way
Dogs can have maple syrup, and it makes for a tasty treat. Topping off kibble or mixing peanut butter with a small amount of maple syrup make for great ways to treat your dog.
Dog owners should only give their dogs maple syrup in small amounts – no more than a tablespoon a day. It is important to make sure that when fed, dogs only consume pure, organic maple syrup. Dogs should not eat artifical syrups as they pose a dangerous risk to their health. Before giving your dog maple syrup, make sure to contact a veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
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Vermont Maple Syrup makes the best organic Vermont maple syrup, maple sugar, and maple candy you will taste. In classy, nostalgic packaging that puts Vermont first. Organic, pure small-batch maple syrup and maple sugar — tapped, collected, and made available from our 1,200-acre farm in the small town of Guilford, Vermont, USA.
