As delicious as this treat is, I wouldn’t advise you to give your dogs donuts. The ingredients used in making this snack make it hard to even consider it a snack option. I’m talking about the sugar, dairy products, and oil that are harmful to your pet. Don’t worry, as you keep reading you’ll discover why donuts are a big no-no for your pet.
Why Are Donuts Bad for Dogs
As stated earlier they contain many ingredients that are harmful to your pet, but that’s not all, some varieties are topped with chocolate, and extra sugar that can cause you to have an emergency visit to your vet if you do not take caution. Let’s take a look at them:
Chocolate: A lot of donuts have chocolate that is seriously harmful to your pet due to the presence of methylxanthines like theobromine and caffeine. Now these substances can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death in the worst cases. Trust me, you do not want to lose your pooch because of a “supposedly harmless snack”
Caffeine: There was a time I went shopping with my friend and she wanted to get snacks for her pup, she got donuts. Now we almost left, but then I stopped in my tracks to ask the vendor how he prepared the donuts and I screamed. Already, I wasn’t on board with the idea of her getting donuts but donuts with caffeine was another matter entirely. I had to ask my friend politely to return it and get something else. Wanna know why? Caffeine causes serious problems for your pup, you may begin to notice symptoms like rapid breathing, heart palpitations, restlessness, and even seizures.
Sugar: We all know sugar is one of the main ingredients in donuts, some of them even have added sugar, getting your pet this snack means you’re knocking on the door of weight gain, dental issues, and pancreatitis
Note: Even if a donut doesn’t contain chocolate or caffeine, the combination of sugar, fat, and other ingredients can still cause digestive issues like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
What are the dangerous ingredients in donuts for dogs
As mentioned earlier, we’ve got chocolate on the list. I guess I didn’t mention xylitol, macadamia nuts, fatty glazes, and fillings. Well, they make the list too.
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that causes the same harm as sugar, while Macadamia nuts can make your dog weak or cause hyperthermia. Moreover, the fatty glazes or fillings you see are made with butter, cream, and oils, all of which are fatty content your dog should avoid at all costs if you don’t want to risk serious complications.
What do I do If my dog eats a donut?
In cases where your dog accidentally eats a donut, here’s what you should do:
Assess the situation
Check the type and amount of donut your dog ate and pay close attention to the ingredients especially if they contain chocolate, mama nut, or artificial sweeteners
Contact your vet Immediately
Call your vet and give them details about the type and quantity of donut your dog ate, as well as their weight and any existing medical conditions. Your vet will advise you on the appropriate course of action and this may include inducing vomiting or bringing your dog in for treatment.
Watch for signs of poisoning
Depending on the ingredients in the donut, your dog may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, restlessness, tremors, seizures, or an abnormal heart rate. If you notice any of these signs, please seek veterinary attention immediately, as it could indicate a serious issue.
What can I give my dog other than donuts?
Instead of donuts, try your hands on other healthier alternatives, here’s a look at some of them:
Commercial dog treats: When shopping next, check for treats that are specially made for dogs. Trust me these ones are designed nutritionally with your pup in mind.
Fresh fruits and vegetables: Go for carrots, green beans, apples, bananas, and cucumbers. They are healthy and make an excellent tear option for your pup.
Cooked lean proteins: If you have chicken breast or turkey in your fridge, cook them and give them to your pet as a reward for being the perfect furry buddy.
Homemade dog treats: You can also make them treats at home using ingredients like wheat flour, peanut butter, and oats. Trust me, you’ll find a lot of healthy recipes online for this treat.
Conclusion
To reiterate, donuts are not safe for your dog to eat, not even a small amount is recommended. So, it’s best you do not feed your pup with them and go for healthier options. Don’t forget to consult your vet to help you create a good diet plan that meets your dog’s requirements and ensures their overall well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donuts bad for dogs?
Yes, they are. This is due to the harmful ingredients in them
Can donuts kill dogs?
Well, this may happen in severe cases, especially if the donut has lots of chocolates or xylitol
Can dogs eat glazed donuts or blueberry donuts?
No, I wouldn’t recommend any type of donut for your pup, whether glazed or flavored with fruits.
Read More: Can Dogs Eat Crisps? The Truth About This Popular Snack
