Is Candy Dangerous For Dogs?
Some foods can be dangerous for dogs, such as candy. Sometimes we think dogs are capable of digesting the same foods as humans, but that’s not quite the case.
Too much sweets, like everything else in life, are bad for the health of both dogs and humans. Next, we’ll talk about the influence of sweets on the diet of these animals and about the right foods for their diet.
Sweets in dog food
In its composition, sweets include sugars, also known as carbohydrates. The idea about sugars is generally negative, but the daily intake of carbohydrates is necessary for the body.
However, it is important to differentiate between refined sugar and carbohydrates. The sugars that can be added to the dog’s diet should be carbohydrates, not exceeding the recommended 5% per day.
The carbohydrates are needed in the diet because they provide energy and also act on gastrointestinal function. However, the most important thing is to maintain a balanced diet.
What carbohydrates can be included in the diet?
When asking where to find carbohydrates, the most common answers might be cereals or pasta, among others. However, there are different types of carbohydrates:
- Digestible. The best known are: glucose, fructose, lactose or galactose.
- Not digestible. They aim to promote intestinal transit and reduce caloric intake. What stands out most is the fiber.
These different carbohydrates can be found in foods such as milk and dairy products. Other options are legumes, vegetables, fruits or tubers, along with cereals (rice, corn, barley and oats).
Are candy dangerous for dogs?
Popular beliefs contain numerous contributions about health, most of which are advice. Let’s present the most common ideas on the subject.
Candy makes dogs blind
This belief is widespread and often repeated, although it must be made clear that it is not entirely true. It is true that excessive sugar consumption can lead to the development of illnesses.
One of the best known diseases in these cases is diabetes, which can have a series of complications. Among its derivative effects are cataracts and, in the worst case, blindness.
Therefore, it is possible to say that eating sweets without any control can end up causing blindness in dogs. To prevent this from happening, the intake of sugars by dogs must be controlled, providing the recommended 5% daily in their diet.
However, if by any carelessness the animal ingests a piece of cake, pie or candy, it will not get sick because of it. However, it is important to avoid these situations and only provide candy and treats suitable for dogs.
Another disease that can be mentioned in these cases is overweight. In these pathologies, it is essential to monitor the diet and exercise to control them.
Too much sweets and energy
The main contribution of carbohydrates to the body is energy, so that beings can stay active during the day. However, the poor administration of nutrients can lead to a number of problems characteristic:
- Overweight and obesity.
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Deterioration of joints and bones.
- Significant reduction of defenses.
What candies can be given to dogs?
For all that, doubts can arise about which foods or sweets are suitable for dogs. It is important to avoid the administration of cheap feed for dogs, as they can cause long-term health problems.
This is because they are rich in sugars and their prolonged administration can lead to the development of diabetes or other health problems. Therefore, it is suggested to follow the BARF diet or include portions rich in carbohydrates.
If you don’t have time to prepare this type of diet, there are always other options. The market offers a wide variety of quality products that provide the necessary amounts of different nutrients.
In addition, you can also find treats created exclusively for dogs. These options meet nutritional recommendations and are a reward for the animal for its good behavior, for example.
possible, but in the right measure
For all these reasons, sweets are not dangerous for dogs, as long as their administration is controlled. You also need to consider how to incorporate sugars into your dog’s diet in a healthy way.
In this way, the animal will be able to have energy to burn through various games or exercises, such as running or jumping, and will be healthy, reducing the risk of developing various diseases associated with food.
