Can dogs have maple syrup? Yes, dogs can have maple syrup in small quantities.
Maple syrup is often enjoyed with a variety of foods including pancakes, bacon, and waffles. It has a distinct and sweet flavor enjoyed by many people around the world.
It’s well known that dogs will eat pretty much anything they can, but not everything they eat is good for them. Let’s take a look at maple syrup and see if it can be enjoyed by our canine companions.
Table of Contents
What is maple syrup?
Maple syrup originates from the sap of a variety of maple trees found in Canada and America. Maple sap is a natural sweetener that is cooked and then reduced to make a rich and sweet syrup.
Maple syrup is often served with breakfast items or desserts, but can also be used in savory dishes, sauces, and meat glazes.
Benefits of maple syrup
Organic, pure maple syrup can be offered to dogs in moderation and as part of a wider, more balanced diet. Maple syrup should only be offered as a treat as it could cause health concerns if used over a constant, prolonged period of time.
Suggested reading: How many treats can my dog have a day?
Maple syrup contains:
Natural Antioxidants
Antioxidants help to defend a dog’s cells against damage and removes the threat from the body.
Without antioxidants, dogs can suffer from cancers, skin allergies, eye problems, and heart disease.
Vitamin B2
Supporting your dog’s digestion, Vitamin B2 is a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Vitamin B2 helps to break down carbohydrates and fats and turn them into energy ready for your pooch to burn.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for bone growth as well as maintaining heart function, stimulating wound healing, and also helps to aid in a dog’s digestive process.
potassium
Helping to support your dog’s nerves, heart, and muscles, potassium is a vital mineral that ensures your dog’s body functions correctly.
magnesium
Magnesium is a key mineral which helps with energy production, keeping your dog fit, healthy and ready for playtime.
How much maple syrup can dogs eat?
Dogs should only be offered small amounts of maple syrup. Breeds such as Great Danes can tolerate more maple syrup than a Chihuahua, however, as a general rule, no more than a tablespoon of maple syrup should be offered to a dog.
Smaller breeds such as Chihuahuas, Pugs, and Terriers should not be offered more than a teaspoon.
Excessive amounts of maple syrup can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, causing health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. Maple syrup should not be offered to dogs on a regular basis.
Is syrup bad for dogs?
Pure, organic maple syrup is not bad for dogs in small quantities. Avoid any imitation maple syrups that are highly processed and have added ingredients.
Golden syrup and sugar syrups contain far too many processed ingredients and are made up of a substantial amount of sugar. Too much sugar in a dog’s diet can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Xylitol is another ingredient to be wary of and before offering any food to your dog, the ingredients list should be checked thoroughly.
Xylitol is an extremely toxic substance to dogs and is often added to products to act as a sweetener. Xylitol can be found in syrups, peanut butter, and candy. Xylitol poisoning can include symptoms such as:
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Ataxia (loss of coordination)
- Diarrhea
If you suspect that your dog has eaten a product that contains xylitol, contact your veterinary practice immediately. Xylitol poisoning is an emergency situation that needs to be treated as soon as possible.
Can dogs eat pancakes with syrup?
Yes, dogs can eat dog friendly pancakes with pure maple syrup. Pancakes can be enjoyed by dogs if they are offered in small quantities, contain dog-friendly ingredients, and have no sugar added to the pancake mix.
Other pancake toppings can be added such as blueberries, strawberries, and banana before being drizzled with a small amount of maple syrup.
Your dog will love you for it! Bear in mind that this should only be offered as a rare treat and should not be given as a regular part of their diet.
Alternatives to maple syrup for dogs
Maple syrup offers an array of health benefits to dogs, however, there are other food products that can offer the same nutrients in a potentially higher concentration.
Always feed your dog a well-balanced and nutritious dog food before offering them any additional supplements. Your veterinary practice will be able to recommend a good commercial dog food for your dog to enjoy.
Sources of magnesium: Alternative dietary sources of magnesium include fish, spinach, potato, and bran cereals.
Sources of calcium: Dairy products are a great source of calcium including cheese and yogurt. Broccoli, spinach, and beans also provide high levels of calcium, however your dog would probably prefer the cheese!
Sources of Vitamin B2: Vitamin B2 is also known as riboflavin and is essential for your dog’s health. There are many sources of B2 including egg, beef, pork, yogurt, cheese, and fish.
Sources of antioxidants: There are a variety of sources of antioxidants that dogs can enjoy including raspberries, blueberries, carrots, sweet potato and broccoli.
Can dogs have maple syrup? Final thoughts
There’s no getting away from it – maple syrup sure is delicious. Whether it is enjoyed on your breakfast or on your dessert, it certainly adds a sweet and rich flavor. Likewise, your dog will appreciate the flavor and love you forever if you give them maple syrup as a tasty treat.
Always remember to check the ingredients in maple syrup before offering it to your canine companion. Never offer your dog products that contain xylitol and avoid maple syrups that are synthetic or have high sugar content.
A small amount of maple syrup will not cause harm to your dog and can offer a variety of vitamins and minerals. As with any food, always monitor your dog for any reaction post-ingestion.
