What Will Happen If You Share Maple Syrup With Your Dog?

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If you love pancakes or waffles, you might be a fan of maple syrup. This delicious liquid is very tasty, and you might have noticed how your dog looks at you while you pour some maple syrup into your food. Naturally, many dog owners want to know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat maple syrup?” The correct answer is - maybe. Maple syrup may be safe for your dog, but it will depend on the type and amount. Here’s what you should know about maple syrup for dogs.

Is maple syrup safe for dogs?

The first question all dog owners should ask is, “Is maple syrup safe for my dog?” Before we decide to share human foods with our dogs, we must ensure it’s safe for them. For example, grapes are delicious, but they are highly toxic to dogs. We already mentioned that the answer to maple syrup and dogs is MAYBE. There are different kinds, and some might not be safe for dogs to ingest. Here are a few things you should look out for;

1. Type

The type of maple syrup is most important. Some types are imitations, which means they are not naturally sweet. These types contain artificial sweeteners, like xylitol, which is very toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause all sorts of health issues. Other products that contain xylitol include toothpaste, chewing gum, and peanut butter. You have to avoid them.

2. Sugar

Natural maple syrup is delicious because it contains loads of sugar. That is the main reason we find it irresistible. However, dogs don’t need too much sugar in their lives. All the sugar they need can come from carbs in their food. Carbohydrates will turn into glucose in the dog’s body, which they’ll use as energy.

3. Amount

Natural maple syrup is safe for dogs, but only under the condition it is given to a dog in a moderate amount. You should never allow your dog to stuff their face with as much maple syrup as they want. Use it as a rare treat your dog gets on rare occasions.

Is maple syrup good for dogs?

Maple syrup contains loads of sugar, but it also includes a lot of healthy nutrients. Again, if you can control the amount you give to your dog, this delicious syrup can be beneficial for your dog. Here are some of the best things you can find in maple syrup;

• Zinc - Maple syrup contains a lot of zinc. This essential mineral can be found throughout your dog’s body, and it helps boost their immune system, metabolism functions, and wound healing and is crucial for the dog’s sense of smell and taste.
• Manganese - Manganese plays a part in how your dog utilizes protein and carbs from their food. Plus, it is essential for forming bones, connective tissue, sex hormones, and blood clotting. It is also vital for normal nerve and brain functions.
• Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) plays a few crucial roles in the dog’s body. It is necessary for red blood cell production, DNA formation, and nerve function.

Can maple syrup be bad for dogs?

All good things can become harmful if they’re abused. The same goes for maple syrup. If given in moderation, dogs can benefit from it. However, giving your dog too much maple syrup too often can lead to health issues. We already mentioned maple syrup contains a lot of sugar. That means that if your dog eats a lot of it, it can develop conditions like obesity, diabetes, or cavities.

What if my dog ate a lot of maple syrup?

Despite our best efforts, dogs can get into our maple syrup stash and open it with their strong jaws. You should call your vet and tell them what happened if that happens. This is considered a medical emergency, and you should take your dog to the vet or pet ER. You can expect the following;

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of energy
• Seizures

How to safely include maple syrup in your dog’s diet?

There are different ways you can include maple syrup into your dog’s diet. Before you do that, you should know the safe amount is about one tablespoon per 13 pounds of weight. The two easiest ways to include this are mixing with your dog’s kibble and feeding it directly from a spoon.

1. If you mix it with your dog’s kibble, you should make sure your dog eats everything if they don’t, remove the food because maple syrup can spoil it.
2. If you feed it directly from a spoon, your dog will most likely be more than happy to lick everything it can get its tongue on.
3. If you have time, you can prepare dog treats with maple syrup. Here’s a helpful recipe;

Ingredients

• 2 cups large flaked rolled oats
• 2 cups boiling water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2½ cups brown rice flour
• ¼ cup ground flax
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 large ripe mashed bananas

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
2. Get two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Mix the rolled oats, flax, and boiling water and let sit for 10 minutes.
4. Add the bananas, maple syrup, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt and mix well.
5. Add brown rice flour slowly until a stiff, sticky dough forms.
6. Place tablespoon-size balls of dough and the parchment paper.
7. Bake for 1 ½ hour, or until the cookies are mostly dried out, lightly browned on the outside, and crisp when broken.
8. Store in a vacuumed container.

World Dog Finder team