Like humans, dogs have unique characteristics and vary in weight and height; hence differences in metabolism appear. For this reason, feeding them certain foods that are safe for humans can pose a severe health risk for your fur baby. Can dogs eat fruit snacks?
Fruit snacks are stapled items in today’s homes, and if you are a dog owner, you understand the temptation of sharing your snacks with your pup. But are they safe for dog consumption? The answer depends on the type of fruits and nuts added to the fruit bars. Also, the amount of sugar used to enhance the sweet taste of these treats.
To help you understand the adverse effects these products may have on your dog, this article outlines the reasons why fruit snacks might be unfit for dog consumption.
What fruits are toxic to dogs?
American Kennel Club has a comprehensive list containing fruits and vegetables dogs can’t eat. While several human foods are innocent for dogs, some of them are unhealthy or even dangerous for dogs. It’s good to know which fruits are not recommended for dogs:
- Avocado – contains a toxin called persin. Consumption leads to vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.
- Cherries – contain cyanide, toxic to dogs. Cyanide poisoning disrupts cellular oxygen transport.
- Grapes (including raisins) – can lead to acute sudden kidney damage in dogs.
Components of Fruit Snacks
While there are claims that these products may add vitamins and minerals necessary for a healthy life, some leading brands fill their products with corn syrup, preservatives, and other sugar concentrates. These extras are not needed as they are loaded with empty calories, leading to unnecessary weight gain in your pet.
The recommended intake of sugar in humans is about 36 grams, while these snacks have an extra 20 grams per the recommended serving. According to recent studies on these chewable goodies, one fruit snack package amounts to 2 and a half tablespoons of sugar.
However, some fruit snack brands are produced from natural ingredients; hence, they may hold some nutritional values. But the primary component remains to be sugar and other unhealthy additives; thus, very little value is gained from feeding them to your dog. Just like humans, sugary snacks can be harmful to dogs.
Effects of Excessive Sugar on your Pet
Not only is sugar unnecessary in your dog’s diet, but various health risks also accompany it. The results are similar to those in humans. While some are not as dangerous, sugar generally increases the production of insulin lowering sugar levels.
Slow metabolism
Dogs require glucose just like people; however, they do not directly consume it. Excessive sugar alters your dog’s metabolism process, leading to unnecessary fat storage and lessens the immune system. This exposes your pet to hormone-related diseases and infections.
Weight gain
Veterinarians have linked a majority of obesity cases in pets to a low diet. A diet that includes a lot of sugar creates an addiction that becomes a bad habit not easy to abandon. If your dog is continuously eating refined sugar products, he is set to gain weight at a fast rate.
Obesity in dogs has similar effects as it does in humans. The adversities lead to other serious health problems in the long run. This problem includes coronary diseases, respiratory issues, and diabetes.
Before making any diet changes, ensure you consult your veterinarian on the right food you can introduce to your dog.
Cavities
Fruit snacks predispose dogs to oral infections and dental cavities. Just like humans, sugar plays a significant role in the development of oral diseases and dental cavities. Harmful bacteria in a dog’s mouth feed on sugar, creating acids that weakness the enamel. This makes room for bacteria build-up, which eventually turns into cavities that may cause discomfort in your fur baby.
To ensure your pet’s oral health is good, avoid feeding them sugary foods and lower their carbohydrate intake. You can also buy dog-friendly toothpaste and brush your dog’s teeth daily. Make sure you avoid toothpaste with additives like xylitol; this type of sugar is hazardous for dogs. It can cause severe health problems and, in some cases, even death!
Upset tummy
Canine diarrhea triggered by sugar can show mild symptoms that may go away on their own after some time.
If the symptoms are mild, you are free to offer your dog water and an easy on stomach diet suitable for dogs with diarrhea. These are food rich in high digestible carbohydrates and protein. If the symptoms persist, you are advised to take directives from your veterinarian.
Signs your Dog Might have Eaten Fruit Snacks
Some fruit snack brands contain xylitol (this is a naturally occurring powder that substitutes sugar during the production of some beverages). This element is highly toxic to dogs and can cause hypoglycemia (this is the decrease in sugar levels in the bloodstream). While these products may contain a fair amount of xylitol, it takes only a couple of pieces to trigger hypoglycemia.
If taken in moderate amounts, these products are harmless; however, dogs are different. Some may develop an allergic reaction, and some may not have symptoms at all. However, symptoms of excessive sugar intake will vary according to the amount of sugar ingested.
While short-term effects will only cause discomfort, long-term results are ruinous. For that reason, here are some of the most common short-term effects of mild sugar intake.
- Lack of Coordination
- Weakness
- Diarrhea
- Hyperactivity
- Bloodshot eyes
Steps to Take if your Dog Eats Fruit Snacks
While fruit snacks do not pose serious harm to dogs, they are unhealthy and may have serious long-term effects. The first step is taking away the snacks from them. Avoid trying to treat your dog unless you are following professional vet directives. You are also advised against attempting to induce vomiting; this may only make things worse.
Monitor your dog’s health for some time and ensure they do not have any allergic reaction to the supplements. If you spot any abnormal changes in behavior, contact your veteran as immediately as possible. To avoid future predicaments, always keep your fruit snacks out of reach from your pet.
Can dogs eat Doritos?
Doritos are not good dog foods because contain onion and garlic, both toxic to dogs. If your dog has any sensitivity to dairy, the lactose contained in Doritos can make his stomach upset.
The high amount of salt and fat added to flavors with hot sauce might unsettle your pet’s stomach. Even this type of food (tasty triangles for you) doesn’t contain any fruits, you need to know that you have to avoid feeding your dog with Doritos.
Can dogs eat fruit snacks? Conclusion
Please remember that not any food or fruits that look and taste good for us is good for dogs. If the fruit is safe for you, might be unsafe for your dog. Always, keep in mind to read the label and avoid feeding your dog any fruit snack that contains toxic fruits to dogs.
A moderate amount of sugar is recommended for your pup, especially the naturally occurring type found in ordinary dog food. I would indeed advise against fruit snacks mainly due to high-levels of artificial sugar and other unhealthy additives.
The disadvantages of these products outweigh the good ones; hence your pup does not require these foodstuffs. You can always opt for other alternatives like fruits and vegetables to give your pet a well-balanced treat with good health benefits.
