As summer rolls in and long days approach, many people think there’s no better time to get a new furry friend to join the family. As tempting as it may seem to give our new pet the most scrumptious of meals, It is important to note many aren’t safe to feed our canine friends.
One of these is balsamic vinegar, a popular condiment mostly used as salad dressing. With its intense flavor and tartness, not everyone agrees on whether or not our dogs can consume it. But the question still remains, is it alright to feed your pet dog balsamic vinegar?
Can your dogs eat balsamic vinegar?
No, it is not recommended that dogs eat balsamic vinegar. Balsamic vinegar contains high levels of acetic acid, which may cause stomach problems and other conditions, especially when consumed in large amounts.
Balsamic vinegar is made from the juice of grapes that are boiled until they turn into a thick syrup. The syrup is aged and fermented in barrels for about 12-25 years before it becomes balsamic vinegar. This process raesults in a product that has a deep, rich flavor and aroma.
Health Risks Of Balsamic Vinegar For Dogs
While balsamic vinegar doesn’t contain any toxic ingredient for dogs, including it in their regular diet is a no-no. Here are some of the health risks associated with balsamic vinegar.
Balsamic vinegar is acidic
Balsamic vinegar has a pH level of around 2 to 3, which is rather acidic. It should not be given to dogs that are suffering from gastritis or other types of stomach disorders.
Canines may experience stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. As such, it is not recommended to give balsamic vinegar to dogs even if they are healthy and free of any digestive issues. As many dogs have sensitive stomachs, eating too much acidic food could upset their digestive system.
Lastly, large doses of balsamic vinegar can even make some dogs less active and weaken their muscles, resulting in lethargy.
Balsamic vinegar is made from grapes
Grapes, and even raisins, are highly toxic for dogs to consume. While the compound causing toxicity of grapes is still unknown, there are reports of dogs and cats who experienced kidney failure several hours after ingestion of grapes.
Dogs who accidentally ate grapes may experience symptoms such as vomiting, weakness, dehydration, and stomach pains. It’s important to seek immediate care and bring your dogs to your vet in case they eat grapes or raisins.
Balsamic vinegar may contain high levels of sugar
Some cheap or low-cost versions of balsamic vinegar contain caramel color or syrup to enhance the color of the product. Caramel contains high amounts of sugar and while sugar isn’t toxic for dogs, overconsumption may cause stomach upset, or worse, increase the risk of obesity or diabetes in dogs.
Low-calorie balsamic vinegar may also contain artificial sweeteners which can be harmful for dogs. One such thing is xylitol, which is highly toxic for dogs to consume.
What should I do if my dog ate some balsamic vinegar?
If your canine companion ever ingested a small amount of balsamic vinegar, they will probably be alright. However, it is best to contact your vet for a checkup to avoid any incidents and observe your furry friend closely for any adverse side effects.
Dog owners whose pets have accidentally ingested large quantities of balsamic vinegar watch out for the following symptoms:
- Loss of hunger
- Lethargy or Weakness
- Excessive burping
- Seizures
- Blood in the urine
- Stomach pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Panting or shortness of breath
- Abnormal drooling
Can your dogs eat apple cider vinegar (ACV)?
Dogs are known for their keen sense of smell, meaning they can easily detect any apple cider vinegar that may be around the room. So if you’re wondering if it’s safe to give your dogs some apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic vinegar, you’re in luck!
Apple cider vinegar is a safer and healthier option for dogs. Yes, dogs can eat apple cider vinegar. If you ever decide to give your dog some, it is very important to keep in mind that this product can have a strong taste if given on a regular basis. It’s best to use only small or diluted amounts for your furry friends.
Here are some benefits of apple cider vinegar for dogs:
- Natural flea repellant
- Can prevent ear infections
- Can prevent bacterial and fungal infections
- Helps promote shiny coat
- Can aid in healthy digestion
Final Takeaway
Although a small amount of balsamic vinegar won’t harm your dogs, the safest option is not to feed them with it. The small amount of balsamic vinegar doesn’t really bring any health benefits and added nutrients for dogs.
Balsamic vinegar has a high acidity which can cause gastrointestinal problems for dogs. It is also made with risky ingredients such as grapes and caramel syrup, which can be problematic for dogs when consumed especially in large amounts.
As pet owners, you should always be mindful and responsible of ensuring the safety of your pets. So if you’re still thinking whether dogs can eat balsamic vinegar or not, stick to safer options. There are far better and healthier foods out there to include in your dog’s diet.