It is natural for people to feed our dogs with the foods we eat. It is a sign of our deep connection and affection for them, but it also shows how much we value our pets by giving them a share of what we eat.
One good example of this is Marzipan, a popular dish during the Holidays season.
But can dogs eat Marzipan? And is Marzipan safe for dogs?
Yes, dogs can eat Marzipan as it’s not poisonous. However, this food can lead to weight gain, which can result in more severe health conditions like hip dysplasia and obesity.
In this article, we’re going to dive deeper into the effects of Marzipan on dogs. We’ll also discuss its ingredients and some of the most common questions surrounding the topic.
What Is Marzipan?
Marzipan is a dessert made with a candy-like mixture consisting of sugar, almonds, corn syrup, and egg white.
There are also times when these are made of peanuts instead of the more common almonds. It is usually shaped like fruits, vegetables, and sometimes even animals. This makes them more enticing to eat, especially for children and dogs.
Is Marzipan Harmful To Dogs?
Marzipan isn’t very harmful to dogs if given in tiny amounts. But this can be life-threatening if you give a lot to them regularly.
Marzipan has high levels of sugar that can lead to abnormal weight gain.
This can lead to hip dysplasia because their bones will have a harder time carrying their heavier weight, especially in the hip area, which could then displace the bones.
Marzipan can also lead to digestive problems like indigestion and vomiting because the digestive system of dogs isn’t meant to process large amounts of sugar.
Keep a close eye on your dog after they eat Marzipan to prevent complications. It’s also best to take them straight to the nearest veterinarian if ever they show signs of indigestion or nausea.
Does Marzipan Have Cyanide?
Yes, Marzipan contains cyanide. However, the amount of cyanide present in Marzipan is very small. Nonetheless, this can pose serious health risks to your dog if given in large quantities.
Marzipan contains almonds which have amygdalin.
Amygdalin is broken down into different enzymes once your dog ingests it. These enzymes then release hydrogen cyanide, which is absorbed into your dog’s bloodstream. The cyanide is then transported to the cells, which can potentially stop cell respiration and cause death.
What Makes Marzipan Harmful To Dogs?
Marzipan is a kind of candy made of sugar, almonds, egg white, and corn syrup.
The digestive system of dogs isn’t designed to process sweets. Almonds are also high in fats which can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Some of the most common symptoms of pancreatitis are diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
This is a very serious issue because pancreatitis can become fatal if left untreated. It’s best to bring your dog immediately to the vet once you observe any of these symptoms. Almonds in Marzipan are also high in fat and sugar, which are unhealthy for your pooch.
How Much Marzipan Should You Feed Your Dog?
Take note that it’s better not to feed them any Marzipan if you want to stay safe.
There are many other treats you can give them, such as fruits like apples, oranges, mangoes, and pears. Not only are these safe for dogs, but they are also rich in vitamins and nutrients that would otherwise not be present in Marzipan.
What Happens To Your Dog If They Eat Too Much Marzipan?
Dogs overeating Marzipan regularly can lead to excessive weight gain. This can then complicate into more serious diseases like hip dysplasia and diabetes.
Make sure that you track their weight if you give them Marzipan every once in a while. Also, make sure that they won’t have easy access to Marzipans in your house.
Dogs that overeat Marzipan can also experience diarrhea and vomiting. There are also times when they lose appetite because of ingesting too much sugar.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Marzipan?
The first thing to do if your dog accidentally overates Marzipan is to bring them directly to the nearest vet.
You should do this even if they still look and act normal. It’s always better to avoid problems beforehand instead of solving them later. However, you can just observe them closely if they eat a small amount and give them a lot of water so that the sugar can be diluted in their body.
So, Can Dogs Eat Marzipan?
Yes, dogs can eat Marzipan. But it is not recommended because Marzipan has high sugar levels that can cause obesity and diabetes for dogs, especially if taken in large amounts.
Marzipan also has almonds that contain traces of cyanide, which is toxic for dogs. If you want to ensure utmost safety for your canine, it’s best to just avoid feeding Marzipan to your dogs, so you don’t risk their health.