Pecan pies are a favorite of many people. It has a very rich taste and is usually served at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is also a common dessert specialty in the Southern regions of the United States. Who doesn’t love a slice of pecan pie?
People love to eat pecan pies because of their delectable taste, but you might be wondering if you can share a slice of pecan pie with your furry friend.
Can dogs eat pecan pie?
No, dogs cannot eat pecan pie, and you shouldn’t let them eat it regularly.
Pecan pie contains corn syrup
Pecan pies are made with loads of sugar, butter, and corn syrup. These ingredients make it unhealthy for dogs to eat.
As we all know, excessive consumption of sugar is the main culprit for dogs to gain weight quickly. Weight-related issues in dogs can also affect their bone and joint health, as well as increase the risk of heart illnesses. High sugar consumption is also related to the risk of having diabetes and dental problems in dogs.
Corn syrup is very unhealthy for dogs. It upsets their stomachs and causes diarrhea and vomiting. Some dogs are allergic to corn syrup, so it can make them break out in rashes or hives.
May contain chocolate and alcohol
Some pecan pie recipes also contain chocolate and alcohol, which makes the food dangerous for them to eat. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is a toxic compound for dogs. Dogs also can’t consume alcohol as it might lead them to alcohol poisoning.
But aside from these ingredients, pecan itself being the main ingredient, is also not safe for dogs to eat. Here’s why.
Risks associated with pecan for dogs
Pecans are a good source of nutrients like protein, healthy fats, vitamin A, vitamin E, and calcium to name a few. However, you would need to consume a large amount of pecans to get the most out of its nutritional value.
Eating a large amount of pecans may pose more threat to your dogs, and here are the risks associated with pecans for dogs:
Pecans contain a toxic compound called juglone
Pecan trees produce fruit that contains a toxin called juglone. Juglone is present in all parts of the tree but is most concentrated in the buds, nut hulls, and roots. Although it is less concentrated in the leaves and nuts, this toxic compound may cause severe health issues in dogs such as vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and tremors.
We do not recommend giving your dogs pecans as part of their regular diet. If you suspect that your dog ate a large amount of pecan, you should immediately consult with your veterinarian.
Pecans are high in fat
Pecans are usually the go-to nut option for people on a keto diet, but it’s not ideal for your dogs. The high fat content of pecans may cause gastrointestinal issues for them and they may find it hard to digest.
Diarrhea and pancreatitis are some of the common stomach issues your dogs may experience. Pancreatitis in dogs is a life-threatening disease that requires immediate attention.
Dogs with pancreatitis experience an inflamed pancreas, which can also cause damage to nearby tissues and organs inside their body. Here are the most common signs of pancreatitis in dogs:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Hunched back
- Fever
- Weakness or lethargy
Aside from pecans, the butter in pecan pies can also contribute to the high fat levels of this food. So it’s never a good idea to feed them fatty foods to reduce the risk of having pancreatitis.
Mold-contaminated pecans
Pecans, like other nuts, are susceptible to mold growth when improperly stored. These molds (Aspergillus species) produce toxins called aflatoxin, which is lethal for both humans and animals in general.
Aside from nuts, aflatoxin can also occur in different types of food, such as grains (rice, corn), and dried foods. This toxin is highly carcinogenic, which increases the risk of getting severe diseases like cancer.
Pecans may be a choking hazard
Eating a whole piece of pecan pie can be harmful, especially for smaller dog breeds. Pecans may cause choking and intestinal blockage for dogs because of their size and texture.
If your dog shows signs of intestinal blockage or choking, you can try to carefully remove the choking hazard by yourself and monitor them frequently for any other health issues. If you can’t remove the hazard by yourself, go to your nearest veterinarian immediately.
What should you do if your dog ate pecan pie?
If your dog happens to eat a slice of pecan pie, they will probably be alright. You may want to monitor them for any signs of stomach-related issues, like diarrhea or vomiting. If they exhibit these symptoms, make sure they are properly hydrated.
If they happen to show more serious symptoms like seizures or weakness, it’s best to go straight to the vet for immediate care.
Which nuts are safe for dogs to eat?
Nuts are a great snack for humans, so you might be tempted to share some with your furry pals. Since pecans, like walnuts and macadamia nuts, are not a good option, you can opt for a more dog-friendly snack like unsalted cashew nuts or peanuts.
It’s important to highlight that dogs should be given plain and unsalted nuts. Too much consumption of salt in dogs can cause dehydration and salt poisoning. Giving them a trail mix is also not a good idea. These trail mixes often contain salt, sugar, and raisins, which can do more harm than good.
What types of pie are safe for dogs?
Pies in general, are not a great food option for your dogs. Most pie recipes, whether sweet or savory, contain high amounts of salt, sugar, butter, and other ingredients that may cause illnesses for your dogs in the long run.
In this case, you can bake your own dog-friendly pies at home, using dog-friendly ingredients like mashed fruits and vegetables, xylitol-free peanut butter, or even meat. As dog owners, it is important to ensure that we only give what’s best for our dog’s health.
Conclusion – Can dogs eat pecan pie?
Pecan pie is a rich, sticky sweet pie that’s a common holiday treat. While it’s delicious, it’s not an appropriate choice for dogs. Pecan pie contains high amounts of sugar and fat which can negatively affect their health.
Pecan pies may also contain chocolate and alcohol which is toxic for dogs. Pecan nuts themselves also pose a number of health risks so it is not recommended for your dogs to eat.
The good news is that eating a small amount of pecan pie won’t harm your dog too much, as long as there are no toxic ingredients like chocolate or alcohol in it. However, if your dog eats a lot of pecan pie at once, it might get sick and need to see a vet.