Munching on sweet treats is one of the most satisfying things we can do whenever we’re bored, stressed, or just feel like eating something tasty.
It’s totally fine to eat candies like Peeps for people. But does it mean it’s also safe for dogs?
Can dogs eat Peeps?
The short answer to that is a big no. Peeps contain too much sugar, which is dangerous for dogs.
A dog’s digestive system isn’t designed to tolerate high sugar levels. Overconsumption of sugar can cause stomach pains, indigestion, and high blood sugar levels. This can also lead to excessive weight gain, resulting in obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
In this article, we will dive deeper into this issue and discuss more the effects Peeps have on dogs. We’ll also show the many results overeating sugar has on a dog’s health and other healthier and safer alternatives.
What Are Peeps?
Peeps is a brand of marshmallow candy shaped into different animals like chickens and rabbits. Its main ingredients are corn syrup, sugar, and gelatin with added artificial food coloring and flavorings.
A single piece of Peeps contains 27 calories, high for its small size. This means that your dog’s ideal daily calorie count of 200 to 400 might exceed especially if they eat many Peeps.
One piece also contains 6.8 grams of carbohydrates and 4.8 grams of sugar, also very high figures.
These make Peeps an unsafe and unhealthy treat for dogs. What’s more, Peeps don’t have any nutrients or vitamins. Its protein content is even just 0.1 grams, which is basically zero.
Are Peeps Safe For Dogs?
No, Peeps aren’t safe for dogs because they contain too much sugar. Overconsumption of sugar is unhealthy for dogs because their bodies aren’t designed to process too much sugar. This can easily lead to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.
Peeps also have many artificial ingredients like food coloring and flavoring, which can also be harmful to dogs. Instead of giving your dog highly-processed sweet treats, it’s better to feed them high-protein foods like chicken breast.
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
The main ingredient of marshmallows is gelatin, a substance derived from pork and beef bones and skin.
Dogs naturally eat these. However, marshmallows are already highly-processed and infused with too much sugar and artificial additives. These make marshmallows unhealthy for dogs.
Although one or two small pieces of marshmallows won’t harm your dog, it’s still better to completely avoid these treats because your dog can get addicted to them.
What Are Peeps Made From?
Peeps are made from sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin. These are mixed with food coloring, carnauba wax, and artificial flavors to make them tastier and more aesthetic.
These also have potassium sorbate, which acts as a preservative. Peeps are also marketed as gluten-free. However, these are still not vegan-friendly because they contain gelatin.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Peeps?
Too Much Sugar
A single piece of Peeps contains 4.8 grams of sugar. This is very high, knowing that a single piece of Peeps measures just around two inches and weighs 127 grams.
Your dog has a high chance of suffering from obesity and diabetes if they regularly eat Peeps. This can then lead to hip dysplasia because their hip bones can be dislodged from their proper place because of their heavy weight.
Zero Nutrients
Peeps don’t have any nutrients or vitamins. There’s no reason why you should give Peeps to your dog aside from temporarily satisfying their cravings. There are also many healthier treats out there that will make them happier.
Upset Stomach
Peeps contain artificial additives like food flavoring and coloring, which can mess up their digestive system. Peeps also contain undisclosed ingredients, which can harm dogs.
Loss Of Appetite
Giving your dog sweet treats like Peeps can make them lose their appetite because they are tastier than other healthier alternatives like meat and fresh fruits and vegetables. Your dog will most likely choose sweet treats over the healthier ones with less flavor.
Poor Dental Health
Sweet treats like marshmallow Peeps can cause the buildup of plaque and cavities in dogs because of their high sugar levels.
It’s better to feed your dog meat with bones instead of sweet and soft foods. This lets them gnaw their teeth on the bone’s hard surface, which helps get rid of cavities.
What Are The Best Alternatives To Peeps?
Give fresh fruits to your dog instead of sweet treats like Peeps which contain too much sugar and artificial ingredients. Peeps also don’t have any nutrients, so there’s no point in giving them to dogs.
Your dog needs to have a regular dose of Vitamins A and C to strengthen its immune system and make them more energetic. These can be found in fresh fruits. You can also freeze fruits to make them more enticing for dogs.
So, Can Dogs Eat Peeps?
Dogs shouldn’t eat Peeps because they contain too much sugar, which can cause obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and many other complications like hip dysplasia.
Peeps also have artificial additives like food coloring, flavoring, and preservatives. These don’t even have any nutrients crucial to your dog’s health and development.
Although a piece or two won’t immediately affect your dog’s health, it’s still better to avoid giving Peeps to your dog so they won’t get addicted to it. There are many safer and healthier alternatives you can give to your dog, such as frozen fruits.