There are times when we give our dogs human food, especially when they look at us with their adorable puppy eyes. Imagine baking a fresh batch of cookies, the delicious smell wafting through the kitchen, and your dog comes begging for a piece. You start to break them into small pieces, yet you stop yourself and wonder if it’s safe for them.
The short answer is: Yes, but it depends on the ingredients used to make the cookies.
Dogs can consume some human food. As owners, it is our responsibility to check which food ingredients are bad for our furry friends. Most of us already know that chocolates are bad for dogs. If your cookies contain chocolate, you wouldn’t want your dogs to eat them.
Here are important things you need to know about dogs and cookies.
Regular baked cookies may be considered unhealthy for dogs because they don’t contain the essential nutrients they need compared to regular dog food. Most cookies don’t contain ingredients that are inherently bad for dogs. However, they may also contain unwanted ingredients that can be harmful for their health.
The following ingredients can cause our furry friends mild to severe health problems, so be mindful before giving them any treats to avoid food poisoning.
Chocolate
Most pet owners are already aware that chocolates can be toxic for dogs. Chocolates contain theobromine and caffeine, which are found in cocoa. Dogs cannot metabolize these chemical compounds, making it dangerous for them to eat. Some chocolates also contain a substantial amount of sugar which can cause other health problems. Here are types of chocolate products that contain theobromine, ranked from highest to lowest:
- Cocoa powder or any cocoa-based food
- Baker’s chocolate
- Semi-sweet chocolate
- Dark chocolate
- Milk chocolate
- White chocolate
Cinnamon
While it does take a large amount of cinnamon to cause problems, it can cause lung irritation when inhaled. Ingesting a huge amount (more than 1 teaspoon) can cause nausea, diarrhea, low blood sugar, and liver problems to your dogs.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is another spice commonly used in cookies. It contains a toxin called myristicin that can cause mild stomach upset for dogs when ingested in small amounts. It can cause disorientation, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, or even seizures when consumed in large quantities.
Macadamia Nuts
Macadamia nut cookies are delicious but make sure your dogs won’t have any, as it is considered highly toxic for them. Dogs can experience vomiting, depression, ataxia, and weakness in the hind legs when they consume macadamia nuts even in small amounts.
Raisins
Raisins and grapes, and even currants can cause serious health problems in dogs. According to clinical findings, dogs who ingest raisins or grapes can experience vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration within 6-12 hours. It can also lead to acute kidney failure within 72 hours from ingestion.
Sugar
Sugars, such as powdered, refined, and granulated sugars, are commonly used in different foods. But can your dogs eat them? Sugars are carbohydrates needed by the body as a source of energy. Sugars in moderate levels are generally safe for dogs. However, giving them too much sweets can cause obesity and high levels of blood sugar leading to diabetes.
How about natural sugars found in fruits? Fruits that contain natural sugars are generally safe for your dog’s consumption. Just remember to give it to them in moderation.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in human food, such as gums and candies. It can also be found in peanut and nut butters and baked goods so make sure to check food labels for its presence. It has been scientifically-proven that xylitol is highly toxic and can cause life-threatening symptoms for dogs. Dogs who consume xylitol can experience hypoglycemia and develop liver and bleeding disorders.
What are the common food poisoning symptoms of dogs?
In general, dogs can quickly recover when they ingest something they shouldn’t have. If your dogs accidentally ate food that contains any of the ingredients mentioned above, here are some common symptoms you should be mindful of:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive or rapid breathing
- Weakness or lethargy
- Seizures
It is very important to stay attentive and observe your dogs for these symptoms. Some of these symptoms can be managed at home, such as using activated charcoal to induce vomiting. However, call your vet immediately, if you suspect that your dog has ingested toxic food.
Dogs are agile animals and can be prone to sweeping food off your table. Suppose they accidentally ate a piece of small cookies or even powdered cookies. In that case, it’s generally safe for them as long as they don’t contain harmful ingredients such as chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts or raisins.
If your dog is a diabetic, you can consult with your veterinarian regarding your dog’s additional sugar intake.
Dog-Friendly Cookies and Treats
There are dog-friendly recipes available for cookies and other baked goods, like this Homemade Peanut Butter Cookies recipe. This recipe uses alternative ingredients, such as honey instead of sugar, which are safer for your dogs to eat.
You can make different variations, as long as you give them in bite-sized pieces. You can even grind them as powdered form and mix them with their regular food. Just make sure to label your dog cookies properly, as you might mistake them for your own.
If you’re preparing cookies for yourself that contain any of the ingredients mentioned above, make sure they’re properly stored so your dogs can’t reach them.
As a general rule, always check food labels for the possible presence of harmful ingredients before giving them to your dogs. Also, it is better to make your own dog-friendly cookies at home so you can ensure your dog’s safety.
Conclusion
Yes, as long as you check the ingredients used for potential harmful ingredients present in the cookies. Cookies don’t generally offer a lot of nutrient value to dogs, but they’re not inherently harmful for them either. Luckily, you can try various dog-friendly cookie recipes that are available.
As pet owners, it’s important that we take proper precaution for our pet’s safety. Remember, anything that’s consumed excessively can be bad.