Is sugar bad for dogs?

Complete dog foods supply energy from protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Added sugar provides calories without nutrients. Four grams of sugar carries 16 calories, and it adds up quickly in treats like biscuits and cake.

Overweight dogs are more likely to develop joint problems and other health issues, and weight gain often comes from extras rather than main meals.

Large amounts of sugar can draw water into the gut and ferment, causing gas, bloating, and diarrhea. A dog that raids a bag of sugar or a bowl of icing sugar may vomit or have loose stools for a day.

Diabetic dogs need carefully controlled diets, and sugary snacks can disrupt their blood sugar management.

Many people assume sugar-free foods are healthier for dogs. The opposite can be true: xylitol, used in some sugar-free gum, mints, baked goods, and nut butters, causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar in dogs. Always check sugar-free labels for xylitol or birch sugar.

Other sweeteners are less dangerous but still unnecessary.

Some commercial dog treats contain added sugar, molasses, or glucose to improve taste. Read the label and choose treats where meat or a single whole-food ingredient comes first. Plain cooked chicken or small pieces of dog-safe vegetables are good sugar-free rewards. Keep treats to around 10 percent of daily calories, and use part of your dog's regular food as rewards on training days.