Even though we know it's bad to give our canine companions human food, it's quite difficult to ignore their pleading sometimes. Some foods are more dangerous for dogs than others. We know that it is bad to give them food like chocolate, which we know to be toxic to dogs, but what about similar foods like caramel? Can dogs eat caramel?

In short, no, dogs should never be given caramel. While caramel is not toxic to dogs, it does contain very high levels of sugar. Sugar can lead to diabetes, obesity, and dental disease in dogs. You may notice a change in your dog's behavior, such as hyperactivity, if your dog consumes too much sugar. If your dog ate any caramel, keep an eye on him and call your veterinarian if you have any concerns.

Why Is Caramel Bad For Dogs?

You should not give your canine companion caramel because it is not a nutritious supplement to their diet. Giving your dog caramel can have both immediate and long-term consequences, including:

• Hyperglycemia - Eating caramel can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which is especially risky for diabetic dogs. The calorie content of the sweet candy can contribute to weight gain or obesity in the long term.

• Digestive Issues - The high sugar content in caramel can cause your dog to vomit, have diarrhea, or upset their stomach.

• Choking Hazard - Due to its stickiness, caramel poses a choking risk for your dog. Even a small amount of caramel can be dangerous as dogs will quickly eat anything they can get their paws on.

• Dental Issues - Too much sugar in your dog's diet can result in dental complications. The teeth of your dog can suffer damage from too much sugar consumption, which can result in cavities.

• Hyperactivity - Due to the sugar content, your dog may become agitated after eating caramel. Your dog's may be affected by raw sugar, which causes hyperactivity, difficulties concentrating, and an accelerated heart rate.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Caramel?

If your dog eats some caramel, don't be alarmed; it's not poisonous. Symptoms most likely will be minor and pass in a few hours. However, you should keep an eye out for signs of a negative reaction:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Irritability
• Hyperactivity
• Agitation

Most of these signs & symptoms are due to the sugar content of caramel. Your dog may simply have too much energy and is trying to burn it off if he is agitated or hyperactive. Let your dog run around the backyard or play with him until he tires out. If your dog experiences digestive issues, try feeding him a bland diet of rice and chicken to help settle his stomach.

If you are worried about your furry friend, or he does not get better in a few hours, contact your veterinarian and let him know what your dog ate and when.

Why Is Sugar Bad For Dogs?

Dogs shouldn't consume any sugar at all. Sugar causes weight gain without offering any nutritional advantages. Your dog will lose out on vital vitamins and nutrients that they can only obtain from the food in their diet. Sugar will cause weight-gain and obesity in your dog if given often. Look for healthy and sugar-free substitutes and make sure that any snacks you offer are free of sugar.

Sugar-Free Caramel & Xylitol Toxicity

Some sugar-free varieties of caramel can be toxic to dogs. While sugar-free may sound healthier for your dog, the sugar is often replaced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol. Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, even in small amounts. If your dog accidentally ate a caramel candy of some sort, check the ingredients for Xylitol. If present, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Review: Can Dogs Eat Caramel?

Caramel contains high levels of sugar and is terrible for your dog. Feeding your dog caramel could have both short and long term consequences. Due to its chewy texture, your dog might not know what to do with it and swallow it whole, posing a choking risk. It can also lead to obesity, damage teeth and gums, and cause other health problems.

Always steer clear of foods heavy in sugar because they are empty calories that add weight without offering any nutritional value. If your dog ate a small amount of caramel, he should be alright. Nevertheless, you should keep an eye out for vomiting and diarrhea and always seek veterinary assistance if you have any concerns about persistent symptoms.