Mom made her special Coconut Yogurt, Walnut and Berry Mix for her early “clean” breakfast this weekend and as she was checking the label, somehow she hadn’t noticed that “stevia” was on the ingredient list. Normally we like to lick the coconut yogurt jar to get OUR probiotics too but Mom wasn’t sure she should let us. Which brings up a common question…Is Stevia Safe for Dogs?
Is Stevia Bad For Dogs?
Stevia is a naturally produced sweetener from the stevia plant. It’s found in MANY foods and drinks. Mom isn’t a fan in particular because she says it has an aftertaste and is “too sweet”. Normally she doesn’t buy any food with stevia in it but it slipped past her in her favorite coconut yogurt! So, Mom did some research to find out…
Is Stevia Ok For Dogs?
The answer is a general YES. Stevia is safe for dogs to consume, but in large quantities, it can cause diarrhea. There’s really no point in dogs eating stevia but it CAN be in some of the healthiest human foods. For “sharing purposes” Mom says she’s not buying any new people food with stevia as an ingredient, however. If we get a little in our coconut yogurt it’s enough.
What Artificial Sweeteners Are Bad For Dogs?
Dogs should not be eating sugar or sugar substitutes in general. Sugar in general is not “healthy” for dog’s diet.
In addition, some VERY dangerous ingredients can be lurking in the food in your panty, fridge and on countertops so it’s VERY important to READ THE INGREDIENTS before allowing your dog to taste or eat any of your food. Mom takes it one step further and works hard to avoid bringing foods with dangerous ingredients into the home and definitely keeps it out of our reach (we’re not the skilled counter surfers that our Angel Sister Sable was so Mom’s pretty relieved)!
Important Note…Check Your Peanut Butter! Strange ingredients are appearing in peanut butter. Go for organic and read the label. If you’re not sure about the ingredients call your vet or look it up before feeding it to your dog.
Xylitol is Highly TOXIC to Dogs!
Another naturally produced sweetener that is found in many “sugar-free” items such as ice cream, pastries, yogurt, juices, toothpaste, mints, gum, candles and more is Xylitol. Xylitol is Potentially Fatal if consumed by dogs. Even in small doses, Xylitol can cause seizures, liver failure, and death. To play it EXTRA Safe, Ban Xylitol completely from your home!
Aspartame
Aspartame is the “blue packet” in the sweetener container. There are no serious health effects but your dog could have minor gastrointestinal problems. In general just AVOID Aspartame for Dogs.
Saccharin
Saccharin is the “pink packet” in the sweetener container. Saccharing is safe for dogs, but can cause gastrointestinal issues. Long-term effects have not yet been tested on pets. Again, in general just AVOID Saccharin for Dogs.
Erythritol
This non-caloric sugar alcohol is considered safe for dogs but gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in large quantities. Again, best to AVOID Erythritol for Dogs.
Sucralose
Sucralose is “yellow packet” in sweetener containers and is generally safe but can cause diarrhea in dogs. Best to AVOID Sucralose for Dogs.
Monk Fruit
Is similar Stevia. and generally safe if consumed by dogs. That being said, there’s really no reason a Dog should be given Monk Fruit.
In Summary – Be a Label Reader!
The SAFEST and BEST thing you can do for your Dog is to make sure you always read labels before buying or giving food to your dog. Mom even goes out on a limb and suggest you do this for your Dog Food too! Have you read the ingredients? Do you know what each ingredient is? If not, look it up and ask your vet!
Go the Extra Mile
In general buying human and dog foods with limited, organic, non-gmo and no added gluten ingredients is ideal for the whole family. It’s the first safety barrier against “dangerous” foods for your dogs. It will most likely make you aware what you are eating as well! The side-product? A healthier Dog AND Pawrent!
While We’re Talking About Safe Food for Dogs to Eat…
Is Chocolate Bad for Dogs?
Since we’re on the topic of Dangerous Sweets for Your Dog – AVOID ALL CHOCOLATE! Chocolate is potentially fatal to Dogs so keep it away and out of their reach!
If you believe your dog ate chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680) for advice.
Can Dogs Eat Fruits and Vegetables?
Some Fruits and Vegetables are harmful and even toxic for your Dog as well so Be sure to check out the AKC’s list for Fruits and Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat to get ideas for new healthy snacks and food toppers! There are Many healthy and delicious foods your Dogs can safely eat!
Scooby’s Homemade Dog Food Crockpot Recipes
If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try out some of Scooby’s Fav Homemade Recipes! Mom likes to cook them in the crockpot, instapot, and oven. Sometimes we even get grilled fish! YUMMERS! Swap out the Dog approved proteins veggies and grains to create variety in your homemade gourmet dog meals!
Healthy Eating!
Want More Fruit, Veggie and Other Food Safety Guidance for your Dog?
Check out our other blog posts for the scoop!
Can Dogs Eat Blackberries In Season? (Includes Strawberries, Radish and Squash)
Can Dogs Eat Lettuce and Arugula? (Includes Broccoli, Leeks (Onion & Garlic Family), Citrus, Carrots and Celery Leaf
Can a Dog Eat Peaches? (Includes Corn, Green Beans, Cucumber and Parsley)
Can Dogs Eat Peppers? (Includes Hot and Bell Peppers)
