Nutella is common in many households, it is delicious and leaves one craving for more. You might wonder if it you can share the yummy spread with your pooch but you have to ask yourself the first question that should pop up on your mind before feeding any human food to your dog, how safe is it to his health? So, is Nutella bad for dogs?
Nutella is bad for dogs, the ingredients used in making it are harmful to their health. The only exceptions when your dog licked a small amount on the spoon.
Below are the reasons why Nutella is bad for dogs, what to do if your dog ate Nutella and its side effects.
Is Nutella bad for dogs?
Nutella is made with hazelnuts, palm oil, sugar, milk, and cocoa. These ingredients are not safe for your pooch if consumed in large quantities.
If the dog consumes it daily or weekly, it can to lead to serious health problems.
Cocoa (chocolate)
Cocoa is one of the ingredient found in Nutella. It can be toxic to dogs regardless of the amount consumed. It has theobromine and caffeine and interferes with the neurological system and the hearts operations.
The amount of cocoa in a Nutella is indicated on the sides of the jar.
Ingesting cocoa can lead to the following:
- Vomiting
- Arrhythmias
- Extremely rapid heart rate
- Tremors
- Diarrhea
- Seizures
- Death
Fats and sugar
Dogs do not have the ability to digest large amounts of fat and sugar, it leads to upset stomach and excessive weight gain. If taken for a long period, it can lead to pancreatitis.
Too much intake of sugar leads to heart problems and diabetes mellitus, these diseases can lessen the lifetime.
Signs of pancreatitis are;
- Dehydration
- Prolonged Diarrhea
- Stomach ache
- Lack of appetite
- Prolonged vomiting
Nutella contains milk which can cause allergic reactions to some dogs. It can lead to diarrhea and vomiting.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Nutella
If your dog consumed a small amount of Nutella, it is rare for him to have serious health complications. The first thing you should do is to confirm if he ate a small amount and remove the leftovers if any.
Call your vet for directions on what to do, he will advise on the best home remedies foe the Nutella poisoning.
If you are not certain of the amount your dog consumed or he took a large amount, take him to a vet immediately.
The vet will check for pancreatitis and might recommend the following;
- If it have been less than two hours since your pooch took Nutella, the vet will try the induce vomiting.
- Administering of activated charcoal to stop the poison from being absorbed by the body.
- Depending with the dog’s condition, he might give IV fluids to prevent dehydration.
- The dog can be hospitalized for close monitoring.
How to Keep Your Dog from Eating Nutella
Dogs can smell even the faintest smell of Nutella, you should do these things to ensure he does not consume it without your knowledge.
Place Nutella jar in a locked cabinet or a high place that he cannot reach. Remember to keep away other product with chocolate like cocoa powder and chocolate mix away.
If your family is enjoying candy or chocolate bars, ensure that your dog is not in the house for he might take one unnoticeable. Confirm that they are not left on the tables where your pooch can easily get them.
Use the ‘leave it command’. This is used when you find your dog eating Nutella. Your dog must be conversant with the command otherwise he will continue devouring the Nutella. Teach your dog basic commands at an early age.
Crate training will help to keep your dog off Nutella. Put your dog in a big crate and place water, food and playing toys inside. This will help to keep your canine safe when you are not nearby to supervise him.
Chocolate Substitutes for Dogs
There are a number of substitutes for chocolate that you can feed to your dog like Carob chips.
Carob chips are nontoxic to dogs and can be consumed by persons who are allergic to chocolate. It tastes like chocolate but a little sweeter.
It is rich in nutrients like magnesium, calcium, and vitamins. The difference between chocolate and Carob chips is the constituents. Carob chips is free from theobromine, caffeine, and phenylethylamine.
You can make carob flavored chips for your pooch.
What Other Food Is Toxic to Dogs?
- Caffeinated food.
- Rib bones or cooked bones.
- Avocados.
- Coconut water.
- Raw eggs.
- Onions, garlic and spices.
Conclusion
Nutella is bad for dogs and should be evaded at all costs. You should not feed even the smallest amount as some canines can have an allergic reaction.
You should look for better healthy treats to feed your dog like apples, oatmeal, and liver. Remember to feed your dog everything in moderation.
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