Who doesn’t like to chew sugarcane sticks or drink its alkaline juice? The edible stem, sugarcane, is full of fibers and healthy nutrients; besides, it tastes sweet. Plus, you can enhance the flavor by sprinkling mint powder, pepper, black salt, or ginger powder. But if you are a pet parent, you must know if letting your beloved canine eat sugarcane is safe.
There is no denying dogs are adorable, and you want to share your food with them. However, as a concerning parent, you must be aware of the dos and don’ts of a dog’s diet. Since sugarcane is favorite of many people, “can dogs eat sugarcane?” is a common question.
Let’s learn about it!
Can dogs eat sugarcane?
Sugarcane is not poisonous to dogs, but it can be harmful. As the name implies, the stem contains high sugar content, leading to multiple health issues and weight gain. Plus, its exterior Is edgy and sharp and can hurt dogs’ mouths.
Still, if your dog consumes sugarcane occasionally, it won’t harm it.
Sugarcane juice, sugarcane mulch, cane sugar, or raw sugarcane, you name it, and everything related to sugarcane is tasty and has benefits. Thus, it is no surprise that you want your pup to taste the healthy stem.
You should not make it a part of your dog’s daily diet as it can negatively impact your furry friend’s health. Having said that, you do not need to panic if your dog has consumed a tiny amount of sugarcane as it is safe.
Let’s dig into what sugarcane is!
What is sugarcane?
Sugarcane is a specie of the grass family and has a thick stem that can grow up to 3.5 to 4 meters. It is mainly grown in tropical and subtropical areas and is cultivated for its juice. Sugarcane is fibrous, helps diabetic patients, prevents aging, and provides multiple other health benefits.
The source of widely used cane sugar is sugarcane, and it is the main reason behind its mass cultivation. Although crystallized sugar also comes from sugarcane, the stem can be used in many other ways. You may love to chew it raw and enjoy its tangy vanilla-like flavor.
Furthermore, the stalks are also processed in machines, and their juice is extracted. Sugarcane juice is a healthy drink and contains high content of iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, and calcium. The juice is alkaline, which improves your digestive system and helps put up an intense fight against cancerous cells
It is evident that sugarcane is packed with nutrients, but it is debatable if it is a safe choice for dogs.
What happens when dogs eat sugarcane?
A tiny amount of sugarcane will not show any substantial reaction in dogs. However, if a dog consumes sugarcane in abundance, it will have more than the recommended sugar. It may lead to obesity, diabetes, and an upset stomach. Also, it may hurt dogs’ mouths.
Consumption of excess sugar in canines puts them at the risk of multiple health issues. If not taken care of in the initial days, many health problems can develop into severe diseases and, in some cases, prove fatal. The health issues associated to plenty of sugarcane consumption include:
- Diabetes or an increase in blood sugar level
- Dental problems, such as tooth decay, cavities, or enamel loss
- Changes in dogs’ metabolism
- Sudden weight gain
- Pancreatitis
- Arthritis
Why is sugarcane bad for dogs?
Two main factors make sugarcane a not-so-safe choice for dogs: excess sugar and its edgy exterior. Sugarcane sugar is nothing compared to manufactured dogs’ candies, but it is too much sugar for dogs. Dogs are carnivores, and they do not require an abundance of sugar. Therefore, avoid making sugarcane a staple for your dog’s diet.
When dogs consume more than the required amount of sucrose over a period, they are at risk of developing type II diabetes. Besides, it leads them to obesity, which can cause several severe health issues, such as metabolic changes.
Excess sugar consumption causes many dental issues. It leads to the loss of enamel on dogs’ teeth immediately. Over time it may lead to cavities and, ultimately, tooth decay.
Effects of high sugar consumption often take years to develop. Still, mostly when they start showing, it is already too late. So, do not let your beloved animal go overboard while devouring the tasty yet tall, fibrous stem.
The sugarcane exterior is edgy and requires some effort to chew the stem. While dogs may love the tangy and sweet taste of the stem, you cannot ignore the danger associated with the covering of sugarcane.
Moreover, the stem has a fibrous center. Dogs need fibers in their diet, but excess can result in stomach-related issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea.
Can dogs eat raw sugarcane?
No, dogs cannot eat raw sugarcane as it is packed with sugar. Dogs get sugar from the breakdown of carbohydrates, so any amount of sugar they consume from sugarcane is unhealthy. Besides, the sharp exterior can tear dogs’ mouths.
Dogs like chewing things, and huge sugarcane stems may seem tempting to them. Ensure to keep them away from your four-legged friend’s reach.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat sugarcane
Can dogs eat sugarcane mulch?
Sugarcane mulch is dry, and dogs will not try to eat it. Sugarcane mulch is not toxic to dogs, but it contains no health benefits either. So, it would be best if you do not force your dog to try sugarcane mulch.
Can dogs drink sugarcane juice?
No. dogs cannot drink sugarcane juice. Sugarcane juice may not have any added processed sugar, but its sugar content is high, which dogs do not need. Sugarcane juice has around 13-a5% of sugar as sucrose, and it can lead to several problems, including obesity in dogs.
Is cane sugar ok for dogs?
No dogs are not allowed to have cane sugar as any amount of sugar for them is bad. However, a tiny amount of cane sugar does not hurt a dog. Many dog treats add cane sugar to balance the taste and make it tempting for puppies. Still, it does not make cane sugar healthy for dogs, but they do no substantial harm.
Can dogs eat sugar?
Like human beings, dogs use sugar as a source of energy; however, you should not feed them granulated sugar. Dogs eat fruits and vegetables and can derive the needed sugar from them. But beware! Not all fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs.
Is jaggery good for dogs?
No, jaggery is not suitable for dogs. It contains 70% sucrose, and its consumption can result in many health issues. Sucrose can lead to tooth cavities, weight gain, stomach issues, and other metabolic conditions.
Can dogs eat watermelon?
Yes, dogs can eat watermelon. It is rich in fiber and moisture, making it an excellent fruit choice for dogs. Just deseed watermelon and give your pup one cup of diced watermelon and let it reap the benefits of healthy fruit.
Can dogs eat grapes?
No. dogs should not be given any kind of grapes. Grapes put them at risk of kidney failure. Plus, you should not provide any grape products to dogs, such as jams, jellies, or raisins.
Final thoughts on if dogs can eat sugarcane!
Sugarcane is not only nutritious; its flavor is sweet, and we can make different things from this stem. Dogs love to explore no-go areas and are habitual of putting new things in their mouth. Naturally, pet parents whose life is incomplete without sugarcane want to know if they can feed sugarcane to dogs. While the healthy stem is not highly toxic, it does not provide any substantial health benefits to dogs either. So, it is better to avoid feeding sugarcane to your beloved animal.
