Birthdays, weddings, and other special occasions will be incomplete without cake. The sugary sweetness of this dessert makes it the center of everyone’s attention. While cakes may not be the most nutritious foods for people, in moderation, and on occasion, many people won’t think twice about enjoying a slice or two.
How about your beloved pooch, then? Can dogs eat cake?
Table of Contents
Can dogs have cake
If you are wondering if you should let Fido grab a bite of your birthday cake, the definite answer is a no. You should never let your pooch eat any kind of cake. An occasional bite or two may unlikely harm your pet, but this is not the kind of habit you would want your pet to develop.
Aside from that, some things are used as cake toppers or decorations or baked into the cake itself that might be toxic to dogs, like chocolate or macadamia nuts. This means that it will be best to keep your pet away from cake during parties and celebrations, especially if you have no idea about the ingredients used in the cake.
Due to all the different cake varieties out there and the long list of ingredients that go into them, it would be best to avoid feeding any type of cake to your dog due to the possible toxic ingredients and other unhealthy foods that your pet will consume.
What kind of cake can dogs eat
As long as the cake doesn’t contain chocolate, it won’t be toxic for your pet. But still, remember that cakes contain unhealthy ingredients such as sugar, wheat, and fats that are not optimal for your pup’s health. They are simply empty calories at best and can trigger indigestion or allergies at worst. If your dog ate cake, specifically a large amount, watch out for any unusual behavior. Contact your vet right away if things seem worse.
Do dogs like cake
Yes, dogs like cakes, and there are several reasons why they do. These include the following:
- It gives them a break from their monotonous treats.
- Dogs also know that cakes are special.
- The cakes taste amazing.
- Cakes are the best social treats.
- Cakes offer the ideal bonding time between you and your pooch.
What to do if your dog eats cake
Your course of action after your dog eats cake will depend on the amount he ate. Keep a close eye on your pooch if you only fed him a bite or he snagged a tiny slice from your plate. Watch out for signs of illnesses like:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in appetite
- Unusual behaviour
- Pale gums
If your pet gobbled up a large portion for his body size or even an entire cake, contact your vet immediately. Too much dairy or sugar intake may lead to gastrointestinal distress.
Your vet will advise you on how to deal with the situation. He will also tell you to keep an eye out for the above symptoms. You might be referred to a surgical or emergency veterinary facility in extreme cases.
Can puppy eat cake
While some cakes contain ingredients that are healthy if consumed on their own, other ingredients such as butter and sugar far outweigh the benefits that the good ones have to offer. Since puppies are smaller and weigh lesser, it would be better if you don’t let them eat cakes at all.
Ingredients for a dog birthday cake that dogs can eat
There are many recipes online for dog-friendly cakes that feature safe and healthy ingredients such as peanut butter or unsweetened applesauce. You can also look for safe alternatives for the frosting for your pet, as well as dog-approved decorations that will let you recreate that celebration cake experience for your pooch.
Cakes containing vegetables or fruits are also among the best options for your pup since they offer vitamins, fiber, and water. Add green beans, carrots, banana slices, pieces of sweet potato, and apple slices on top and inside the cake to add some garnish.
Dogs and cake FAQs
-
Can dogs eat carrot cake?
The common ingredients used in making carrot cakes are not toxic to canines, but high milk and sugar contents may upset your dog’s tummy. There are some instances when they can also cause diarrhea and vomiting if your pup gobbles up a large slice of carrot cake. The main concern about carrot cake is pancreatitis as a result of overeating fat and sugar that the digestive system of dogs is not used to digesting.
-
Can dogs eat chocolate cake?
This one is a definite no. The primary ingredients in chocolate cakes are not recommended for dogs, specifically chocolate, sugar, and wheat flour. Chocolate is toxic to canines due to its methylxanthines content, such as theobromine and caffeine that dogs can’t break down as humans can. Chocolate poisoning may cause severe symptoms or even death.
-
Can dogs eat vanilla cake?
Your dog will be fine if he eats vanilla cake, but it depends on how much he ate. While vanilla cake doesn’t contain anything toxic, this contains lots of sugar that dogs don’t need in their regular diet. Sugar has zero nutritional benefits and may contribute to diabetes and weight gain over time.
-
Can dogs eat cake icing?
Yes, dogs can eat cake icing, yet it doesn’t mean they should. There is no reason to feed sugar to your pup. Just like you, your dog can also suffer from the dangerous health effects of consuming sugary treats, including dental deterioration, obesity, and diabetes.
-
Can dogs eat crab cake?
No, it would be so much better for your dog to just stick with plain crab meat. There are lots of added ingredients in crab cakes that can be risky for your pup.
Crab cakes usually include various ingredients like bread crumbs, eggs, mustard, mayonnaise, and numerous seasonings that may include garlic or onions that can upset your dog’s stomach. On top of that, fried foods are never good for pups.
-
Can dogs eat banana cake?
Banana cake in moderation might not be dangerous to your dog, but some pets have grain sensitivities or wheat allergies. Bananas on their own are great snacks for dogs. But, banana cake usually has added sugar that dogs must avoid.
-
Can dogs eat ice cream cake?
Ice cream cake is never a healthy snack option for your dog. Although an occasional small amount of it might not send your pooch to the vet, ice cream cake must never be used as regular treats for your pet.
There are also adult dogs that are lactose intolerant, and small dogs might have more severe reactions to dairy. Dogs with weight concerns or diabetes should avoid ice cream cake.
-
Can dogs eat mango cheese cake?
No! There are two reasons why mango cheesecake is terrible for dogs.
The first is because it contains cheese, a dairy product that dogs might not digest well.
Cheesecakes also filled with sugar that can make your pet act hyper and lead to health issues like dental cavities, obesity, and diabetes.
You may also want to learn:
- Can dogs eat breakfast sausage
- Can dogs eat prawn crackers
- Can puppies eat ham bones
- Can dogs eat cooked mustard greens
- Can puppies eat whip cream
The unique literary talents of Dr. A. Barton are well known throughout the veterinary profession. He is a regular contributor to the New York City Veterinarian and his professional articles have also appeared in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Journal of Small Animal Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Veterinarian and Philadelphia Medicine. He is the only veterinarian ever to have had an article published in the human medical publication, What’s New.