Can Dogs Eat Cookie Butter?
It seems that our dogs always want a piece of what we are eating, whether or not it is something they are actually going to like! This is also true for “human foods” regardless of whether or not they are healthy for our pup. One example of this is cookie butter– whether spread on toast or straight off the spoon. Once they hear the lid coming off, our dogs come running! So, is cookie butter safe to share with your dog?
Ultimately, no, cookie butter is not a treat that you should be encouraged to share with your furry friend. While a lick or two will probably be fine, cookie butter is filled with ingredients that can make your dog sick or lead to long-term issues.
What Is Cookie Butter?
What is cookie butter, anyway? It is a food paste that is often used in place of peanut butter on sandwiches or toast, for instance. It is a sweet treat and does not have much nutritional value, similar to Nutella or other spreads. Cookie butter is typically made up of a few ingredients, which include Speculoos cookie crumbs, sugar, fat, and flour. It originally hails from Europe but has made its way over to North America as well in recent years.
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Can Dogs Eat Cookie Butter?
Be wary of feeding your dog spreads such as hazelnut spreads or cookie butter. These contain high amounts of ingredients like oils, fats, and sugars, which are not healthy for canines. In fact, some of these ingredients are ingredients that your dog’s body is not able to process correctly. This could cause issues like digestive issues or weight gain. There are also spices in cookie butter that could trigger toxicity in your pet, which can be deadly if not recognized and treated.
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Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cookie Butter
As mentioned above, the risks of feeding your dog cookie butter can range from immediate issues to more long-term ones. Long-term issues will typically only arise if your dog is eating cookie butter on a regular basis– eating it once or twice would not cause these– but you should still exercise caution and keep your dog away from the sweet treat.
Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the long-term effects that may occur if your dog is eating cookie butter. This can be caused because of the high levels of sugar in this food item, as well as the number of fats. Unfortunately, if your dog develops diabetes, it cannot be cured and will require lifetime care and specialized treatment that include daily insulin injections. Some of the first signs of diabetes in dogs are frequent urination, drinking or eating more than usual, and even seizures.
Weight Gain
The high amounts of sugars and fats in cookie butter can also lead to weight gain in your dog, which can then lead to obesity. Weight gain and obesity can be very serious, as they may cause– or are linked to– many other health issues. Some of these issues, like heart disease, can end up being fatal. This is why it is important to avoid giving your pet too much human food, especially those foods that are high in fats, sugars, or oils like cookie butter and other sweet spreads. You should also be sure to exercise your pet frequently, especially if they are beginning to put on weight.
Digestive Issues
Many of the ingredients in cookie butter can lead to immediate issues in the digestive system. For instance, fats and oils can lead to problems such as diarrhea and loose stools. If your dog is more sensitive, it could also cause vomiting as your pet’s body tries to remove the offending food item from its system.
Toxicity
Toxicity is another issue that can arise if your dog is eating cookie butter, and this is because of the spices that flavour this particular spread. It is especially important to watch out for signs of toxicity, as it can be fatal if not treated. Some signs of toxicity include nausea, vomiting, lethargy, and even seizures. There is not a high enough concentration of these spices that would cause toxicity from a lick of cookie butter, but if your dog has had a larger amount, it could be a danger.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog have biscoff cookie butter?
Your dog should not eat Biscoff cookie butter, because it can cause digestive issues, and some of the ingredients can even cause toxicity. Cookie butter is high in sugars, fats, and spices, all of which can be harmful to dogs. However, if your dog has had a small lick of cookie butter while your back was turned, this is not likely going to be enough to cause any real harm.
What happens if a dog eats butter?
Luckily, butter is not toxic to dogs, so it would not cause any incredibly dangerous reactions or toxicity. That being said, butter is not good for dogs, either, and should be avoided if at all possible. It can easily cause stomach upset. If your dog is consuming large amounts of butter, over time it can develop pancreatitis, which can then be fatal.
Is cookie butter good for you?
Cookie butter is healthier than Nutella or other chocolate-hazelnut spreads, but it is still not necessarily good for you, either. It is fairly high in fats and sugars and should be seen as a special treat, not a nutritional addition at mealtime. Unlike peanut butter, which it is often substituted for, cookie butter contains virtually no protein.
Is it OK if a dog eats a stick of butter?
The effects of a full stick of butter are partially dependent upon your dog’s size and the sensitivity of its stomach. Typically, a stick of butter will be passed without much issue, as butter is not toxic to dogs. However, it can also cause issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, or an upset stomach, especially if your pet is a small breed or has a particularly sensitive digestive system.