Can Dogs Eat Tapioca Pudding?
Dogs try to get into anything that we are eating, and they seem to have a sixth sense for when we are eating something yummy. If you are enjoying a cup of tapioca pudding, you may be wondering if it’s all right for you to spoon some out for your furry friend, too. Or maybe your dog got into the groceries while you were not looking, and you want to be sure there is no cause for concern! So, can dogs eat tapioca pudding?
The short answer is that tapioca itself is fine for your dog– and can even be beneficial for them! When it is included in the pudding, however, it should be avoided, as the other ingredients in tapioca can be harmful to your dog, and even toxic.
What Is Tapioca Pudding?
Tapioca pudding is a sweet pudding treat that is made with tapioca pearls and can be found in many different cultures. Some cultures use coconut milk rather than milk or cream in the pudding. The tapioca pearls are made from the tropical cassava root and give the pudding its unique (and sometimes polarizing) texture.
Can Dogs Eat Tapioca Pudding?
Tapioca pudding should not be fed to your dog, because pudding itself has many ingredients that can be dangerous for our four-legged friends. Some of these, such as palm oil, can even be toxic.
That being said, tapioca is a safe and non-toxic food that you can share with your dog. It comes with a host of health benefits, which is why you may see it listed as an ingredient in the dog food that you already feed your pet. Typically, tapioca is used as a starch base for dry and wet dog food options. If you want to add tapioca to your dog’s current diet, it is a good idea to consult with your vet to determine the best way to do so.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Pudding
Pudding is not a healthy treat for pets– after all, it is not truly considered a healthy treat for us, either– so you should avoid letting your dog have any of this treat. Read on to learn more about some of the risks that arise when you feed your dog pudding.
Toxicity
Certain ingredients in pudding can end up being toxic for your dog. For instance, palm oil, which can be found in certain brands of pudding cups, can be toxic to pets. Even small amounts can cause serious dehydration. Toxicity, when left untreated, can often be fatal. Some of the symptoms to watch out for are tremors, fatigue, dehydration, and other unusual behavior such as tremors.
Weight Gain
Pudding is a very high-calorie and high-fat treat. If a human is eating it every once in a while, that’s no big deal. However, if your dog is eating pudding, you are adding lots of unnecessary calories to its diet, which can then lead to weight gain and other related health issues, such as heart disease or high cholesterol. Weight gain, coupled with the amount of sugar in the pudding, can also cause your dog to develop diabetes.
Related – Can Dogs Eat Frozen Custard?
Benefits of Feeding Your Dog Tapioca
While pudding is not good for dogs– and therefore tapioca pudding is not either– tapioca itself can be very good for canines and has some fantastic health benefits!
Take a look below to learn about some of the benefits that tapioca can have for your dog.
Digestive Health
Tapioca comes from the cassava root, which is a starchy ingredient that is high in the good kind of carbohydrates. This starch can act similar to fibre in that it helps improve gut health in your pet and also aids in regulating bowel movements and aids the digestive system.
Good for Dogs with Allergies
Dogs that are allergic to gluten or grain can still eat tapioca, as tapioca is gluten-free and comes from cassava, rather than a grain product. You can replace the grain-based starches in your pet’s regular diet by choosing a dog food that uses tapioca as a starch base instead. You may see this listed in the ingredients as tapioca flour, specifically. If your dog has grain allergies, this can manifest in ways such as skin or coat issues, so adjusting their diet is definitely worth trying out.
Related – Is Jackfruit ok for Dogs?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is tapioca OK for dogs?
Tapioca is okay for dogs to eat, as long as it is done in moderation. In fact, it can actually be good for them, as long as you do not overdo it! It is pure starch, so you should be sure that your dog does not have any allergies or negative reactions. Tapioca is even used as a starch base in many of the dog food products out there on the market.
Is Pudding poisonous to dogs?
While pudding is typically not poisonous to dogs, it is not good for them, either. The ingredients such as sugar and fats in pudding can be unhealthy for your pet. Chocolate puddings or any pudding that contains palm oil, however, can be toxic to your dog, so watch out and avoid sharing pudding with your pet!
Will tapioca hurt dogs?
Tapioca will not hurt your dog, and it can actually be found in many dry and wet dog foods as starch. If your pet has grain allergies, tapioca is a perfect alternative. It’s also a gluten-free option, so can be great if your dog has a gluten allergy, too.
Can tapioca be given to dogs?
Yes, tapioca can be given to dogs, and it does have some health benefits for your pup, too. It can be good for your dog’s digestive health since the starch acts similarly to fibre. Tapioca can be good for dogs who have allergies or sensitivities– as long as it is not an allergy to tapioca itself! Of course, tapioca should not be used as a meal replacement, as too much can have adverse effects.