Can dogs eat jam? You may be asking this because your pup got into a jar of this sweet spread. Humans can eat jam, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, jam is not good to feed to dogs. While jam is not toxic to dogs unless the fruit in the jam, like grapes, is toxic, all jams are loaded with sugar that is bad for your pup’s overall health.
If your dog has eaten jam, especially jam made with fruit that is toxic to dogs, you should contact your vet for guidance. Here’s why jam is not good for dogs.
Why Is Jam Bad For Dogs?
Jam is made using four essential ingredients: fruit, pectin, acid, and sugar. Pectin, a naturally occurring compound that gives jam its texture, is safe for dogs in moderation. The issue with jams lies in its acid and sugar content.
Jams contain both the naturally occurring sugars in fruit as well as loads of added sugars. There is no circumstance where your dog should have as much sugar as jams contain.
Consuming high amounts of sugar can cause diabetes, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and dental problems for your pup. Your pup can have a taste of jam if the fruit is dog safe, but it’s not a good idea to feed them more than that.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Jam?
The urgency of a situation in which your dog has eaten jam depends on the type of jam your pup consumed.
Some jams contain fruits that are safe for your dog to eat, like strawberry or blackberry jam, while others contain fruits that are highly toxic to dogs, like grape jam. If your dog has eaten jam that contains a toxic fruit, you should take them to your veterinarian immediately.
Another component of jam that can cause major issues for your pup is the sugar content. While added sugar in the form of granules or syrup isn’t good for your dog, some sugar-free jams have something even worse for your pup: xylitol.
Xylitol is a natural sweetener substitute that is highly toxic to dogs. If your dog ate jam with xylitol, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. Always check the ingredients before letting your dog taste your food.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten jam? Did they feel sick after? Let us know in the comments below.
