It might seem like a healthier sweetener, but can dogs eat agave syrup? Read this guide before sharing treats with this sweetener with your fur baby.
As a devoted pet parent to two lovable whippets, I know how worried I feel whenever I let them eat something new. That’s why I researched dogs and agave syrup – and I also looked up agave nectar. I hope you found it as helpful as I did.
For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating agave syrup.
What Is Agave Syrup
Agave syrup is a natural sweetener made from the sap of the agave plant. So, what is the agave plant? It’s a spiky succulent native to the Southern United States and Latin America.
The sugars from the agave plant are used to make agave syrup, agave nectar, and even fermented to make tequila!
Agave Nectar Vs Agave Syrup
Even though they sound the same, they are not the same thing. Agave nectar is made by extracting sap from the agave plant. Then, it’s filtered and heated at a low temperature. This process breaks down the carbohydrates into sugar.
Agave syrup is different. It is processed differently, so it has a higher concentration of fructose and glucose. Some brands of agave syrup might even contain high fructose corn syrup.
Health Benefits
There aren’t any health benefits of this sweetener for dogs. It’s a better idea than artificial sweeteners. But that’s about where the benefits end.
According to Medical News Today, agave actually contains high fructose levels (more than table sugar). This means blood sugar levels will remain high after consuming it.
How Safe Is It For Dogs
Even though agave syrup is non-toxic, can dogs eat it? Should dogs eat things that contain it?
It’s safe for dogs to eat food sweetened with agave syrup, but they should limit how much of the sweetened food they eat. A dog’s diet should mostly consist of meat and nutrient-dense fiber. Any kind of carbs and sugar should only be consumed in small amounts.
It is a safe sweetener for dogs to eat in small quantities as long as it is pure and used with other dog-safe ingredients.
Risks
The risks of agave syrup and nectar are the same as giving a dog maple syrup. It’s all about how much your dog eats and how often.
The most common risks of eating too much agave syrup include:
- Digestive Upset
- Obesity – the high calories could lead to weight gain
- Dental Cavities – too much sugar can lead to tooth decay
- No Nutritional Benefit
- High Calories – Has more calories than sugar
Basically, dogs shouldn’t eat too much sugar, in any form. Dogs that eat food with high fructose content are at a higher risk of health issues, like heart disease.
Just because agave nectar or syrup is sold in the health food section doesn’t mean dogs can eat as much of it as they want.
Agave Poisoning
Dog owners, be aware that if your dog eats the plant, it could negatively impact your dog’s health.
Agave syrup is different from the plant. Do not let your dog eat any part of the agave plant because that puts them at risk of getting agave poisoning.
Dogs that eat the agave plant could experience hives, vomiting, or lethargy.
Are Agave Plants Safe For Dogs
It’s not safe for dogs to eat agave plants.
If your dog eats any part of an agave plant, they might experience some (or all) of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Discomfort
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Lack of appetite
- Vomiting
If you think your dog ate an agave plant and they’re showing any of those symptoms, contact your dog’s veterinarian immediately.
My Dog Ate Agave Syrup – What Do I Do
If your dog ate something with agave syrup, they will probably be just fine. But the best thing to do is to write down how much and what else your dog ate. Then monitor your dog for symptoms.
Call your dog’s veterinarian if you notice any lethargy, seizures, or problematic symptoms.
Dog-Safe Sweeteners
What are some sweeteners that are safe for dogs? Honestly, it’s best to keep sweet foods to a minimum when it comes to pets. If you want to make homemade dog treats, then I suggest using any of these ingredients:
- Raw Honey
- Molasses (blackstrap)
- Unsweetened Applesauce
- Bananas
- Yogurt
- Berries
Final Thoughts
Don’t be fooled by the low glycemic index of agave syrup. That doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to give your dog this natural sugar in large quantities. If you want to make a homemade treat, it’s a healthier alternative to corn syrup, but the potential health problems outweigh the potential benefits.
It’s better to limit how much you give your dog and only give them very small amounts. And never let your dog eat any part of the blue agave plant.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are even more resources about different human food your dog can and cannot eat.
- Can Dogs Eat Jelly
- Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows
- Can Dogs Eat Molasses
- Can Dogs Have Stevia
- Can Dogs Have Whipped Cream
Find lots of articles about condiments dogs can and can’t eat right here on Spoiled Hounds.
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