Is Nutella safe for dogs to eat? Nutella is one of the most popular chocolate spreads in the world, eaten daily by many people, including their furry friends!
Unfortunately, many dog owners do not know whether it is safe to give their dogs Nutella or not.
This article will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to give your dog Nutella. While nutella tastes great on an english muffin or spread on toast, the hazelnut spread can be toxic to dogs, especially large amounts of it.
Can dogs eat Nutella?
No, dogs can not eat Nutella. That’s because nutella contains xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs in large amounts, resulting in potentially fatal hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
We don’t recommend letting your dog eat nutella because it’s not good for them.
The risks of feeding your dog Nutella
Nutella is a chocolate spread and like all chocolate, should never be fed to dogs. Chocolate can be a very dangerous treat for our canine friends, even the seemingly safe kind found in Nutella.
The chocolate flavor isn’t what makes it bad, but the additives that it’s mixed with like sugar and fat. In addition, hazelnuts also pose a risk to dogs as they contain traces of cyanide, which are harmful when consumed.
Even though they’re small, hazelnuts can have a serious impact on your dog’s health. Nutella also contains high amounts of sugar.
Small amounts of sugar can be fed to a dog, but it needs to be monitored closely and the quantity needs to be limited because a food with a high sugar content that turns to fat.
Dogs are naturally attracted to sweet foods which is why a lot of pet owners give them sweet treats, but these types of treats should only be given sparingly and should never contain chocolate.
Why Nutella is toxic for dogs
There are some things that just shouldn’t be fed to dogs and Nutella is one of them. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that is toxic to dogs and can lead to seizures, or worse.
In one report of 74 cases of canine chocolate poisoning, all 74 required veterinary treatment, 45 had seizures and 12 died from the effects of the poison.
Your dog may have no symptoms at first but could be seen staggering around later.
What to do if my dog eats Nutella or chocolate?
If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately! If your dog eats chocolate they may get pancreatitis which is an inflammation of the pancreas and can be life-threatening.
Some signs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, appetite loss, and frequent urination or difficulty urinating as well as abdominal pain from pancreatic swelling.
If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms take them to a veterinarian immediately! Even if you only suspect your dog got into chocolate or Nutella, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible, especially if the dog has vomited or seems unwell.
For these reasons, experts recommend checking the ingredients list before giving your dog any type of chocolate or nutella spread.
