Quick Answer
Sugarcane is not toxic to dogs but should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet
- It has little nutritional value and the fiber and sugar content could upset the stomach if your dog ate too much.
- The tough, fibrous part also poses a choking risk if not properly chewed.
- If your dog eats sugarcane, monitor them for vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or signs of intestinal obstruction. Call your vet if you notice anything abnormal.
Sugarcane has been in use for a very long time. It is used in medicines and household products. As humans, we love to have it raw too, and there are possible chances you have thought of feeding it to your dog, or maybe your dog ate it by mistake and that’s why you are have landed here. Well, keep reading as we will help you to know about it!
Can dogs eat sugarcane?
Sugarcane is not a safe option for dogs because it is loaded with a lot of sugar responsible for causing different health conditions in dogs, including obesity and diabetes.
Also, the canine digestive system does not require regular sugar, which means that if you regularly feed them with sugarcane, it will be an unnecessary addition to their diet.
Factors making sugarcane a bad option
There are two main factors making sugarcane a bad option.
- Sugarcane has a hard, brittle exterior and tough too, which is impossible for them to digest.
- Sugarcane is loaded with high sugar content, making it unsafe for dogs.
Note: Consumption of large pieces of sugarcane can obstruct their intestinal tract if consumed by small dogs. But still, if you are thinking of giving it to them, cut it into small pieces and remove the peel.
Is it safe to feed the dog with sugarcane stalk?
Well, if you are looking forward to getting sugarcane stalk for your dog, there are certain points to consider:
- The stalk is harder to digest than bones.
- Sugar content in sugarcane can lead to tooth decay
- If your dog eats the stalk, some fibrous parts may get stuck in its mouth and cause pain.
- Large pieces of sugarcane can block the intestine, or worse, tear through and break them.
Is sugarcane a bad option for dogs?
Yes, sugarcane is bad for dogs because it is loaded with too much sugar. If your pup is consuming too much sugar, there are chances they will suffer from some health-related issues. Also, it is important to understand that dogs do not require sugars at all. They are fine without it. But still, if they are consuming it, there are chances that they will suffer from the below-mentioned conditions:
- Diabetes.
- Canine obesity.
- Pancreatitis (in severe cases).
- Metabolic changes.
- Upset stomach.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Dental issues like tooth decay, cavities, and enamel loss.
Can dogs drink sugarcane juice?
As we know, sugarcane is not a safe option for dogs, but sugarcane juice is safe for them. Yes, you read it right. This sweet juice brings a lot of benefits to them like:
- Helpful in boosting liver functioning.
- Helpful in marinating a healthy digestive system.
- Improves liver health.
- Fight against cancer cells.
Along with providing numerous health benefits, it is loaded with some essential nutrients to like:
- Iron.
- Calcium.
- Magnesium.
- Manganese.
- Potassium.
All these nutrients make it alkaline in nature which is responsible for neutralizing the excess acid produced in a dog’s body.
Can sugarcane consumption cause internal obstruction?
Sugarcane consumption is responsible for causing internal obstruction in dogs. Dogs are found to have a higher frequency of ingestion of sugarcane compared to other food items, which can be attributed to their instinctual scavenging behavior. Dogs are known to ingest anything they find edible, which is why they are at higher risk of developing an intestinal obstruction due to sugarcane ingestion than other animals.
Can we give sugarcane to a puppy?
Puppies need a daily diet that includes high-quality protein and a combination of carbs, fats, vitamins, and minerals. But don’t give your puppy too many sugary treats. Sugary foods can harm their teeth and make it hard for them to eat other healthier foods. However, additional food treats that can be given to them are carrots, apples, and peanut butter.
If you want, you can give your puppy grains like rice and oats instead of sugar to get more nutrition.
Can dogs eat sugarcane with skin on?
Yes, dogs can eat sugarcane but only if it is skinned. Cane stalks are tough and fibrous, so they will chew a lot of it and might get some roughage.
If your dog has been injured or is prone to fighting, a wound can be covered with sugarcane skin to reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Can dogs eat sugarcane leaves?
If you didn’t know, it’s possible to feed your dog with sugarcane leaves which is really good for their health. In particular, if your pet has any stomach issues, then try this. But as with anything, you should only give them in moderation. Also, be sure to wash the leaves before offering them.
What we learned from all this
Sugarcane is not a safe option for dogs. However, it is non-toxic, but it is not for them due to the high content of sugar. Furthermore, it is not a necessary element in diet which means one can completely avoid it. If you are feeding your dog sugarcane regularly, there are chances for them to suffer from different health conditions.
Also, the exterior peel of sugarcane is unsafe for them because foreign particles already contaminate it, and if your dog consumes it, there are more chances that they will suffer from medical issues.
If you notice your dog eating sugarcane, stop them and reach out to the vet right away and let them get diagnosed. The vet will help you to know whether they are fine or not. Also, we suggest you pay close attention to them and always feed them with dog food only!!