What dog owner doesn’t like to give their dog a treat once in a while? Though it might make you happy, is it good for your dog? One particular treat we’ll dive into is custard. You might ask yourself, Is custard good for dogs?
In general, custard can be given to dogs sparingly, however, some elements in custard can be detrimental to a dog’s health. Ingredients contained in the custard could be considered unhealthy, or even harmful for a dog.
In this article we will explain the reasons this sugary treat may or may not be a good idea for your dog, and why.
Is Custard Harmful to Dogs?
More times than not, a dog can eat custard without any adverse effects. This doesn’t imply letting your dog chow down on a whole bowl of custard. But as an occasional indulgence in small quantities, most likely, is fine.
However, pay close attention to the ingredients of the custard. Some custards contain items that can potentially harm a dog.
Custard Ingredients: Are They Good for A Dog?
A custard’s main ingredients are sugar, cream, and eggs. Although those are the typical ingredients, others such as corn starch for thickening, or milk for thinning can be additions. Flavorings such as vanilla or chocolate are sometimes included, and these ingredients are very bad for canines. Vanilla and chocolate can be toxic to a dog. For more ingredients toxic to dogs check out article – foods you dog can’t eat.
Vanilla because of the high alcohol content, and chocolate because it contains Theobromine which is similar to caffeine. Unlike humans, dogs do not have the digestive capabilities to break these ingredients down.
In addition, dairy products are not easily digestible to dogs, especially if they are lactose intolerant. Other ingredients, such as eggs and cornflour are in fact safe for a dog’s consumption, but that’s not all they’re getting. With that being said, a little spoonful here and there is not going to cause problems unless your dog is in fact lactose intolerant. If that is the case, your dog might experience a bout of diarrhea and/or vomiting.
Custard is an extremely rich dessert and can come in many forms. Custard ice cream, warm cream custards, and other types such as Creme Brulee, or even cheesecake are just a few. Custards can be eaten by themselves or used as a filling in pies and pastries. A custard’s thickness varies depending on the method it was prepared, and for what use. The richer the custard is, the more sugar it has.
Is Pastry Bad for Dogs?
Just like custard, pastry is probably not the best choice to feed your dog. Dogs are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and vegetables. Sugar does not fit into their diet, in fact, it’s unnatural for them. Same as salt, there are certain ingredients that a dog is not accustomed to and could potentially cause digestive issues.
Though small amounts of a pastry probably won’t be harmful, there are ingredients that should absolutely be avoided. They include chocolate, avocado, vanilla, and grapes. Allowing your dog to consume these ingredients in large quantities could prove to be deadly. In addition, too much sugar can lead to obesity in a dog, therefore should be monitored closely and given in small doses.
Can A Dog Eat Custard Apple?
For those of you who are wondering what a custard apple is, it’s a fruit, also known as a sweet apple. Its shape varies, from heart-shaped, to oblong. When ripe, the colour is yellowish-brown. This fruit is considerably sweet to the taste and full of goodness.
In general, it’s basically safe to give a dog a taste of a custard apple. The apple itself is full of wonderful nutrients such as fiber which is great for the digestive system. They also are packed with vitamins such as C, K, phosphorus, and calcium, which are all beneficial to a dog.
However, when feeding your dog, a custard apple, it’s important to make sure all the seeds are eliminated. Seeds from the custard apple contain cyanide and can be life-threatening to a dog, especially if it gets lodged in the digestive tract. Of course, one or two seeds won’t be harmful, but in mass quantities could very well cause a problem.
Can A Dog Eat Custard Creams?
Similar to its cousin frozen custard, custard creams also contain lots of sugar. Sugar is not healthy for a dog. Sugar can cause obesity or even diabetes. It’s imperative that you monitor your dog’s sugar intake and not overindulge it because you assume you’re being a good doggy parent.
Sugar is not natural to a dog’s diet and should be introduced moderately or not at all. In addition, dairy is also included in custard creams. Be careful when allowing your dog this special treat. If you notice that your dog is having issues such as diarrhea, or vomiting, discontinue immediately. A reward to your dog is not worth the misery it might experience, or the vet bills down the road.
In conclusion, treats are not necessarily bad for a dog, it’s what’s in the treats that can potentially be harmful. Pay close attention to what the food contains before allowing your dog to consume it. Instead of allowing a dog to indulge in a human dessert such as custards or pastries, consider a pet-friendly alternative.
Related Question/s
Can Dogs Drink Milk?
Though small amounts won’t likely hurt a dog, it is not recommended. Many dogs are lactose intolerant and milk will only upset their digestive tract causing diarrhea and possible vomiting.
Is Custard Ice Cream OK for Dogs?
Custard ice cream basically contains the same ingredients as regular custard. In small amounts, a dog should be fine. Just pay attention to the ingredients and verify it doesn’t contain anything that could harm your dog.
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