With their wagging tail and endearing eyes, it can be hard to avoid sharing human snacks or meals with our pets. However, often, it’s safer and kinder not to share food with dogs for a few reasons. In this article, we’ll focus on whether or not saccharin is safe for dogs.
Manufacturers explicitly develop products like saccharin for humans. While ingesting a small amount of saccharin isn’t lethal for your dog, it can cause them some uncomfortable digestive problems. Because of this, avoid giving your dog saccharin. Always talk with your vet before making any changes to your dog’s diet.
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What Is Saccharin?
Saccharin is a commonly used artificial sweetener that is much sweeter than sugar. It can be used in place of sugar during the preparation of sugar-free recipes for food and drink.
It is declared fit for human consumption by the FDA and is a popular alternative to sugar.
Saccharin And Dogs
If your dog accidentally ingests saccharin directly or something which contains it, don’t worry. It is not thought to be particularly problematic, although nothing is known about the consequences of ingestion by dogs in the longer term. Keep an eye on your dog if they do ingest this substance, and don’t hesitate to contact your vet, either. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, after all.
Risks To Dogs
Saccharin is not considered to be “high risk” for dogs.
If you’re feeding your dog human food (such as table scraps), it’s important to know and understand all the risks associated with what they’re eating.
Also, always check the ingredients list before feeding something to your dog.
Symptoms
Since it will most likely be considered foreign by the body, it might cause some mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea for a dog. But these signs shouldn’t last for more than a few hours.
Treatment
If your dog ingested a huge amount of saccharin or they have underlying health conditions, veterinary attention is recommended. Vomiting in these cases could cause dehydration or other health problems.
Contact your veterinarian if you are worried about your pet.
Substances That Are Toxic For Dogs
Below, we’ve listed some examples of substances that your dog will need veterinary attention after consumption for:
- Raisins
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Grapes
- Xylitol
Disclaimer: the above are just a few examples of some household substances that can be toxic for dogs. Please be aware that this list does not include everything and is a guide only.
Conclusion: Is Saccharin Safe For Dogs?
Your dog eating a small amount of saccharin is unlikely to cause significant problems. However, it should not be given knowingly to your pet. Make sure only to give your dog products specifically designed for dogs as part of a balanced diet.
If your dog has eaten something it shouldn’t, contact your veterinarian for further guidance.
So, what do you think about dogs and saccharin? Let us know in the comments below!