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If you’ve ever been curious if it’s safe for dogs to eat hush puppies, you’re not alone.
In fact, this is a question that we get asked all the time. So today, I’m going to answer that question once and for all.
To ensure I had the most accurate information, I reached out to a few vets to get their insights.
So, can dogs eat hush puppies? The short answer is yes, but they shouldn’t. Hushpuppies are deep-fried and made with cornmeal batter. Fried foods aren’t the best for anyone – humans or animals. So while your dog can technically eat hush puppies, it’s not recommended since there is no nutritional benefit.
In this article, you’ll discover:
- Why dogs shouldn’t eat hush puppies
- The dangers associated with dogs eating hush puppies
- What to do if your dog eats more than they should
- And much more
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Hush Puppies?
Since there are no toxic ingredients in hush puppies, a dog can technically eat them.
However, hush puppies are deep-fried and made with cornmeal, wheat flour, buttermilk, eggs, and salt.
None of these ingredients provide a health benefit to your dog and could get them sick from eating.
So although the occasional hush puppy is unlikely to cause issues, it’s recommended to avoid feeding them to your dog.
5 Dangers Of Dogs Eating Hush Puppies
As mentioned already, there are no ingredients in a hush puppy that are beneficial for your dog.
In fact, most of the ingredients can cause digestive issues.
Eating too many hush puppies can lead to obesity and weight gain since they’re high in calories and fat.
Here are some of the dangers associated with dogs eating hush puppies:
#1. High Calories & Fat
Hushpuppies are high in calories and fat. This can lead to obesity and weight gain if your dog eats too much.
A single hush puppy can be 150 calories with 11 grams of fat. That’s not including the additional oil they’re fried in.
Over time, this can lead to health problems such as diabetes, joint pains, and even heart disease.
#2. Oil & Sodium
Hush puppies are deep-fried in oil and contain lots of sodium. Oil can cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Sodium can also be dangerous for dogs since it can lead to dehydration. For example, suppose your dog eats too many hush puppies. In that case, they may start to show symptoms of dehydration such as panting, lethargy, and sunken eyes.
#3. Allergies
Some dogs can be allergic to the ingredients in hush puppies. The most common allergens are wheat, corn, and eggs.
Suppose your dog is allergic to any of these ingredients. In that case, they may start to show signs of an allergic reaction such as itchiness, redness, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
If you think your dog has an allergic reaction, it’s essential to contact your vet right away.
#4. Digestive Issues
The ingredients in hush puppies can cause digestive issues such as vomiting and diarrhea. In addition, if your dog eats too many of them, they may start to show signs of an upset stomach, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain.
#5. Pancreatitis & Food Bloat
Another danger of feeding dogs hush puppies is pancreatitis and food bloat.
Pancreatitis is a severe condition that could lead to death if not treated. Pancreatitis can develop from eating foods high in fat.
Food bloat is another potential condition if your dog eats too many hush puppies. Food bloat is when the stomach becomes bloated and can’t pass gas. This can be very painful for your dog and fatal if not treated.
What To Do If Your Dog Overeats Hush Puppies?
So your dog got to a platter of hush puppies, and you’re wondering what might happen and what you should do.
To give you the best possible answer, I reached out to my dad Dr. Littlejohn to find out what he’d recommend.
To summarize, he asked about these main topics:
- Amount Consumed & Dog Size
- Ingredients Of Food Consumed
- Dog’s Energy Level
- Unusual Changes In Behaviors
- Signs Of Physical Discomfort Or Pain
- Eating & Drinking Habits
- Vomit & Poop Descriptions
- Gum Color
Every situation will be a little different, but these are the main things I’ve noticed vets will ask about.
Keeping an eye on these things when your dog overeats will help determine if something is wrong.
You know your dog best, so you’re likely right if you think something is off.
You should always seek medical advice if you know they ate something dangerous or you may suspect an issue.
When it comes to hush puppies, the most common concern will be an upset stomach.
Signs of an upset stomach can include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea, with or without blood or mucus
- Constipation
- Increased gas
- Lack of appetite
- Dehydration
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal enlargement/distension
- Distress or inability to get comfortable
These symptoms usually go away after your dog’s digestive system has had time to process the food.
They’ll likely experience diarrhea and vomiting, but it’ll usually disappear after a few days.
Just make sure your dog is staying hydrated and if your dog is showing any severe symptoms or you’re concerned, contact your vet.
You can also use online services to speak directly with a vet for immediate help.
Click here if you wish to speak with a vet online right now.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Hush Puppies?
Hush puppies are a type of cornbread that is deep-fried in oil. They are typically made with wheat flour, cornmeal, eggs, and milk.
Is A Hush Puppy A Dog?
No, a hush puppy is not a dog. It is a type of cornbread that is deep-fried in oil.
Final Thoughts
Overall, hush puppies are not suitable for dogs to eat. The ingredients can cause digestive issues and provide zero benefits to dogs.
If you choose to feed your dog hush puppies, it’s important to only feed them small amounts on occasion.
Making hush puppies a daily treat can cause weight gain and more severe health conditions like pancreatitis.
Also, if you do, monitor them closely for any signs of distress or discomfort.
If you think your dog is having an allergic reaction or showing any severe symptoms, seek medical attention.
I hope you found this helpful. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out through our contact page.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Corn Dogs? Everything You Need To Know