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The delicious taste of tapioca pudding is a favorite of mine. I’ll admit, I’ve shared a small amount with my dog at times but only doing research to determine if it was okay.
First off, can dogs eat tapioca pudding? In short, yes, in moderation. Tapioca on its own is actually a staple in many dog food recipes because it’s a safe, hypoallergenic grain. However, when added with other ingredients in pudding, it can be a problem for some dogs. The main reason being the amount of sugar & dairy products.
In this article you’ll discover:
- The 4 dangers with dogs eating tapioca pudding
- What to do if your dog eats tapioca pudding
- Why tapioca alone is actually good for dogs
- And much more
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Can Dogs Eat Tapioca Pudding?
The key to whether dogs can eat tapioca pudding or not is moderation.
While the starch from tapioca is safe for dogs, it’s the other ingredients like milk, cream, and sugar that can be problematic.
Dairy products can cause digestive upset in some dogs and too much sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity.
The 4 Dangers With Dogs Eating Tapioca Pudding
There are a few major concerns with a dog eating tapioca pudding. Here they are:
#1. Dairy Can Cause Gastrointestinal Issues
Tapioca pudding usually contains cow’s milk or cream which can lead to gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
This is because many dogs are lactose intolerant and can’t properly digest dairy products.
If your dog does eat tapioca pudding, watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, or gas. If they occur, it’s best to call your veterinarian.
#2. Weight Gain & Obesity
Another danger of letting your dog eat tapioca pudding is weight gain and obesity. Just like in humans, too much sugar can lead to these problems in dogs.
And since tapioca pudding is basically a dessert, it likely contains a good amount of sugar.
If your dog is overweight, it can lead to other health problems like joint pain, diabetes, and respiratory issues. So it’s best to avoid letting them eat tapioca pudding altogether.
#3. Tapioca can be a Choking Hazard
Another concern with dogs eating tapioca pudding is that the tapioca pearls can be a choking hazard.
They can get stuck in your dog’s throat and cause them to choke.
If you do decide to give your dog tapioca pudding, make sure it’s in small amounts.
#4. Allergic Reactions
While not common, some dogs can have an allergic reaction to tapioca. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, hives, and difficulty breathing.
If your dog has any of these symptoms after eating tapioca pudding, call your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Die From Eating Tapioca Pudding?
Although it is very unlikely, yes, dogs can die from eating tapioca pudding. While the tapioca itself is not toxic to dogs, if a tapioca Pearl gets stuck in their throat, they could choke to death.
This is only likely to happen with very small dogs as the tapioca pearls are small.
There are also other symptoms from over eating tapioca pudding like vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing that in severe cases might be fatal.
What Is Tapioca?
Tapioca is a starch that’s extracted from the root of the cassava plant. It’s commonly used as a thickening agent in various food recipes, including pudding.
The cassava root is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it’s often used as an ingredient in many grain-free dog foods.
Ingredients
Tapioca pudding is generally made with:
- Tapioca
- Whole milk / coconut milk / 2% milk
- Egg prduct
- Sugar
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
In addition, if you are thinking about feeding your dog a snack pack tapioca pudding cup from the grocery store, it contains:
- Sugar
- Tapioca
- Palm Oil
- Non-fat Milk
- Water
- Modified Corn Starch
- Under 2% Of: Salt, Disodium Phosphate, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Artificial Flavors, Yellow 5 Lake, and Yellow 6 Lake.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Boba? What You Need To Know (We Asked Vets)
Is Tapioca Good For Dogs?
Tapioca is a good source of energy and contains no fat.
It’s also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for dogs with allergies or sensitivities.
The main concern with tapioca pudding is the amount of sugar and milk that’s added to the recipe. Too much sugar can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs.
Another concern is the dairy content in pudding. Dairy can be difficult for some dogs to digest and may cause stomach upset. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it’s best to avoid tapioca pudding altogether.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Tapioca Pudding?
If your dog eats tapioca pudding, it’s unlikely to cause serious health problems. However, it would help if you watched for symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.
While tapioca can be healthy for dogs, milk-based pudding and high sugar content can be problematic when over-consumed. Generally, a dog that overeats tapioca pudding will experience an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
They would need to consume a large portion for their size to experience significant danger. After speaking with Dr. Littlejohn, he recommends dog owners keep an eye on their dogs for the next 24 to 48 hours after eating tapioca pudding.
If you feel something is off with your dog, speak with your vet. Otherwise, once the pudding has passed, everything should go back to normal.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Vanilla Pudding?
Yes, dog’s can eat vanilla pudding but only in tiny amounts and certainly not daily. This is because vanilla pudding contains high levels of sugar and fat.
Too much sugar and fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs, which can be a very serious condition.
Not to mention there are zero beneficial ingredients in vanilla pudding for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Pudding?
No, chocolate pudding should never be fed to dogs. Chocolate pudding contains large amounts of sugar and cocoa powder, which can harm dogs. Cocoa powder is made with a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs in high doses. So anything containing cocoa powder should not be fed to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Sugar-Free Pudding?
No, dogs should not eat sugar-free pudding. Sugar-free pudding usually contains sugar replacements such as xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a sugar substitute and is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs.
Final Thoughts
While tapioca pudding is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, it’s best to avoid feeding it. This is because the pudding contains high levels of sugar and dairy, which can be difficult for some dogs to digest.
If you decide to feed your dog tapioca pudding, make sure it’s in small amounts for your dog’s size. Many owners with smaller pups tend to overfeed their dogs treats because they don’t realize how small they are.
Remember, if your dog is small or medium-sized, that is still much smaller than you. So the amount you give them should be appropriate for their size. It would help if you always aimed to under feed your dog treats. A tiny bite is all they need!
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