Many of us love to sneak little treats to our dogs, such as a corner of our sandwich or a leftover piece of toast. But have you ever thought about whether the butter or spread on your sandwich is good for dogs? Can dogs eat butter, or is butter toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat butter?
While butter is not toxic to dogs, there are so many health risks associated with dogs eating butter that it is better to avoid it. A small amount of butter is unlikely to do your dog any harm, but larger quantities or frequent buttery treats will not be good for your canine friend.
Butter is made almost entirely of fat, and around half of this is saturated fat. These fats can lead to weight gain, and, if consumed in large amounts, may trigger health problems such as pancreatitis. Dogs that are overweight or obese are also more likely to develop heart disease, cancer, musculoskeletal problems, and diabetes.
Butter is also very low in vitamins and minerals, and many kinds of butter contain added salt. Put all this together, and you’ll see why feeding butter to dogs is not a good idea!
What are the signs of toxicity?
As butter is not toxic to dogs, a small amount on an occasional basis is unlikely to do any harm. Monitor your dog’s weight carefully, and skip any buttery treats if you notice any weight gain.
If a dog eats a whole stick of butter, it could develop a serious medical condition called pancreatitis. Signs of pancreatitis in dogs include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain, normally characterized by the dog adopting a ‘praying’ position
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
What to do if my dog ate butter?
If your dog had a crust of toast or a baked dog treat with some butter, there is no need to panic. While these are high-calorie treats, when fed occasionally they are unlikely to trigger any problems. Watch for any weight gain and switch to healthier snacks such as fruits or vegetables if your pooch starts to pile on the pounds.
However, if your dog wolfs down a whole stick of butter, there is a risk it could develop pancreatitis. This is a particular problem in dogs that have had pancreatitis before, as they are more likely to develop this condition again in the future.
If not treated promptly, pancreatitis in dogs can be fatal. So, if your dog eats a whole stick of butter, it is best to seek veterinary advice straight away.
Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.
