Cake may be a party staple for people, but it’s not an ideal treat for dogs.
Most dogs can eat a small amount of cake safely, as long as the cake doesn’t contain any ingredients that are dangerous for dogs. However, experts caution against intentionally feeding your dog cake.
If the cake doesn’t contain harmful ingredients like chocolate or raisins, it’s not toxic for dogs. However, cake still contains ingredients like sugar, fats, and wheat that aren’t optimal for a dog’s health. At best, they’re simply empty calories. At worst, they could trigger allergies or indigestion.
If your dog accidentally grabs a small piece of cake that doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients, you likely don’t need to worry. But if the cake does contain any toxic ingredients or your dog ate a lot of it, you’ll want to contact your vet right away.
Read on to learn why dogs shouldn’t eat cake, including potential health risks, and a few suggestions for dog-safe cakes and other treats for your pup.
Is Cake Nutritious For Dogs?
Cake may taste great, but most cakes have very little nutritional value—for people and for dogs.
“Some kinds of cake may be safe for dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for pups to eat them,” says Dr Jamie Clanin, DVM, a veterinary advisor for PetLab Co.
Besides the lack of nutrients, cake also often contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, Dr Clanin adds. Examples of these ingredients include:
- coffee
- raisins
- nutmeg
- chocolate
- alcohol
- macadamia nuts
- sugar substitutes like xylitol
But even feeding your dog a slice of plain vanilla cake that has none of these ingredients may raise their risk of obesity and other health issues,” says Dr Jessica Apted, DVM, regional medical director at Sploot Veterinary Care.
What Are The Risks Of Dogs Eating Cake?
You left a cake cooling on the counter, and when you come back into the kitchen, you find most of it gone—and your dog licking their lips.
Even if your dog didn’t eat any harmful ingredients, they may develop an upset stomach after eating a lot of cake, Dr Clanin says.
Dr Apted recommends monitoring your dog for the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- lethargy
- excessive thirst
- other signs of distress
If you notice any of these, contact your vet right away.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Cake?
Dogs are omnivores, and their digestive systems are designed to process a wide range of foods. Even so, they’ll usually have a hard time processing the large amounts of sugar most cakes contain.
“You should expect vomiting and diarrhoea if your pup eats a large amount of cake, but it may not be dangerous,” Dr Clanin says. She recommends seeking care from a vet right away if your dog:
- seems unwell
- feels bloated
- can’t keep down food or water
- continues to have diarrhoea
- vomits or has diarrhoea that contains blood
Always contact your vet or a reputable advice line right away if your dog ate cake that had any toxic ingredients. You can reach the paid-for Animal PoisonLine 24/7 by calling 01202 509000.
Do Dog-Safe Cakes Exist?
If you want to treat your dog on their birthday, you can surprise them with a dog-safe cake made just for them.
Dr Apted says dog-friendly cakes are made of ingredients your dog can eat, like pumpkin, peanut butter, and whole wheat flour.
“Many bakeries in dog-friendly areas offer dog-safe cakes,” Dr Clanin says. She adds that it’s important to do some research first by checking the ingredients they use and making sure you don’t notice any toxic ingredients or potential allergens on the list.
You might also find bakeries that only create cakes and other treats for pets.
If you want to have a go at baking a dog-safe cake at home, take a look at our top recipes.
Other Dog-Safe Treats
If your dog is gazing longingly at your slice of cake, you can probably find a more dog-friendly snack in your kitchen.
A small amount of fruit can make a great treat for your dog. Fruit contains fibre, and it also has no added sugars or fats.
Some dog-friendly fruits include:
And of course, you can always grab a bag of dog treats, too!
