Sweets
Can dogs and cats eat sugar?
Short answer on sugar: safe only with care for both dogs and cats. See what to watch for and the veterinary sources behind each answer.
One food, two pets
What changes between dogs and cats?
Dogs and cats both have a caution verdict.
The label matches, but the two answers are not interchangeable. Check the bottom line for your pet below.
- Bottom line differs
Sugar safety for dogs
Plain sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it has no nutritional benefit, and regular or large intake contributes to obesity, dental disease, and diabetes, so it should not be intentionally fed.
Sugar safety for cats
Sugar is not toxic to cats, but as obligate carnivores they get no benefit from it, and it can cause digestive upset, obesity, and dental problems, so vets say there is no reason to add it to a cat's diet.
Questions owners ask about sugar
Can dogs eat sugar?
Plain sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it has no nutritional benefit, and regular or large intake contributes to obesity, dental disease, and diabetes, so it should not be intentionally fed.
Is sugar safe for every dog?
Not necessarily. Plain sugar is not toxic to dogs, but it has no nutritional benefit, and regular or large intake contributes to obesity, dental disease, and diabetes, so it should not be intentionally fed. Ask your veterinarian first if your dog has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
Can cats eat sugar?
Sugar is not toxic to cats, but as obligate carnivores they get no benefit from it, and it can cause digestive upset, obesity, and dental problems, so vets say there is no reason to add it to a cat's diet.
Is sugar safe for every cat?
Not necessarily. Sugar is not toxic to cats, but as obligate carnivores they get no benefit from it, and it can cause digestive upset, obesity, and dental problems, so vets say there is no reason to add it to a cat's diet. Ask your veterinarian first if your cat has an existing health condition or you are unsure.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your pet's diet and health.
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Read our methodology for how every verdict is sourced and reviewed.