Jello has been an American crowd pleaser since its creation in 1897. It is a sweet treat that can often be found at potlucks and family reunions. And when it’s served, it usually goes fast!
And, if you have dogs present at these events, you may be wondering if they can join in on the fun. You may be wondering, can dogs eat Jello?”
If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will tell you whether Jello is safe for dogs, and we will take a look at the effects this treat can have on our canine furbabies.
Can Dogs Eat Jello?
The short answer is it depends (but you have to be super careful here if you give it to your dog!). Dogs might be able to consume some types of Jello. So we’ll present both sides to help you decide if it’s something you want to risk giving to your dog.
It is important to be aware that certain types of Jello are toxic to dogs. Especially flavored kinds, which contain incredibly high amounts of sugar. This could be very dangerous to dogs.
An excess consumption of sugar puts dogs at risk of developing diabetes, Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), and/or weight gain.
When is Jello Toxic for Dogs?
Jellos that contain the ingredient xylitol are classified as toxic to dogs, so avoid these types at all cost.
Xylitol is a sugar replacement, or an artificial sweetener used to decrease the calorie content of foods yet simultaneously maintain a sweet taste.
Xylitol can cause severe hypoglycemia or a large decrease in the blood sugar levels of dogs. This condition can be fatal to dogs. Xylitol can also directly and possibly severely damage the liver. This can be bad not just for dogs, but for pretty much every organism.
Again, anything containing xylitol should never be given to dogs.
When is Jello Okay for Dogs?
Unflavored Jello is not necessarily bad for dogs, however it offers them little nutritional value.
Yet, there are some nutritional benefits that Jello can offer.
First, thanks to its gelatin content, it is rich in protein. Protein is an essential nutrient that can contribute to muscle development and tissue repair in dogs.
Second, it also contains an amino acid called Glycine. Glycine helps in protein synthesis and specifically to prevent brain damage and seizures.
Third, gelatin can help digest carbohydrates. Additionally, it can also be used as an ailment to treat upset stomachs.
Best Type of Jello for Dogs
The best option for dogs are plain gelatins without added sugar or xylitol. Unflavored and plain beef gelatin and fish gelatins are also good for dogs.
So in conclusion, Jello can either be okay or terrible for dogs, depending on the ingredients added. It is okay if served plain and toxic if it has xylitol.
Bottom line here is it’s probably best to have your dog avoid Jello just to be on the safe side. There are a lot of other treats you have give him/her that don’t come with the health risks of Jello.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
Up next in the series is a very nutritious option for dogs which you can read about in Can Dogs Eat Okra?
