Can Dogs Have Eggnog? 6 Hazardous Ingredients in Eggnog
Written by MasterClass
Last updated: May 24, 2022 • 2 min read
Dogs cannot drink eggnog. It can be tempting to give your dog eggnog along with their pet food during the holiday season, but when a dog drinks eggnog, they can experience digestive issues and serious health problems. Discover why this holiday food is not a dog-friendly drink.
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Can Dogs Have Eggnog?
No, dogs cannot drink eggnog as it can make them very sick. Eggnog contains ingredients that can harm your dog’s digestive system, like dairy, spices, and raw eggs. Some eggnog drinks also contain alcohol, which can lead to ethanol poisoning and other serious side effects.
6 Ingredients in Eggnog That Can Harm Dogs
While eggnog may be a fun holiday treat for humans, many ingredients in this drink make it a dangerous addition to dog food. Eggnog is hazardous for dogs because it contains:
- 1. Alcohol: Many eggnog recipes call for spirits like rum. Your pet cannot metabolize alcohol, and even small amounts can lead to alcohol poisoning.
- 2. Dairy: Most eggnog recipes contain whole milk or cream. These dairy ingredients can lead to stomach upset, vomiting, or diarrhea, even in dogs who are not lactose intolerant.
- 3. Fat: Food and drinks that contain a large amount of fat can lead to weight gain and obesity. Too many high-fat foods in your dog’s diet can also lead to pancreatitis, which is potentially life-threatening.
- 4. Raw eggs: Eggnog contains raw egg whites or egg yolks. Feeding your pet raw food can lead to salmonella poisoning.
- 5. Sugar: Eggnog is a sweet, sugary beverage. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can lead to health issues like tooth decay, obesity, and stomach upset. Sugar-free drinks are also dangerous because they contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol that are poisonous to dogs.
- 6. Spices: The primary spice in eggnog, nutmeg, contains myristicin, which is dangerous for your dog. Myristicin toxicity can lead to dry mouth, stomach upset, abdominal pain, or disorientation in canines.
Before Sharing With Your Pooch
Certain human foods can cause adverse reactions in canines, so always consult your veterinarian to determine whether it is safe to add these foods to your pet’s diet. This article is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.
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