Given that many of the negative effects of sugar on humans—from weight gain to dental issues—also apply to our pets, it probably comes as no surprise that sugar is not the ideal diet for your dog to be consuming.
Sugar is a problematic element because it may frequently be found in things we wouldn't expect, such virtually any manufactured food you might find on the shelves of a grocery store.
Like people, dogs can suffer a number of harmful effects from sugar. First off, it can result in weight gain, which increases your dog's risk for a variety of illnesses like diabetes.
Some adverse effects of dog weight increase include lethargy, knee difficulties, heart disease, and respiratory problems.
In addition to causing inflammation throughout the body, excessive sugar consumption is bad for both people and dogs.
Like us, your dog's teeth can suffer from eating too much sugar, but most pet owners don't want to have to pay for expensive dental cleanings or treatments for their canines.
What about naturally occurring sugars, such as those in wholesome, canine-friendly fruits like apples, bananas, and blueberries?
Fruit sugars, or fructose, provide a vital function by giving our canine companions the energy they require to chase a Frisbee (or a squirrel), go on a long walk, or play ball in the backyard.
Because they contain so many other healthy elements that are beneficial to both humans and dogs, fruits are the ideal source of this sugar, which is why many of them make excellent dog treats.
Many of these products now use artificial sweeteners instead of sugar, some of which can be harmful or even fatal to dogs (like Xylitol).
Xylitol is a particularly hazardous artificial sugar since it can cause your dog's blood sugar to plummet, or induce hypoglycemia or quick liver failure.