Table of Contents
Vet-Approved
This article has been rigorously reviewed and validated by Dr. Annina Müller, med. vet., an accomplished veterinarian who earned her veterinary degree at the University of Bern, specializing in Small Animal Surgery. Her expertise ensures that the advice provided is both current and accurate in the field of veterinary medicine.
Dextrose itself is not bad for dogs, but it's important to note that it is typically found as an ingredient in other foods rather than being something fed on its own.
Dextrose, a form of glucose derived primarily from corn or wheat, is a simple sugar commonly used as a sweetener or preservative in processed foods. While small amounts of dextrose are not inherently harmful, the concern often lies with the other ingredients in foods that contain dextrose, which can be harmful to your dog.
What Is Dextrose?
According to WebMD, dextrose is a sugar usually derived from corn or wheat and almost identical to glucose, the sugar found in the bloodstream.
As it is so similar to glucose, it can be quickly absorbed and used as energy in the human (and dog) body, and it's often used as an artificial sweetener or preservative.
What Type Of Foods Contain Dextrose?
Dextrose is used in a wide range of foods as a sweetener/preservative; you can find some examples below:
Cakes
Crisps
Ice Cream
Processed Cereals
Sweets
The list really does go on, and the odds are that if something has been processed significantly during the manufacturing process, it will likely contain dextrose.
Natural Foods Containing Dextrose
Dextrose also naturally occurs in some natural foods as well, including honey and raisins.
What Happens If Your Dog Eats Dextrose
If your dog eats dextrose, it's very likely in combination with another type of food. This is because dextrose is used as a sweetener/preservative rather than something you would feed your dog on its own.
Unless your dog is diabetic and on a strict diet to maintain their blood sugar levels, a small amount of dextrose fed through a human snack won't cause significant issues for your dog; it's more the food that it is fed with that should be the cause for concern.
For example, ice cream contains dextrose but also lots of other sugar. It's not healthy for your pup at all due to the high sugar and caloric content, so it should not be fed to your dog.
Then there's the case of natural foods that contain dextrose, and it's much the same as with human foods. Raisins, for example, should never be fed to your dog as they can lead to kidney failure and death.
Honey, on the other hand, is fine for dogs in small amounts. It depends on what other ingredients are found in foods containing dextrose rather than the dextrose itself being the problem.
Does Dog Food Or Treats Contain Dextrose?
Most dog foods or treats do not contain dextrose and those that do claim that it only comprises a very small amount of the total metabolizable energy of the diet.
We still prefer dog food and treats that contain as few preservatives or added flavorings as possible.
For example, our sweet potato dog treats only contain one ingredient and no added chemicals or preservatives.
Veterinarian Usage Of Dextrose
In a veterinary setting, dextrose can be life-saving. It is commonly used to treat hypoglycemic crises, where a dog’s blood sugar levels drop dangerously low. This can happen due to various conditions, such as severe liver disease, Addison's disease, or sepsis. In such cases, dextrose injections administered by a veterinarian can quickly restore normal blood sugar levels and prevent serious complications. However, it should only be used by a veterinarian, as improper use can lead to more severe consequences than not using it at all.
Summary
Dextrose is found in so many foods, both naturally and artificially, that it's hard to avoid feeding it to your dog completely.
It should have no impact in small amounts, but you should always research the type of food containing dextrose before feeding it to your dog to ensure it's safe for consumption.
Here's a quick roundup of key takeaways from this guide:
Dextrose is almost identical to glucose and is a quickly absorbed energy source.
Dextrose isn't bad in small amounts for dogs; the problem is that it is used as a sweetener or preservative for other foods that can harm your dog. It can also naturally occur in foods that are harmful to your dog as well, like raisins.
Dextrose is used in several medical applications by veterinarians, but it should only be used in this context.
Want to learn about other ingredients that you should avoid feeding your dog? Check out our 15 Ingredients to Avoid in Dog Treats list for more information.
