You know that your pooch might be curious while you’re eating, probably jumping to lick the spoon after you dip it into the jar. So, can dogs eat mayonnaise? You’ll find the answer in this article, so keep on reading.
Can Dogs Eat Mayonnaise?
To understand whether dogs can have mayo, it’s important to understand what goes into making mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is made of oil, eggs, and some type of acid like lemon juice or vinegar. There are also special editions where mayonnaise can be mixed with mustard or any other sauce. So, are these ingredients safe for your dog?
None of the ingredients used to make mayonnaise will be harmful to your dog (and in fact, eggs are healthy for dogs, and vinegar can be beneficial to dogs as well). However, the high fat content of mayonnaise can cause gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis.
The dog’s intestines and pancreas aren’t designed to withstand high amounts of fats. So, any excess fat can cause a painful inflammation that would make your pooch uncomfortable. Moreover, eating fatty and unhealthy food will make your dog gain unnecessary weight.
Put simply, dogs should not eat mayonnaise.
Miracle Whip is a mayonnaise product that has the above ingredients, with the addition of high fructose corn syrup. Given the high fat and high sugar, Miracle Whip should never intentionally be fed to dogs (although it is not toxic to dogs).
Again, mayonnaise should be avoided and never intentionally served to dogs. But if your pooch sneaks a lick of mayonnaise and tuna there’s no need for concern – neither tuna more mayonnaise are toxic to dogs (tuna is actually healthy for dogs).
How Much is Too Much Mayonnaise?
The answer to this question differs from one dog to another. For example, if you have a young puppy or an elderly or sick dog, then mayonnaise should be off the menu entirely. This is because the dog’s sensitive digestive tract won’t be able to digest mayonnaise, so it can cause your dog a lot of pain and other serious health issues.
However, if you have a healthy and strong dog who licked the spoon or ate a piece of bread with some mayonnaise on top, you shouldn’t be too concerned.
But if your dog eats the whole jar of mayonnaise, then this is too much. Even low-fat mayonnaise shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities.
How Can You Tell That Your Dog Ate Too Much Mayonnaise?
Unless you can see the telltale signs of the crime, you just need to watch for any signs of discomfort, pain, or diarrhea. When a dog eats too much mayonnaise, it will most likely vomit or sit quietly because it’s in pain.
If you notice any of the symptoms, you need to take your pooch to the vet. The vet will run a few tests and give your dog some medications to overcome the upset stomach and intestines.
Which Mayonnaise Alternatives Are Safer For Dogs?
Dairy products like cottage cheese, yogurt, and kefir are safer for dogs and healthier than mayonnaise. Nevertheless, they should be given in moderation and as occasional snacks.
Unlike humans, dogs have low lactase levels, which is the enzyme used to digest milk. This means that consuming too much yogurt or cheese will make your pooch sick.
If you want to give your dog yogurt, you need to make sure that it’s free of flavors and sugar. Stick to low-fat cottage cheese because it’s easier to digest.
A better alternative would be to offer peanut butter. It doesn’t taste or look like mayonnaise, but it provides the tasty fats. Only a small amount is needed to keep your pooch satisfied, and it’s rich in fatty acids that keep your dog in the best shape.
Wrap Up
A dog can eat a small amount of mayonnaise, but it shouldn’t be part of every day’s meal. Mayonnaise is high in fatty content and can make your pooch uncomfortable and sick