Can dogs eat margarine? You may be asking this because your pup got into a tub of this creamy spread. Humans can eat margarine, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, margarine is not good for dogs to eat. Margarine is made using vegetable oil in place of animal fat, so it is marginally healthier than butter. Still, it contains fats that aren’t good for your pup.
If your dog has eaten a lot of margarine, you must contact your vet for guidance. Here’s why margarine isn’t good for dogs.
Why Is Margarine Bad For Dogs?
Margarine contains saturated fats and trans fats, both of which are unhealthy for your doggo. When your dog eats these fats, they can endure gastrointestinal upset.
If your dog eats the saturated and trans fats found in margarine frequently, they can develop issues like obesity, diabetes, and heart problems.
Margarine also contains a good amount of preservatives, which are bad for your pup.
If you are looking for an oil or fat to cook your pup’s food and thought margarine might be the trick, you can try any number of dog-safe oils, like olive oil, instead. Instead of causing obesity and heart problems, these oils provide health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Overall, your dog doesn’t have any reasons to eat margarine, no matter how much they might want to, so it’s best to keep this butter substitute away from our canine friends.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Margarine?
If your dog ate margarine, you should keep an eye on their behavior. There shouldn’t be anything in margarine that would cause toxicity, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Some signs that your dog is having trouble digesting this fatty spread are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating. If your dog is displaying these symptoms, you should call your vet for guidance.
If your dog ate something with a small amount of margarine on it, they will most likely be completely fine. However, your dog’s reaction to margarine is dependent on how much they ate and their current health status.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten margarine? How did they feel after? Let us know in the comments.