Marzipan, also known as ‘almond candy dough,’ is often used in making holiday treats. It’s made from finely ground almond mixed with sugar, egg whites, and corn syrup.
Out of all these ingredients, dogs can only eat egg whites in moderation.
This leads us to our question: can dogs eat marzipan? The quick answer is yes, but only in small amounts.
This sugary dessert is non-toxic and 100% safe for your pooch. Yet, you still have to be aware that marzipan is rich in sugar, which can lead to severe health conditions. So, how much your dog eats can make all the difference.
Interested in finding out more? Keep reading.
Can Dogs Eat Marzipan?
We love sharing our snacks with our four-legged besties. One example is marzipan. Yet, because it’s full of almonds and sugar, dog owners fear it’ll cause an allergic reaction, or worse.
Luckily, experts agree that marzipan is safe for your dog. So, the next time you’re enjoying some of this tasty dessert, don’t hold out on your pup.
That said, however, there are dozens of healthier, safer food alternatives with no health risks at all.
How Much Marzipan Can My Dog Eat?
Now that you know marzipan is non-toxic for your dog, you have to figure out how much to give them. However, the exact amount depends on the size of your pooch.
Here are some examples of adult dogs and their average portion size. Use them to figure out how much is suitable for your dog.
- Yorkies = 0.5 ounces, or 14 grams
- Labradors = 2 ounces, or 56 grams
- Collies = 1 ounce, or 28 grams
- Corgis = 0.5–1 ounce, or 14–28 grams
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Feeding My Dog Marzipan
As long as you give your dog small amounts, they can enjoy the benefits of marzipan. Conversely, if they have too much, it can cause a slew of health problems.
Check out some of the benefits and drawbacks of giving your pup some marzipan.
Benefits
The good thing about giving your dog marzipan is that it contains almonds. These tear-shaped nuts boost metabolism, so they’re great if your dog is overweight.
Almonds also contain chemicals that help reduce swelling and inflammation. So, if your canine friend suffers from arthritis, giving them a piece of marzipan can help alleviate the pain and joint stiffness, especially in older dogs.
Certain types of marzipan, like the honey-flavored variety, can provide your pup with much-needed vitamins and minerals, like magnesium and potassium. Combined with a well-balanced diet, they can boost your pup’s general well-being to keep them healthy and disease-free.
Drawbacks
The main concern with this dish is that it’s made with ingredients that can lead to diabetes, weight gain, and obesity.
If your dog eats more than they should, it can also cause hip dysplasia because their joints will have to work twice as hard because of the extra weight.
Here are some ingredients found in marzipan that cause health problems for your pup.
Sugar
The significant problem dogs have with marzipan is its high sugar content. Your canine’s digestive system isn’t designed to process sugar. Why would it? After all, canines are primarily carnivores.
So, if they consume too much of it, it can cause digestive problems. The two most common are vomiting and indigestion.
Cyanide
Another problem is that marzipan contains cyanide in tiny doses because it’s made with almonds, which contain amygdalin. During digestion, this chemical breaks down into two enzymes that release hydrogen cyanide that travels into the dog’s bloodstream.
The amount of cyanide depends on how much marzipan your dog ingested. Yet, if it’s a substantial amount, it can be powerful enough to block cell respiration, which can be fatal.
Fats
Almonds aren’t just high in amygdalin; they’re also high in fats. In dogs, high levels of fat can lead to pancreatitis.
Some symptoms of pancreatitis include loss of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If left untreated, it can be fatal.
Also, keep in mind that every 29 grams of marzipan contain 114 calories. Consider this: an average 10-pound adult canine needs about 350 calories daily.
This means that eating a small piece of marzipan will account for nearly half of their daily caloric intake without receiving any of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and maintain their weight.
Wrap Up
So, can dogs eat marzipan? Well, it’s technically safe and can provide a few health benefits. Thus, the consensus is that it’s okay to give your dog tiny amounts or, better yet, not at all.
As always, consult a veterinarian beforehand to learn about the potential risks and benefits. Your vet can also give you a list of healthy alternatives to marzipan.
