Many people think it’s okay to feed their dog some of the jam while they are having breakfast or on toast for lunch, but others believe this can be dangerous. So what should you know about feeding your dog with jam?

Dogs cannot eat Jam. Jam contains high sugar which is not good for dogs. It can cause several health complications in dogs apart from no nutrition because the fruit has been boiled. Artificial sweeteners can be fatal for dogs.

Dogs cannot consume Jam. The high sugar in jam is not good for dogs. As a matter of fact, can cause several health complications in addition to no nutrition because the fruit has been boiled. Artificial sweeteners can be fatal.

What Is Jam?

Jam is a type of fruit spread made mostly from boiled fruits and sugar. It can be sweetened with artificial sweeteners, flavors, or both to give it the perfect taste! Jam typically has an accompaniment such as bread for sandwiches or fillings in tarts but there’s no limit when applying this versatile topping to your next meal idea.

A jam can contain a single fruit or a mixed fruit jam. Apart from sugar, some brands use additional preservatives. Jams contain

  • acid or other citrates
  • pectin

Jams also contain high fructose corn syrup, food coloring, and preservatives depending on the manufacturer.

What is Strawberry?

Strawberry is a fruit belonging to the Rosacea family. Its botanical name is ‘Fragaria Ananassa’. First grown in France, this fruit is juicy and sweet to taste when ripe. (sometimes can give you a tangy surprise lol). With several seeds laced on the external side of its skin, the strawberry largely comprises of water. It grows in bunches and has small white flowers. Interestingly, apart from the culinary usage, it also has medicinal value. Here is a chart of the vitamins and minerals present in strawberries.

What Does Strawberry Contain For Dogs?

Strawberry as fruit contains several vitamins like B1, B6, C, and K apart from fiber and folic acid. Here is a chart of the contents of strawberries for dogs.

However, when the strawberry is boiled, it loses all its nutritive value and only adds to the sugar content in the jam. So it is always better to give your dog the fruit as against strawberry jam.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Jam?

Dogs cannot eat strawberry jam because jam contains excess sugar in it along with the additional sugar content from the boiled strawberry. Jams contain more than 50% sugar in it. The boiled fruit loses its nutritional value. All you have now are skins and pulp, with the sugar remains which lack any real use aside from eating them for taste.

High levels of sugar affect dogs with problems such as obesity, diabetes, and liver disease. The quantity of jam is relevant here. Some may think “it is a small quantity. Can’t do any harm”. But this is not true. It can have consequences if the jam contains xylitol. Xylitol is toxic for dogs.

It is always better to opt for dog-friendly treats which are made for dogs. One should know that some fruits like grapes can be toxic. So researching before feeding is a sensible thing to do.

Side Effects Of Strawberry Jam In Dogs

Diabetes through Blood Sugar Level Spike:

You might think that your dog can’t get diabetes from eating jam, but actually, the sugar in it will increase their blood-sugar levels and lead to further complications including obesity. That’s not good for them.

Diabetes is a state of health and can be an aggravating factor to other health conditions.

Jam is not a great food for your dog. But an occasional treat with a teaspoon of jam is not deadly of course. But, this can be true only if it has no xylitol.

Vomiting & Stomach Upset:

Dogs can suffer from gastric issues or stomach upset from the acidic content in the strawberry jam.

The pH balance in your pet’s gut can be affected by the citrics that are added to the jam which can result in vomiting.

You may in some cases have to hospitalize your dog.

Dysentery:

The citrate compound is not digestible by dogs leading them straight into a bad case of diarrhea! So you shouldn’t give any sugary items like jams.

Weight Gain / Obesity:

Obesity is not good for dogs. Sugary strawberry jams can cause obesity in dogs. Let us have a look at the problem obesity can cause from the list below:

  • Urinary tract disease
  • Ligament tears
  • Low thyroid hormone production
  • Spinal problems
  • heart failure
  • liver failure
  • arthritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Chronic kidney disease

Accumulation of Fluids :

Pectin is an ingredient commonly used in jams to achieve spreading consistency. Pectin in the jam can be very harmful to your dog because it causes fluids to accumulate in the chest of your dog.

Dental Cavity:

When dogs eat jam, dental problems like cavities are bound to develop! Dental health is important in dogs because any infection in the mouth can move into the stomach causing other problems like cellulitis.

Poisoning:

Preservatives in strawberry jams can be toxic for your dog. It is always better that you use approved dog treats that are safer.

Allergy & Inflammation:

You know what they say, “It’s better to be safe than sorry.” With the recent reports of pectin in jams causing allergies and inflammation, it might just be time for you to reconsider your dog’s diet!

The pectin found naturally in certain foods can cause inflammation on your pets’ skin which would make them itch or get rashes. When scratched, these outbreaks become infectious and may lead to serious infections if not treated quickly enough!

Pancreatitis:

Eating too much jam can lead to pancreatitis in dogs. Pancreatitis occurs due to inflammation of the pancreas. If your pet has symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea, it’s time to contact the vet.

Is Homemade Strawberry Jam Fit For Dog Consumption?

Have you ever wondered if your dog can eat homemade jam? A lot of people make it, but not all jams contain sugar which is bad for them. If the recipe uses an artificial sweetener instead though – or even worse!- Assuming that the jam has no sugar, then what about thickeners and preservatives? One of the other ingredient will be harmful. So, I would recommend using dog treats.

Pro Tip: Feeding your dog is a big responsibility that should not be taken lightly. What may seem like the best idea at first could end up causing more harm than good, so do plenty of research before giving them anything to eat even if it’s homemade!

Are No Sugar Strawberry Jams Dog Friendly?

If a jam is devoid of sugar, it can hardly be called jam. In any event, pectin and preservatives can still be found in the jam. Therefore, the mere absence of sugar does not make the strawberry jam safe for your dog.

Are Artificial Sweeteners In Jams Safe For Dogs?

Strawberry jams contain artificial sweeteners, and these artificial sweeteners can be harmful. In fact, more than sugar. Xylitol is one such sweetner.

Xylitol is toxic to dogs. Drop in blood sugar levels, liver failure, and seizures are the common problems caused by Xylitol. Avoiding strawberry jam with xylitol content is a better option than rushing to the vet.

Sugar-free strawberry jams are made with aspartame or saccharin, These can also be toxic to dogs in high doses.  

Tips To Handle Dogs Who Have Consumed Strawberry Jam?

Eating strawberry jam can be potentially dangerous for your dog. But not to worry! A small quantity like a teaspoon on a rare occasion is okay. A word of caution about the teaspoon of jam is it must definitely not have xylitol. If you’ve given your dog xylitol based jam already, then call their vet immediately; he’ll know how best to handle the situation.

Otherwise, just balance out his blood sugar levels by avoiding any further sugar based treats for a day or two.

Alternative & Healthy Snack Options For Dogs

  • Beans & cooked sweet potatoes
  • mangoes
  • Oatmeal treats
  • salmon
  • Ready-made vet-approved dog treats
  • apples(without the seed)
  • bananas
  • carrots
  • pumpkin-based treats

Pro Tip: Remember! Excess of anything is bad.

Wrapping Up:

It is better not to feed your dog with strawberry jam. The sugar, the preservatives, the thickeners, the artificial sweeteners, the high fructose corn syrup can all cause problems. In addition the strawberry has lost its nutrition due to the boiling. Xylitol, aspartame etc., are toxic for dogs. So try giving your dog the raw strawberry fruit which is a superb alternative.

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