Can dogs eat fruit cake? You may be asking this because you want to share this interesting baked good with your furry friend. Humans can eat fruit cake, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no, fruit cake is not safe for dogs to eat. It commonly contains ingredients that are toxic to dogs, like raisins.
If your dog has eaten fruit cake, you should contact your veterinarian for guidance. Here’s why fruit cake is so bad for dogs.
Why Is Fruit Cake Bad For Dogs?
Fruit cake is a spongey cake made from a variety of candied or dried fruits. Some of these fruits are safe for dogs to eat, like pineapple, but others, like raisins, are toxic.
In addition to these fruits, fruit cake also typically contains dark liquor, like rum or whiskey, to give it its unique flavor. Your pup should absolutely not consume alcohol, as it is just as toxic as raisins or dates.
Some sugar free fruit cakes also contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can be deadly for your pup even in small amounts.
On top of these toxic ingredients, fruit cake is generally not healthy for humans or dogs. Even if your cake is free of toxic ingredients, odds are it still contains loads of empty carbs that your pup shouldn’t be eating. All in all, your dog should stay away from this festive treat.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Fruit Cake?
If your dog has eaten fruit cake, you should contact your veterinarian. If possible, find out the ingredients in the fruit cake your pup ate so you have a better idea of what to look out for in terms of possible reactions to toxic ingredients.
Signs of toxicity include weakness, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures.
If you aren’t sure if your pup consumed fruit cake but have a suspicion that they took a nibble, keep a close eye on them to ensure they aren’t at risk for poisoning.
Has your dog ever accidentally eaten fruit cake? Did they feel sick afterwards? Let us know in the comments below.
