VET APPROVED
REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY
Dr. Maxbetter Vizelberg
DVM (Veterinarian)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
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Eating sherbet on a hot day may be tempting, but is it safe for your dog to have some too? While an occasional taste is not harmful, sherbet is not a healthy choice for dogs, especially those with digestive or allergy issues. Here, we explore why sherbet may not be the best snack for your furry friend and offer alternative treats that are more suitable.
A Brief Background on Sherbet
Sherbet, originally known as “sharbat,” is a frozen dessert made from pureed fruit, sugar, 1% or 2% milkfat from cream or milk, and sometimes egg whites. It comes in various fruit flavors like watermelon, blueberry, peach, and raspberry. Depending on the milkfat content, it may be classified as water ice, sherbet, or ice cream. While sherbet contains less fat than ice cream, it lacks significant health benefits for dogs.
Is Sherbet Safe for Dogs?
No, it’s not recommended to give sherbet to dogs. While a small amount may not cause harm, regular consumption or large quantities can be detrimental. Let’s examine the key ingredients in sherbet to understand how it can impact your dog.
Sugar
A small amount of sugar occasionally is typically safe for dogs. However, excessive sugar intake over time can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and diabetes. Artificial sweeteners like Xylitol are toxic to dogs. While sugar in moderation is acceptable, it provides no nutritional benefit to dogs.
Milk
Sherbet contains dairy with lower fat content than ice cream. Some dogs may experience stomach upset or food intolerance due to lactose intolerance, leading to gastrointestinal issues or skin allergies. Like sugar, excessive fat consumption can result in obesity and pancreatitis.
Fruit
Fruits in sherbet are generally safe for dogs, but they contribute to sugar intake. Dogs with weight or diabetes issues should consume fruits in moderation. Safe fruits for dogs include strawberries, blueberries, bananas, watermelon, and others, while grapes, cherries, and avocados are toxic. Even safe fruits should be given in moderation to prevent digestive problems.
Healthy Cold Treats for Dogs
Avoid commercial treats like popsicles and ice cream cones for dogs due to high sugar and fat content. Instead, consider making frozen treats at home using dog-safe fruits and vegetables or plain yogurt. By controlling the ingredients, you can ensure your dog enjoys safe and nutritious treats without harmful additives.
Conclusion
While a small amount of sherbet is unlikely to harm your dog, excessive consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, or lactose intolerance symptoms. Making homemade frozen treats using safe ingredients is a better alternative. Consult your vet before making significant dietary changes for your dog and explore more healthy treat options. Keep your dog’s well-being a top priority.
You may also want to know:
- Can Dogs Eat Pita Chips? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
- Can Dogs Eat French Fries? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ
Sources
- Britannica – Sherbet
- PetMD – Sugar
- PetMD – Obesity
- PetMD – Pancreatitis
- PetMD – Diabetes
- PetMD – Gum disease
- PetMD – Xylitol
- PetMD – Stomach upset
- PetMD – Food intolerance
- PetMD – Lactose intolerant
- PetMD – Gastrointestinal problems
- PetMD – Fruit
