Can Dogs Eat Donuts？

Dogs are chance-takers who would taste whatever you’re eating at any given second. If you left donuts on the table, it’s normal for a dog to jump up there and eat your snack before you return.

But on a more significant note, are donuts really safe for dogs? Will it be fine to watch your pup as he gobbles down your uneaten donuts? Keep reading before offering a donut to your dog or before allowing him to eat those leftovers.

Can Dogs Have Donuts?

The quick answer is yes, dogs can eat donuts mainly because they are non-toxic to them. Your pup can eat one or two donuts today and still be alive tomorrow.

Seriously speaking, donuts still fall under the category of “yes, they can, but shouldn’t eat” foods for doggies. It’s not rocket science that the typical donuts (those store-bought which have lots of sugar and are fried) are not a wholesome meal for canines as they are for humans.

First, donuts are empty calories. A single donut can have as much as 300 calories while only having a few nutrients. Frosted donuts, for instance, have around 20 grams of sugar and only 4 grams protein and 1 gram of fiber.

There are two types of donuts: the ring-type and the filled doughnuts. Traditionally, donuts are made by frying sweet dough. The dough is a mixture of leavening, eggs, sugar, milk, oil, shortening, flavorings, and water.

A piece of donut with crème has around 12 grams of sugar. Plain donuts are not that good either. They still have a lot of sodium, sugar, and transfats which are not beneficial for you or for your pooch.

Sugar is a sweet and silent killer not just for humans, but also for animals. It’s not toxic for canines but it can cause unwanted side effects. Sweets can cause a sugar high and low in canines.

Risks of Giving Donuts to Dogs

Donuts are safe for dogs as long as they don’t have toxic substances that can make them ill. These include chocolate and xylitol. Chocolate is often used as a frosting while xylitol is used as a sweetener for sugar-free donuts. Don’t feed your dog chocolate-filled donuts or the chocolate flavored ones.

The most common side effect of xylitol in dogs is hypoglycemia. This condition refers to the decrease of blood sugar to abnormally low levels and occurs when there is too much sugar from the blood and the cells can no longer handle it. Xylitol can have an effect in a dog’s body in as fast as 10 minutes.

On the other hand, chocolate is bad for dogs due to its theobromine content. This substance is like caffeine and is considered toxic to dogs. However, it may not take effect as fast as xylitol. The symptoms of chocolate toxicity in dogs may occur after 5 to 6 hours after your dog consumed excessive amounts of chocolate.

If your dog has accidentally consumed a donut with xylitol or chocolate, keep an eye for these symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Seizure
• Lethargy
• Collapse
• Diarrhea

Dog-Friendly Doughnuts For Canines

The good news is that you can turn a “sinful” snack like doughnuts into a healthy treat. You can create one without oil and without sugar by baking them and using naturally sweet foods such as honey, applesauce, and carrots.

If you haven’t baked your donuts before, this is the right time to do so! They don’t taste exactly the same as their fried counterparts but you’ll love the fact that they are healthier. Can’t wait to create one for dog? Below are some of the best donut recipes you can follow!

Peanut Butter Dog Donut Treats with Carob Icing

Peanut butter is an all-time canine favorite. If your pooch is fond of eating peanut butter, you may incorporate it into new gourmet dishes like this one. Like the peanut butter, the carob icing is another safe treat for canines. Carob is being used as a chocolate substitute for doggie treats, because as we all know that real chocolate is toxic to dogs. Here’s how to make this mouthwatering gourmet donut.

For the dough:

1. Beat a medium egg in a bowl.
2. Add in half a cup of skim milk and ½ cup of peanut butter.
3. Keep beating until you get a smooth consistency.
4. Mix in a cup of whole wheat flour.
5. Add in 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
6. Knead the mixture on a flat surface. Continue patting the dough until you get a half an inch thickness.
7. Cut the dough in small circles using a cookie cutter.
8. To create a hole, you may use a large frosting tip.
9. Place them on a pan lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake in a preheated oven at 375F for 20 minutes.

For the icing:

1. Dissolve ¼ cup of carob powder in a ¼ cup of boiling water.
2. Keep mixing until you get a paste-like thickness.
3. Transfer the paste in a squeeze bottle.
4. Pipe the icing on top of the donuts.

Carrot and Apple Doggie Doughnuts

This recipe requires half of a large carrot. You may also use one medium carrot or two small carrots if you don’t have a large one at home. A medium carrot has an impressive amount of Vitamin A. Each serving has as much as 204% of the recommended daily value! It also has 6% Vitamin C, 2% Calcium, and 1% Iron.

One medium apple, on the other hand, is a decent source of dietary fiber with around 5 grams of it. It also has 13% Vitamin C and 2% Iron. Just make sure the apples were cored and the seeds have been removed before dicing them in very small sizes.

1. In a mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of brown rice flour, 2 eggs, and a cup of unsweetened applesauce.
2. Add in 2 teaspoons of honey, 80 ml of water, a medium finely diced apple, ½ of grated large carrot, and 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil.
3. Continue stirring until you get a thick batter.
4. Once your batter is ready, transfer it to a piping bag.
5. Pipe it in your doughnut pan cavities already greased with a bit of coconut oil.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 10 minutes.

Banana Doughnuts for Dogs

Banana is best known for its high potassium content. But this fruit has a lot more to offer, including its ability to lower blood pressure, boost energy levels, and soothe the stomach. The banana and the honey give this donut a naturally sweet flavor while the small amount of buttermilk gives it a hint of richness.

1. Mix a cup of whole wheat flour to 1 and ½ teaspoon baking powder.
2. In another bowl, combine half a cup of mashed banana, 1 large egg, 1/3 cup and a tablespoon of buttermilk, and 1 tablespoon of honey.
3. Pour the mixture in the wheat flour and baking powder.
4. Keep stirring until all the wet and dry ingredients are well-combined.
5. Transfer the batter in a pastry bag.
6. Fill each tin 2/3 or ¾ of the way full.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 5-7 minutes or until your donuts have a light golden color.

Cinnamon Honey Donut Dog Treats

In reasonable amounts, both cinnamon and honey are safe for dogs. These two ingredients will not only add some sweet flavor to your gourmet donut, but they are also healthy for doggies, too. Cinnamon is a great antioxidant and can also freshen up your dog’s breath.

Honey, on the other hand, boasts so many health benefits. It has antibacterial and antifungal properties, not to mention that it is capable of regulating blood sugar. Meanwhile, since this recipe also requires applesauce, make sure you’re using the unsweetened type. Here’s the complete step-by-step guide:

For the dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, mix a cup of wholemeal flour and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk in half a cup of applesauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 1 beaten egg.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl of flour and cinnamon.
4. Keep mixing until everything is well-combined or until you get a thick batter.
5. Add around 3 tablespoons of warm water if it is too dry.
6. Fill your donut trays with the mixture. Grease the molds to prevent the batter from sticking.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 347°F for 20 minutes.

For the icing:

1. Place around 50 grams of plain yogurt drops in a heat-safe bowl.
2. Put over boiling water.
3. Remove it once the yogurt drops have melted.
4. Dip the donuts in the melted yogurt.

Blueberry Basil Donuts

Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants and vitamin C. These berries, which are very low in fat, are incredibly high in manganese that is essential in bone development. Manganese also helps convert proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into energy.

Blueberries are among the safe and the best berries for canines. On the other hand, most herbs, including basil, are safe for dogs. You may use fresh or dried basil for your dog’s food. Don’t hesitate to incorporate it into your dog’s food, especially for this mouthwatering donut:

1. Mix half a cup of blueberries and 2 chopped basil leaves in a mixing bowl.
2. Add in 1 cup of milk, ½ tablespoon of honey, and 1 cup of whole wheat flour.
3. Crack in 1 egg.
4. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Scoop out the batter in a silicone donut pan. If you are using a metal pan, lightly grease it first or flour it to avoid it from sticking.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 15 minutes.

Dog Donuts with Minced Chicken

Chicken is a high-quality source of protein for dogs. It also has impressive amounts of sodium, potassium, and protein. 500 grams of minced chicken contains 135 grams of protein, 2020 mg of sodium, and 1105 mg of potassium.

Here’s how to make the dough:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1/3 cup of flour, 1/3 cup of rolled oats, and 1 and ½ teaspoon of baking powder.
2. Add in 500 grams of minced chicken, 30 ml of honey, 4 tablespoons of coconut oil, and ¼ cup of live culture plain yogurt.
3. Crack in 1 large egg.
4. Continue stirring until all the ingredients are well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture in a piping bag. Pipe it in your baking trays lightly greased with oil.
6. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for only 10 minutes.

For the icing:

1. Melt a cup of white/dark carob buttons in the microwave.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of copha (vegetable shortening) for each cup.
3. Dip the donuts in the melted carob.

Feeding Reminders for Dog Parents

These gourmet doggie donuts are just treats, which means you should not over-feed your dog with them. When giving treats to dogs, it is important that your dog also gets plenty of fresh and clean water.

More importantly, don’t offer these donuts during mealtimes. This treat should not be used as a replacement for regular nutritious meals. Lastly, it’s best to consult your vet before adding new foods to your dog’s diet.

Conclusion

Donuts got a bad rep due to their oil and sugar content. But you can make them a little less sugary and oily by replacing table sugar with sweet healthy foods such as apples and blueberries. Also, keep in mind that there are better food choices for dogs than donuts.

If you are planning to give your dog donuts, just make them yourself. This way you can be sure what’s in them. Some store-bought donuts are loaded with sugar and may contain ingredients that may harm your dog, like chocolate and xylitol.