Can Dogs Eat Cake? See The Definitive Answer

Picture this: you’re celebrating a birthday with family and friends when your dog looks up at you, begging for a little bit of that yummy cake you’re all enjoying. Do you let him have a few bites? Before you give in, here’s the answer to the question, can dogs eat cake?

Dogs Can Eat Some Cakes … but Not All

Whether it’s for a birthday or holiday, cakes usually contain sugar and fat at the bare minimum, both of which aren’t great for dogs. Even the most basic cake could cause some gastrointestinal problems. 

However, you have to be careful with the type of cake to make sure it doesn’t have ingredients that are toxic to dogs. Chocolate cake is a no-no, thanks to the caffeine and theobromine in it. “Chocolate affects the heart, nervous system, and kidneys,” says Danielle Harris, a French Bulldog breeder. Dogs cannot metabolize the theobromine in chocolate, making it extremely toxic.

One thing to note: carob is just fine for dogs. It may taste similar to chocolate, but it has no added sugar, fat, or theobromine. It’s actually high in nutrients that are good for dogs and humans alike!

These are some other ingredients that are sometimes in human cakes, all of which are extremely toxic for dogs and should never be allowed:

Raisins: They are tiny, but even a small amount can cause kidney failure for a dog.

Nuts: Macadamia nuts in particular should never be given to a dog, as their high amount of fat can lead to pancreatitis. Generally, peanuts, which are a legume, are a safe “nut” for a dog to have.

Nutmeg: Cinnamon is okay for dogs, but not if there’s any nutmeg thrown in along with it. Nutmeg contains myristicin, a toxin that will poison a dog even in small amounts. 

Xylitol: This sugar substitute is sometimes added to cakes so they are lower in fat or reduced in sugar. But it’s extremely toxic for dogs. It can lower a dog’s blood sugar, leading to seizures, liver failure, and death. 

Always check a cake for any of these ingredients before slipping your dog even a taste.

What Cakes Can Dogs Eat?

If you’re making a cake that you want to share with your dog, these are some great ingredients to add: oats, carrots, peanut butter, pumpkin, yogurt, applesauce, and eggs. All are dog-friendly, human-friendly, and safe. Finally, if you choose to buy a store-bought cake, always check the ingredient list first to ensure it doesn’t contain any of the toxic ingredients listed. Even if it doesn’t, it’s never a good idea to overfeed your pup treats. Even if they can digest the ingredients in the cake, too much of a good thing leads to empty calories and can cause weight gain and upset stomach. Just like with humans, eat everything in moderation!