Can Dogs Eat Jell-O? Is It Safe or Dangerous?

If your dog has ever looked at you longingly while you enjoy your gelatin dessert, you may have wondered can dogs eat Jell-O? Is it safe or dangerous? Good question. The short answer is no. Can they eat Jell-O? Yes. Should they? No. Let’s take a look at why dogs shouldn’t eat Jell-O.

Is Jell-O Safe For My Dog To Eat?

It depends! The good news is dogs can eat plain unflavored gelatin, but there’s a big caveat here, any kind of sugar or sugar-free flavored Jell-O is dangerous. This is because store-bought Jell-O contains either sugar or xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener that’s toxic to dogs.

The safest Jell-O for dogs is a homemade dog-friendly one made from plain, unflavored gelatin. Shop-bought dessert Jell-O isn’t safe.

What Is Jell-O?

Jell-O is the brand name for a soft dessert that’s made from gelatin with added sugar and flavorings. It can be bought in powdered or concentrated gelatin form, dissolved in hot water, then and left to set or purchased pre-made and wobbly on the plate.

Jell-O is often set with fruits, custards, ice -cream, and other sauces to create a multi-ingredient dessert and it’s particularly popular at children’s parties. It seems modern, but Jell-O is not a new dessert by any stretch of the imagination. It’s been around in various forms since the 14th century! The Tudors called it Jely Ypocras and turned it into animal or castle shapes.

Are you wondering what gelatin is? Well, it’s collagen that’s been extracted from connective tissue and bones of animals. The bones and connective tissues are boiled up and left the pasty liquid is left to cool. This is gelatin!

What Are The Dangers Of Jell-O?

Pure gelatin isn’t dangerous for dogs, the problems begin when it’s made into Jell-O. Jell-O is gelatin with sugar or artificial flavorings, both of which are unhealthy for dogs.

The first danger is xylitol. It’s an artificial sweetener that is quickly absorbed by dogs and results in a large release of insulin. This leads to a drop in blood sugar called hypoglycaemia which can cause brain damage and even death. In some cases, xylitol causes severe liver damage in dogs. Xylitol poisoning can occur within an hour and there isn’t a cure, so it’s a big concern for dog owners.  

Another danger is too much sugar. Eating regular amount of Jell-O leads to an increase in calories and potential obesity which reduces a dog’s lifespan. It also damages their teeth and can lead to diabetes.

Another danger posed by Jell-O is the inclusion of other ingredients that are toxic. Examples include chocolate, grapes and certain nuts. More on these other toxic ingredients later.

The Health Benefits Of Jell-O

Jell-O doesn’t have any benefits for dogs if it’s flavored, but plain gelatin does. Gelatin is full of protein so its good for dogs’ skin and joints. Here are some of the nutrients that benefit dogs:

• Peptides – the building blocks for amino acids such as protein
• Proteins – protein is essential for muscle and joint development and repair
• Collagen – builds strong nails bones, fur, and skin

Health benefits a dog might receive from gelatine are an improved coat, healthier skin, and stronger nails. Gelatine may also improve gut health by helping them digest grains.

Can Dogs Eat Raw Jell-O?

If the raw Jell-O is plain gelatin then yes dogs can eat it, but if it contains flavorings, sugar or artificial sweeteners then no.

What About Flavored Jell-O or Vegan Jell-O?

All forms of flavored Jell-O, including sugar-free versions, are unsuitable for dogs.

Vegan Jell-O is made from red algae called agar-agar which isn’t toxic to dogs, but commercial vegan Jell-O usually contains artificial sweeteners or flavors, so it’s not suitable.

Jell-O sweets are also dangerous for dogs because of their xylitol levels. Chewy sweets like Haribo and Bassetts are gelatin-based with xylitol flavoring, so it’s important to keep them out of reach  and keep an eye on what children might be treating your pooch to!

How To Make Dog Safe Jell-O

Dogs can eat unflavored, plain gelatin safely and they enjoy a meaty homemade Jell-O that’s very quick and easy to make.

Here’s how:

You’ll need plain gelatin (powdered or gum), cold water, hot water, and any treats you want to include such as a few chickpeas, chicken strips, strawberries or green beans, plus an ice cube tray or a mold to set the liquid in and make it easy to extract.

• Add ¼ cup of cold water to one tablespoon of gelatin in a bowl
• Add ¼ cup of hot water and mix until the mixture is dissolved.
• Add treats if required
• Pour the liquid into a mold and chill for three to four hours until it’s set. Don’t freeze it, use the refrigerator.

A home made dog-safe Jell-O will last for several days in the fridge.

How Much Jell-O Can A Dog Have?

Dogs shouldn’t eat human-designed Jell-O, but they can eat gelatin. How much gelatin depends on their size.

Some experts suggest ¼ teaspoon for every four pounds, but if you’re not confident, look for a gelatin supplement or high-quality food made especially for dogs. Too much protein can cause rapid weight gain and kidney and liver complications in older dogs or those that already have an organ disorder.

How To Feed A Dog Jell-O

It’s worth repeating that dogs should not eat brand Jell-O!

However, you can sprinkle plain gelatin on their meals in powder form or make your own dog-friendly “Jell-O” with the recipe above.

Most dogs enjoy a gelatin treat especially if it has a meaty flavor and they wolf it down enthusiastically.

Can Cats Eat Jell-O?

The same rules apply to cats! They can eat plain gelatin, but not the sugary, sweetened human varieties. They reap the same benefits from gelatine’s amino acids, proteins and gut-soothing properties.

My Dog Has Eaten Jell-O, What Do I Do?

There’s no need to panic if your dog jumped on the counter and ate the birthday Jell-O, the chances are they will be just fine. However, if they ate Jell-O containing xylitol or if it included macadamia nuts, chocolate or grapes then speak to your vet straight away. Pups, older dogs, and those in poor health are more likely to have an adverse reaction to Jell-O.

If the Jell-O was a sugared version without chocolate, nuts, or grapes then keep an eye on them for a few days and make sure they have plenty of fresh water. If they develop a stomach upset feed them plain foods such as rice and white fish until it stops. Speak to a vet if you’re concerned at any point.

What Food Is Toxic To Dogs

We’ve learned why dogs shouldn’t eat Jell-O, but there are other foods they should avoid too. If your dog has eaten any of the following consult a vet immediately.

Garlic and Onions

The symptoms of garlic or onion poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, pale gums, and stomach pains. It’s because garlic, and onion to a lesser extent, contain compounds dogs can’t digest. Instead, it binds to their blood and causes anemia.

Grapes

Grapes look like a neat little snack and dogs will snaffle them quickly, but grapes are toxic to dogs because they can’t digest their monosaccharides, flavonoids and tannins. Large amounts lead to kidney failure in dogs. Grapes in all their forms are toxic, including wine, juice and raisins.

Chocolate

The caffeine and theobromine in chocolate can be fatal to dogs because they are stimulants that put pressure on their organs. Chocolate poisoning symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, gastric upset, seizures and collapse.

Macadamia nuts

Surprisingly, macadamia nuts contain a compound that can make a dog seriously unwell in less than an hour. The symptoms are weak back legs, sickness and diarrhoea.

Is Jell-O Dangerous For Dogs?

Let’s recap on our question can dogs eat Jell-O, is it safe or dangerous?

In essence, dogs should only eat plain unflavored, unsweetened, plain gelatin that’s homemade or specifically made for dogs. This type of gelatin can even improve their joints, muscles, fur and skin so it’s a fun and tasty way for a dog to get the nutrients it needs.

Brand Jell-O? – that’s a no.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © new africa/Shutterstock.com