Before, ketchup was used not only as a condiment but as an ingredient in many foods, especially meat, and fish as seen in the previous article; Can Dogs Eat Scallops? 7 Wow Benefits to Know!
However, you might be amazed that ketchup was used to cure many gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and indigestion.
Early Ketchup had no tomatoes and was made from lemons, walnuts, oysters, mushrooms, and shallots. But these days, tomato is the first thing on your mind as you hear Ketchup.
Tomato ketchup is widely used as a salad dressing and a component of cocktail sauce and barbeque sauce.
In addition, it has become a must for flavoring burgers and French fries, giving them a sweet and sour taste.
With its extensive use by people, it isn’t apparent that pets will ask for it.
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Is eating Ketchup by dogs bad or not?
Can Dogs Eat Ketchup? This question is as the same as the main point of this article. The main ingredient of Ketchup is tomato fruit, so the first thing to consider is whether it will be safe if dogs eat tomatoes.
Yes, eating ripe tomatoes is safe for dogs, plus it has many nutritional elements like vitamins, fibers, and antioxidants, which are suitable for their health.
Ketchup contains vitamin A, which is ideal for vision. It protects dogs from prostate cancer. It also helps in lowering the cholesterol level of the body.
In addition, beta-carotene in this fruit is very beneficial for the body’s defense system.
But green parts of the plant, including stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes, are unsafe for dogs to eat.
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But the green part of the plant, including stems, leaves, and unripe tomatoes, is unsafe for the dog to eat.
Green tomatoes and other green components of the tomato plant contain glycoalkaloids like tomatine and solanine, which are toxic in dogs.
Too much tomatine or solanine causes disorders of the nervous system and digestive systems.
Moreover, every pet owner is constrained to keep a check on dogs if they have tomato plants in their garden.
Can dogs eat Ketchup?
Tomatoes are safe for dogs, but adding tomato ketchup to your dog’s diet is not good.
This is because of the artificial flavor and preservatives in the Ketchup that makes it unsafe for dogs.
Every dog owner should keep their dogs away from tomato ketchup because it would be challenging to keep them away from Ketchup, as many dogs often get addicted to the taste.
Are all ketchup ingredients edible for dogs?
A significant ingredient other than the ripe tomato is used to make commercial Ketchup and natural Ketchup at home.
READ; Dog Vomits After Exercise [Why; 3 Things To Do About It]
Vinegar
Vinegar is good for the dog’s health due to its microbial properties.
If you fed your dog with Ketchup and did not know that he has a sensitive stomach, vinegar in the Ketchup can cause gastrointestinal upset in the dog.
The main symptoms here are vomiting and diarrhea. If left untreated, it can lead to severe dehydration.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon, a small amount of Ketchup, is safe for dogs. It is entirely nontoxic and can aid insulin production in diabetic dogs.
Garlic powder
It contains N-propyl disulfide, which is toxic to dogs and can cause severe health risks to your pets.
Onion Powder
It is used to enhance the flavor of Ketchup. Your dog may not be able to tolerate this ingredient because onion is not safe for the dog.
A large amount of consumption of onion in any form can cause the breakdown of red blood cells.
This could be life-threatening. However, it is best to avoid garlic and onion powder as they are bad for dogs.
Sugar
High sugar content in the body is problematic, making your dog suffer from diabetes and have low insulin levels in the blood.
READ; Dog Vomits After Exercise [Why; 3 Things To Do About It]
Therefore, sugar should be avoided as much as possible to keep your dog’s distance from all the potential risks due to high sugar levels.
Salt
The high salt content in Ketchup can cause hypertension, ionic imbalance, hydration, and other severe problems in dogs.
Although sodium is necessary for metabolism, the excess can lead to salt poisoning in dogs.
Which ketchup brand is safe for dogs?
Store-bought Ketchup has many preservatives, chemicals, and other organisms that are unsafe for dogs. However, try to avoid it.
Canine Ketchup has made a variety of condiments for dogs. These products are made especially for dogs.
READ; Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos? No. 1 Doubtful Fact
Hence, they don’t contain any ingredients unhealthy for dogs. You can add it to their dry food and make their favorite food more delicious.
Can dogs eat Ketchup made at home?
Yes, you can let your dog eat Ketchup made at home.
Homemade Ketchup prepared purely from rope tomatoes is suitable for your dog as long as it does not have much sugar content in it.
Many components of Ketchup can cause disorders.
Some are listed below:
Tomato Allergy;
Your dog may develop an allergy to ripe tomatoes. As a result, he cannot digest tomatoes and may show symptoms of itching and irritation of the skin and paws.
Apart from allergic reactions, tomato poisoning caused by consuming green parts of tomato plants is likely to develop in most dogs.
So, as a dog owner, you should keep an eye on him when your dog consumes tomatoes.
Salt Poisoning;
If your dog has devoured a large amount of Ketchup as per eat ketchup is already high in salts, the first symptom he will show is thirst.
Drinking plenty of water after salt consumption will cause fullness and vomiting.
His stomach will swell, and his muscles will be dehydrated—severe cases may be diarrhea, seizures, tremors, and loss of coordination.
If you notice any of these symptoms, visit the veterinarian. The vet will treat your dog by giving him IV fluids, proper electrolytes, and medication.
Healthy Alternatives:
There are many condiments out there that are safe for your dog.
They include cinnamon, mint, cilantro, basil, ginger, turmeric, parsley, and rosemary.
These are all dog-friendly, so it’s better to abandon the one with more risks than benefits. Ketchup is not a good treat for your dog as it has no health benefits.
Moreover, you can feed it to him along with other meals to change the typical taste of his food.
Can Dogs Eat Ketchup? The Conclusion
A dog is innocent and doesn’t know what is wrong or right. He can pick up a ketchup packet without giving it a second thought and eventually the dogs can eat Ketchup
If you love dogs, you are responsible for saving your dog from the hazards of eating food.
As an owner, you are responsible for his health. So, the best solution is to keep them away from your dog’s reach.
