Our pups are part of the family, so we like to share everything with them. And, when you cook up a morning snack of buttery toast with Vegemite, it can be difficult to resist those puppy dog eyes begging for a lick of this Australian favourite.
Still, just because your Pup wants something doesn’t mean it’s good for them. With increasing amounts of owners Googling the answer to “can dogs eat Vegemite,” we’re here to provide you with all the answers.
Is Vegemite OK For Dogs?
Vegemite contains yeast extract, salt, mineral salt, malt extract, colour (150c), flavours, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, and folate.
None of these ingredients is toxic to dogs, so if they steal a quick lick of your Vegemite toast, it shouldn’t be anything to worry about. Still, just because it’s non-toxic does not mean it’s healthy. And several ingredients could be detrimental to your dog’s health.
Overall, Vegemite is OK for dogs as a treat food, but not something you should be adding to their diet regularly.
Can Dogs Eat Vegemite?
Dogs can eat Vegemite, but you should only allow this high-value treat occasionally in small amounts (in the same way you would with other treat foods like cheese). This is because Vegemite contains some ingredients that can cause problems if your pups consume them in high quantities.
Understanding the effects of these ingredients and planning your dog’s diet around their recommended daily allowances can help keep them stay healthy. As every dog is different, your vet is the best person to talk you through the individual dietary requirements of your Pup.
Salt
Vegemite contains high amounts of salt – not uncommon for human products, but it can lead to severe health issues for your pet. Too much salt isn’t good for a canine or human diet, but we have a far higher tolerance than our pups thanks to the efficient work of our kidneys.
Salt is essential to your dog’s diet as it helps balance body fluids and aids nerves and muscle functions. Still, dogs require a much smaller amount of salt to achieve this balance than we do, which is why many human foods are unsuitable for your Pup.
As little as 2-3g of sodium (depending on the size and breed) can cause a dog to experience “salt toxicosis”, otherwise known as hypernatremia. This can cause several unwanted symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and dizziness, which can have deadly consequences if not treated correctly.
It might sound worrying, but salt toxicosis is rare and requires your dog to eat excessive sodium in one go (i.e., it doesn’t build up over time if your dog eats small amounts of salt on different days). Still, it doesn’t take much to cause salt poisoning or bloat, so it’s good to stay mindful of your dog’s salt intake.
Yeast Extract
Yeast is another ingredient that causes unwanted ailments if consumed in excess by your Pup. The most commonly reported side effects are stomach upsets or gas. But in extreme cases, yeast consumption can lead to bloat or even alcohol poisoning.
Again, this is rare but something to be mindful of, particularly if your dog is on anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications. If your dog has a yeast allergy, experiences recurring yeast infections, or has an immunocompromised system, you should avoid yeast-based products altogether.
When Is Vegemite OK For Dogs?
While yeast can be deadly in a handful of circumstances, it is generally safe for healthy dogs to enjoy it in small amounts. Vegemite contains “brewer’s yeast,” a rich source of b vitamins such as b1, b2, b3, and b9 – each offering a number of benefits.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) – is important for brain function and helps your dog to build a robust immune system.
- Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) – helps build red blood cells and maintain strong muscles. It’s also good for eyesight and an essential vitamin for puppies.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) – aids healthy brain function, digestion, and hormone production.
- Vitamin B9 – (Folic Acid) – is essential for DNA production and pregnancy. It also aids in red blood cell creation.
Of course, there are much healthier alternatives for providing your dog with these nutrients, and as long as they eat a balanced diet, they shouldn’t need additional vitamins.
A good way to achieve balance is to take a tiny amount of Vegemite and spread it onto a healthier food for your Pup, such as banana or carrot.
Can Puppies Eat Vegemite?
Older or immunocompromised dogs are at the most significant risk of experiencing adverse side effects from salty foods such as Vegemite. Still, getting the nutritional balance right for your puppy is essential for optimum growth and development.
Healthy puppies can enjoy treats just like healthy adult dogs, but if you’re thinking of adding new foods to their diet, it’s always a good idea to consult a vet first. Always start your Pup with a tiny amount of something new and monitor them for any adverse reactions before giving them any more.
Can Dogs Eat Toast With Vegemite?
The versatility of Vegemite means that there are thousands of ways to enjoy it, but a simple slice of toast with Vegemite remains a solid favourite. So which is better – giving your dog a small sample of vegemite or smearing a little over a piece of bread?
Let’s be honest; neither of these is a great snack for your dog, but if they can’t resist the tempting taste of this treat food, still give them just a small amount of Vegemite on its own. Combining bread with Vegemite increases the overall salt and yeast content, making your dog more likely to experience gastrointestinal discomfort or bloat. In addition, bread offers barely any nutritional value to your dog, so you would just be serving them pointless extra calories.
Photo credits: https://vegemite.com.au/
