Can Dogs Have Eggnog?

Sharing eggnog with your loved ones is definitely one of the best times you experience during the holiday season.

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The holiday spirit of love and sharing can engulf you.

As a result, you will want to share your eggnog with your dog.

So, can dogs have eggnog?

No, dogs shouldn’t have eggnog.

Although it is an excellent drink for humans, eggnog contains alcohol, sugar, fats, nutmeg, and raw eggs, which can adversely affect dogs.

This article will look at eggnog’s ingredients and the effects on your dog, how to make dog-safe eggnog, and what to do if your dog drinks eggnog.

Eggnog ingredients that can cause adverse effects on your dog

The traditional eggnog contains sugar, fat, milk, nutmeg, and alcohol.

All of these ingredients are harmful to dogs when consumed in high quantities.

If your dog has allergies or is lactose intolerant, you need to know these ingredients and what specific effects they can have.

If you are purchasing ready made eggnog from the store, read the information on the packaging and find out the ingredients.

Alcohol

Traditional eggnog has bourbon, rum, or brandy.

The alcohol percentage in your eggnog depends on the brand and type.

Ethanol is a chemical found in alcohol that typically causes intoxication.

When dogs drink eggnog that has alcohol, they will get intoxicated just like humans do.

However, dogs get drunk faster than humans when they consume alcohol.

Intoxicated dogs will experience depression in the central nervous system, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, and decreased coordination.

Milk and cream

Milk and cream will have adverse effects on dogs that are lactose intolerant.

Lactose intolerant dogs will experience diarrhea, an upset stomach, or vomiting after consuming eggnog rich in milk and light or heavy whipping cream.

Fat

Eggnog contains high-fat levels, which are dangerous for a dog’s health.

Consumption of excessive fat can cause pancreatitis or a swollen pancreas in dogs.

Dogs can develop diarrhea when they drink eggnog as they do not have enough enzymes to break down the high-fat levels.

Sugar

Sugar helps to boost energy in dogs.

However, when consumed in large quantities, it causes adverse health effects in dogs.

Sugar is the leading cause of obesity and periodontal diseases in dogs.

Raw eggs

Raw eggs used to make eggnog put your dog at risk of food poisoning and salmonella contamination.

Dogs with salmonella infection in their bodies do not always have any symptoms.

If your dog carries salmonella in his system, it becomes a health hazard to humans and other animals.

The dog will shed the salmonella bacteria in his environment, and it can quickly enter another person’s or animal’s system.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg is a seasoning used for adding flavor to eggnog.

Myristicin is a chemical compound found in nutmeg that causes adverse effects on dogs.

High levels of Myristicin are toxic.

However, nutmeg is used sparingly in making nutmeg.

The small amounts of nutmeg in eggnog can give a dog an upset stomach, decreased activity, drooling, and loss of appetite.

How to make dog safe eggnog

If you do not want your furry friend to feel left out when the whole family is sharing eggnog, you can make dog-safe eggnog.

Dog-safe eggnog is made from carefully selected ingredients in proportions that will not cause extreme side effects on dogs.

You can tweak these two recipes depending on the availability of ingredients or your preferred flavors.

The Eggless eggnog

You will need:

A pinch of cinnamon
½ small banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
4 Medjool dates, pitted and chopped
½ a cup coconut milk

Instructions:

Put all ingredients in a blender or food processor.
Mix until it is creamy and smooth.
Serve the eggless eggnog to your dog.

The Mock Eggnog

You will need:

½ cup kefir or whole milk
½ teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
½ a cup almond milk
½ tablespoon raw honey
1 egg with yolk and whites in separate small bowls

Instructions

Combine cinnamon, yogurt, honey, almond milk, and egg yolk. Mix thoroughly in a food processor to form the eggnog.
Whip egg whites which you will use as the whipped cream. You will know the egg whites are ready once they can form stiff peaks.
Serve your furry friend the eggnog in a bowl and use the egg whites whip cream as the topping.

What should I do if my dog drinks eggnog?

If you discover that your dog has drunk eggnog, consider the amount they have consumed and the concentration of alcohol in the drink.

If you think that your dog has consumed a significant amount of eggnog, consult your veterinarian for medical advice.

Can dogs eat eggnog biscuits?

No, you shouldn’t feed your dog eggnog biscuits.

Eggnog biscuits contain nutmeg, excessive sugar, milk, fats, and alcohol.

All these ingredients will cause harmful health effects on your dog.

What nutritional value does eggnog have to dogs?

Eggnog contains 39 percent carbohydrates, 12 percent proteins, and 49 percent fats.
It has low sodium and high cholesterol and fats levels.
Eggnog should be given as a snack so that your dog can get more nutrients from the main meal.

What to keep in mind

If your dog stumbles upon an unattended mug of eggnog, he will excitedly guzzle down all the contents.

Dogs love the taste of eggnog, so you have to be intentional at keeping your dog safe.

You can categorically warn other family members and guests at a party not to leave their eggnog lying around unattended.

Caution your guests against feeding the dog their beverages.

Keep your dog in a separate room away from your party guests.

Being away from human beverages will protect your dog from any unforeseen incidences.

Remember that the dog-safe eggnog is calorie-dense.

Only feed your dog this delicious treat sparingly.

Serve dog-safe eggnog as a treat and not your dog’s main meal.

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Megan Turner

Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.

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