Can Dogs Have Molasses?

If you and your furry friend have a matching sweet tooth, he will likely enjoy a treat of molasses.

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Dog owners love to add a generous serving of molasses to treats.

However, most people do not understand the value of molasses in their dog’s diet.

So, can dogs have molasses?

Yes, dogs can have molasses.

Molasses is nutritious because it is rich in calcium, magnesium, potassium, Vitamins, and many other essential components.

This article will look at what molasses is made of the benefits of molasses to dogs, how to choose molasses for your dog, how to make a dog treat using molasses, and more.

What are molasses made of?

Molasses is a thick black syrup made from cane or beet sugar.

After the sugar is extracted from the sugarcane or beet juice, what is left is the molasses.

It is a natural sweetener that is popularly used in baking.

However, because of its high nutritional value, it is sometimes given to young children or used on dog treats and other needs in the home.

Health benefits of molasses to your dog

Iron

Molasses is high in iron. Iron facilitates the production of red blood cells in the body.

Dogs can easily digest iron, and it also helps dogs combat constipation.

Cure for skin diseases

If you are looking for a natural way to cure your dog’s skin diseases, you have found it.

Molasses cures a broad range of skin diseases in dogs.

Calcium

Molasses contains high levels of calcium that promotes the formation of healthy, strong bones.

Feeding your dog molasses reduces the chances of suffering arthritis or osteoporosis.

Chromium

The chromium found in molasses will prevent your dog from getting diabetes.

It also helps keep cholesterol levels in check and blood sugar in control.

Vitamin B6

Molasses contain Vitamin B6, which accelerates the breaking down of fats in dogs.

Feeding your dog molasses promotes a healthy digestive system and general metabolism.

Anti-oxidant

Molasses is a great natural antioxidant agent. It has polyphenols that contain anti-inflammatory qualities.

An antioxidant keeps the body healthy by getting rid of harmful toxins that can lead to adverse effects.

How to choose molasses for your dog

There are various kinds of molasses available for your dog.

The best guiding principle for choosing the best molasses is choosing ‘sulfured’ molasses.

Some producers use sulfur as an artificial preservative.

Pure molasses that contains no artificial additives is the best.

Light Molasses

This kind of molasses is also called original, golden or regular.

As the name suggests, this type is usually lighter in color and flavor.

Light molasses is produced from the first boiling.

Light molasses has a lot of sugar and should therefore be used sparingly when making dog treats.

If you are looking for a healthy type of molasses that your dog can feed on, do not use light molasses.

It is popularly used in baking cakes, granola, muffins, and cooking.

Dark molasses

The second boiling of beets or sugarcane produces dark molasses.

Dark molasses is less sweet than light molasses but has a more intense flavor.

It also has a high nutritional value.

Use dark molasses to make dog treats.

Dark molasses is popularly used for other home uses like making homemade barbecue sauce.

Blackstrap molasses

The third boiling of the sugar cane and beet produces blackstrap molasses.

It is the darkest in color and most bitter type of molasses.

Blackstrap molasses has the lowest sugar levels, and it is the most highly recommended type for making dog treats.

Although its taste might not appeal to humans, dogs love it.

The best way to feed molasses to dogs

There are ready-made dog treats that have molasses at the store.

You can also incorporate molasses when making homemade treats for your dog.

You can add a heaped spoonful of blackstrap molasses into your dog’s regular food.

Most dogs will enjoy the flavor and, at the same time, benefit from the rich nutritional value.

If your dog does not like the flavor, you can mix the molasses in peanut butter or applesauce to mask the intense taste.

If you would like to bake a healthy treat for your dog using molasses, here are some ideas:

What you will need:

4 tablespoons of blackstrap molasses
1 ½ teaspoon brewer’s yeast
1 cup of water
½ a cup of peanut butter
1 cup of old fashioned oats
2 cups whole wheat flour
6 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Whisk together coconut oil, peanut butter, molasses, and water. Ensure everything is well incorporated.
Combine the yeast, oats, and flour and add to the wet ingredients you had earlier whisked.
Roll out the dough and make shapes using the cookie cutter. Bake for 30 minutes.
Let your furry friend enjoy!

How much molasses to feed your dog

To keep your dog healthy, serve molasses sparingly.
The size of your dog will guide you on the amount of molasses you should serve.
For example, serve an average-sized dog up to a tablespoon of molasses.
If you serve more than that, you will be putting your dog in danger of suffering health complications.
Do not make molasses the main portion of your dog’s meal or treat.
You can use it as a topping for already made treats or incorporate it into homemade treats.

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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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