Can Dogs Eat Marmite?
Marmite is a controversial food. It has a unique taste that some people find very inviting, while others find it incredibly off-putting. There is no in-between.
I have many friends who cannot stand the taste of marmite. They find it too strong and say it tastes like salty dirt.
However, I personally enjoy the taste of marmite. I like to spread it on toast or add it to recipes to give them a boost of flavor.
If you love marmite and you love your dog, you’ve likely considered giving your dog a bite of marmite smeared toast. You know you shouldn’t be feeding your dog from the table, but what harm could a little bite do?
Before your give your dog any new food, always double-check to make sure it isn’t unhealthy or even worse for your dog to eat.
So, what about marmite? Can dogs eat marmite? The quick and easy answer is: Dogs can eat marmite in very small amounts. You shouldn’t get in the habit of giving your dog marmite because you won’t be able to give them much. But if they do get a tiny nibble, it will be okay.
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Is Marmite Toxic For Dogs To Eat?
Despite what you may have heard, marmite is not toxic for dogs. That doesn’t mean your favorite pooch can gobble up all the marmite they want though. That’s because marmite has a lot of sodium, which can be very dangerous for dogs.
What’s The Worry About Sodium When Dogs Eat Marmite?
For those of us that love marmite, part of what makes it so appealing is how salty it is. Marmite has so much salt that a serving size of just 4 grams has 8% of a human’s daily sodium in it! That’s 200 mg of sodium!
Dogs need a healthy diet to stay fit and active. That includes a relatively small amount of sodium in their diet. In fact, they need just 0.3% sodium in their dry food. You can see how just a little bit of marmite will add up to an unhealthy situation for your dog.
What Happens When Dogs Have Too Much Sodium?
Just like people, dogs can suffer from health problems if they consume too much sodium. Signs that your dog has had too much salt include excessive thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling. Dogs may also suffer from tremors, muscle stiffness, and seizures.
If you suspect that your dog has consumed an unhealthy amount of salt, it is important to call your veterinarian or animal poison control right away. They will be able to provide treatment and advice on how to prevent further problems.
By being mindful of your dog’s sodium intake, you can help them stay healthy and avoid potentially serious health complications.
Is Marmite Good For Dogs?
We’ve established that marmite, when given to dogs in anything but the smallest amount, can be dangerous for dogs. But what about the health benefits. Are there any redeeming health factors of marmite?
I’m glad you asked! There are some surprising health benefits of marmite.
Marmite is an excellent source of thiamin which is important for a healthy nervous system. It is also a good source of riboflavin, which helps break down foods to create energy for the body.
Marmite is also a good source of niacin, which helps the body’s digestive system and is also important for a healthy nervous system.
Marmite also provides a lot of vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is essential for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. It is also necessary for the proper absorption and utilization of folic acid and iron.
How Often Can Dogs Eat Marmite?
Dogs really can’t have much marmite at a time. So, you probably won’t be surprised to learn that those lucky pooches who are allowed a small taste of marmite should only get it rarely.
Again, the sodium content of marmite is the prime problem with dogs eating more than just a taste of marmite on rare occasions.
Summary: Can Dogs Have Marmite?
Can dogs have marmite? Briefly speaking: Dogs can have a small amount of marmite on rare occasions. A little bit of marmite likely won’t bother most healthy dogs.
The sodium content of marmite is through the roof though. And too much sodium can lead to lots of immediate and long-term problems for your good boy. So, if you want to let your dog have a taste of marmite once in a very long while, it is probably okay.
But don’t make a habit out of it and don’t give your dog much marmite at all!