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Stevia is a popular and healthy sugar substitute, one of many that have popped up in the last few years. Stevia is used in a variety of ways for both humans and dogs and is a common ingredient in dog toothpaste and treats. But is stevia safe for dogs?
The short answer is yes, stevia alone is safe for dogs in moderation, which is why it’s commonly used in some dog products. There aren’t any studies showing that it’s in any way toxic to your pooch. In fact, stevia is considered to be relatively healthy for humans and dogs alike, but the key is moderation. However, stevia is often paired with other sweeteners, such as xylitol or birch sugar, which are very toxic for dogs and should be avoided at all costs. Make sure to read the labels carefully and contact a vet urgently if your dog has ingested xylitol.
Below, we dig a little deeper into this sugar substitute to find out what exactly it’s, the potential health benefits for your pooch, and of course, any potential health concerns that you need to be aware of.
What Is Stevia?
Stevia is a natural sweetener and sugar substitute derived from the plant Stevia rebaudiana, which is native to Brazil and Paraguay. The active compounds that give the plant its sweetness, steviol glycosides, are said to be 30–300 times sweeter than sugar. Although it is sweeter than sugar, it does have a slightly bitter aftertaste that some people and dogs do not enjoy. The body does not metabolize these glucosides, so stevia has zero calories.
Stevia has been used for centuries as a natural sweetener, and in recent decades, it has become a popular, healthier alternative to sugar due to its lack of calories and abundant sweetness.
Benefits of Stevia Over Other Artificial Sweeteners
Stevia offers irresistible sweetness without the calories, so it is a far superior option than some of the other sweeteners out there. When labelled as pure, stevia generally involves minimal processing, making it free from preservatives or chemicals that could have harmful side effects. However, in many cases, although derived from a plant, white-powder stevia is refined using water or alcohol extraction to isolate the sweet steviol glycosides.
Refined sugar in any form will cause a blood sugar spike in your pooch, whereas stevia has a glycemic index score of zero, which won’t cause the same spikes. Sugar is high in calories and is linked to a higher risk of obesity and diabetes in people.
Some preliminary studies suggest that stevia may offer more than just sweetness, with potential anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits, though strong evidence in dogs is limited.
There are several other sugar substitutes available that are non-toxic to dogs, including erythritol and monk fruit sweetener, but they may lead to digestive signs if eaten in excess. However, xylitol, another popular artificial sweetener, is extremely toxic to dogs, and even small amounts can cause low blood sugar, neurological signs, and even liver damage, so it should be strictly avoided.
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Moderation Is Key
While stevia is non-toxic for dogs, too much can cause gastrointestinal issues and diarrhea. How much is too much is a difficult question to answer, as it depends on your dog’s weight, age, and health. That said, stevia is not necessary for your dog’s diet and nutrition, so it shouldn’t really be given to them at all if you can avoid it.
Many dog treats and other products contain small amounts of stevia, and in this case, it won’t do any harm, but should be given only occasionally.
Conclusion
While stevia is non-toxic for dogs and won’t do any more harm than an upset stomach if they eat too much, it doesn’t have any real beneficial properties either. If your dog does ingest a small amount of stevia, they’ll likely be perfectly fine, and many dog treats contain stevia in their ingredients. The key is moderation. There are a ton of other treats that are both healthy and tasty for your pooch without the need for sweetener, and we recommend opting for one of these healthier alternatives.
Featured Image: AmyLv, Shutterstock
