Can Dogs Eat Marzipan? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Reviewed & fact-checked by

Dr. Lauren Demos

DVM (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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When the holiday season rolls around, there are delicious treats around every corner. But just because your dog is begging for a different holiday treat doesn’t mean you should give it to them. That’s certainly the case with marzipan.

While marzipan has vitamin B, calcium, and a few other benefits, the negatives of marzipan easily outweigh those perks. Because of this, you shouldn’t feed your dog marzipan, but you don’t need to rush them straight to the vet if they get some. There’s a lot to break down, and we’ve highlighted everything you need to know for you below.

Reasons You Shouldn’t Feed Your Dog Marzipan

While you shouldn’t feed your dog marzipan, there are a few reasons for it. We’ve highlighted three reasons you should find a better treat option than marzipan for your dog here:

Sugar

Marzipan has a ton of sugar, which is not good for anyone or your pups. A little isn’t a huge deal for them, but it doesn’t take much marzipan for it to become problematic.

Fat

Excessive fat levels can lead to obesity in your dog, and with a ton of almonds, marzipan has a lot of fat. It doesn’t take much marzipan to create a problem for your pup when it comes to fat.

Almonds

Almonds are a key ingredient in marzipan, and they can present all sorts of problems for dogs. They can create digestive problems that can lead to vomiting and diarrhea, and they’re high in fat, leading to obesity and diabetes.

When to Take Your Dog to the Vet

Marzipan isn’t good for your dog, but it’s not toxic either. Unless your dog eats an entire tray or two of marzipan, you really don’t need to take them to the vet. Even if they do get that much, you only need to monitor them and take them to the vet if severe signs start to develop.

Better Treat Options for Your Dogs

While you shouldn’t feed your dog marzipan, there are plenty of safe treat options you can give them. We have highlighted five safe treat options you can give your pup when you want to give them something special.

1. Green Beans

Green beans are a super healthy treat for your dog. They have tons of fiber, and they’re a great source of greens. Just ensure you don’t add any additional seasonings to the green beans while cooking them.

2. Broccoli

You can feed your dog broccoli, whether it’s cooked or raw, as long as you don’t add any additional seasonings. Raw broccoli is a little more challenging for your pup to digest, but it’s still healthy for them.

3. Watermelon

If you’re looking for a sweet and refreshing treat for your pup, watermelon is a great choice. It’s full of water, so it helps hydrate them too, making it an excellent treat for hot summer days. Just ensure you remove the seeds and the rind before feeding them to your dog.

4. Bananas

Bananas are one of the least expensive treat options you can give your dog, but because of the higher sugar content, you should only feed them in moderation. Consider giving your dog a slice or two when you’re eating a banana.

5. Strawberries

Strawberries are a great treat for your pup, just feed them in moderation because they’re high in sugar. Ensure you wash the strawberries and remove the stems before feeding them to your dog so you don’t get your pup sick.

Final Thoughts

While you shouldn’t feed your dog marzipan, that doesn’t mean you can’t keep them happy by giving them a few other treats. Keep the marzipan away, but if they happen to get some, don’t freak out too much!

But when you get the chance, give them something else so they can enjoy a healthy treat when you’re chowing down on your holiday dessert.

Featured Image Credit: photocrew1, Shutterstock