Overview
No, dogs must not eat Lebkuchen. This German gingerbread cookie contains nutmeg, spices, chocolate, and sugar, posing health risks ranging from simple digestive upset to serious conditions like kidney failure and neurological issues.
Can dogs eat Lebkuchen?
Risks
- Lebkuchen is a German baked good that is similar to gingerbread and is commonly eaten during the Christmas season. It originated in Nuremberg, Germany but is popular across Europe during the Christmas period
- Lebkuchen is not safe for dogs as it often includes several ingredients that are toxic or just plain bad for dogs: chocolate, nutmeg, cloves, honey, and occasionally raisins.
- Lebkuchen is often made with chocolate, which is toxic for dogs because of theobromine.
- Quite a few Lebkuchen recipes call for nutmeg and cloves, both of which can lead to neurological problems and gastric upset in dogs.
- Honey and sugar in Lebkuchen increase the risk of obesity and damage to your dog’s teeth.
- Certain German gingerbread recipe contain raisins, which are toxic and can lead to kidney failure in dogs.
