Overview
Caution. Glycerin is safe for dogs to consume as long as it’s food-grade. It’s a compound added to commercial dog food to thicken, sweeten, and preserve it. Glycerin derived from biofuel production is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs have Glycerin?
Benefits
- Glycerin (also known as glycerol) is a compound that's widely used in pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries. It's colorless, odorless, sweet, and thick. Due to its properties, glycerin is used as a sweetener, thickener, and preservative in food products. For instance, vegetable glycerin is added to dog food to keep it moist, preventing spoilage.
- Glycerin also makes treats soft and chewy. Because of its sweet taste, glycerin also makes food more palatable to dogs.
- Food-grade glycerin, such as vegetable glycerin is safe for canine consumption.
Risks
- Glycerin derived from biofuel production should be avoided as it may contain toxic residues that are harmful to dogs' health.
Servings
- Glycerin is usually a minor ingredient in commercial dog food and treats. It's not typically used as a standalone food product for dogs. Just make sure to buy from reputable brands that use food-grade glycerin.
