Alright, fellow reactive dog mums — let’s have a proper natter about those so-called “innocent” supermarket dog treats we all grab now and again. You know the ones — shaped like hearts or bones, all smiles on the packaging, practically promising your dog will love you forever? I’m looking at you, Purina Friskies Funtastix and Mercadona Hearts.
If you’re anything like me — juggling anxiety, a dodgy shoulder, perimenopause brain fog, and a house full of strong-minded rescue dogs — you don’t need any extra drama. But here’s the thing: added sugar in those colourful little biscuits might be adding exactly that. Chaos. Tension. Zoomies when you need zen.
So let’s break it all down in simple terms — nothing too science-y, promise
Why Are Dog Treats So Bloody Sweet?
Turns out dogs have a bit of a sweet tooth. Yep, they like sugar just like we do. And guess who knows that? Pet food companies. They chuck sucrose (that’s your regular table sugar) into biscuits and chews to make them extra moreish…
What Sugar Actually Does to Dogs
We’re not handing out treats just for the fun of it — most of us are using them to train, distract, bribe, or survive public outings with our dogs. But sugar isn’t harmless. It can actually mess with your dog’s behaviour and brain. No joke.
🚀 Hyperactivity and Impulsivity
Studies on rodents (whose brains are surprisingly similar to dogs…) show that long-term sugar consumption leads to hyperactivity and reduced impulse control…
🌀 Addicted to the Sweet Stuff
There’s also evidence that sugar can trigger addiction-like behaviours — bingeing, withdrawal, cravings…
🎢 Energy Peaks and Crashes
Sugar gives a quick high, followed by a crash. In dogs, this might look like a burst of barking, zooming about…
What’s Actually in These Treats?
Let’s take a peek at the ingredient lists of a few common culprits — the ones lots of us have bought without thinking:
Peer-reviewed studies show that sucrose is the most common added sugar in dog treats…
Why This Matters If You’ve Got a Reactive Dog (Or a Sensitive Soul)
If you’re living with a dog who already finds the world a bit much — the last thing they need is something that sends their arousal levels through the roof…
Dogs on high-sugar, low-fibre diets are more likely to be overactive, restless, and unable to settle…
And let’s not forget us humans. The science is also clear on this one — behaviour struggles in pets are linked to higher stress levels in guardians…
The Bottom Line? You Deserve Better (And So Does Your Dog)
You’re already showing up, doing the work, and putting your heart into helping your dog feel safe…
What to Do Next
✨ Flip those treat bags over — if sugar’s in the top few ingredients, time to upgrade.
✨ Look for natural, low-sugar options with simple, recognisable ingredients.
✨ And if you want support choosing treats (or navigating the daily rollercoaster of life with a sensitive dog), you’re always welcome in the Calm Canine Club — it’s a sugar-free zone in every sense.
Big love from me and my not-so-sweet-toothed gang 💛
