Will vanilla flavoring hurt dogs? So why is vanilla extract a problem? It’s simple. Vanilla extract is made with alcohol. Dogs love the smell of it and they’ll eat it if they can get to it and it is highly toxic for them.
What happens if dogs eat vanilla? Vanilla extract and imitation vanilla have a high alcohol content that is toxic to your dog. Dogs can’t break down alcohol in their system, and your dog is at risk for alcohol poisoning if he consumes too much.
Can dogs have pancakes with vanilla extract? Can dogs eat vanilla pancakes? Dogs shouldn’t eat vanilla pancakes or any pancakes made with vanilla extract. Vanilla extract usually contains about 35 percent ethanol, a type of alcohol, and alcohol is toxic to dogs.
Can dogs have vanilla ice cream? Only give your dog ice cream that does not contain chocolate, xylitol, macadamia nuts, or coffee beans. When in doubt, choose vanilla—even better, low-fat vanilla. Consider an ice cream alternative for your dog, including gelato made specifically for dogs or a homemade frozen treat made with dog-safe ingredients.