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British Pie Week

07 March 2025 <1 min read
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Every year, British Pie Week takes place to honour one of the most beloved dishes in British cuisine: the humble pie. Whether it is a savoury meat pie, a comforting shepherds pie or a sweet fruit filled dessert pie, this week has been all about celebrating the Great British Pie! However, as much as we may want to share the joy of pie with Purdy and Panther, it is essential to remember that pies are not safe for dogs. Lets explore why, and why it is important to keep your dog away from pie!

What is British Pie Week?

British Pie Week is an annual event that takes place in the first week of March to celebrate the rich tradition of pies in British culture. Pies have been a staple of British cuisine for centuries, with a history dating back to medieval times. From the classic steak and Kidney pie to a simple apple pie, British pies come in a variety of delicious forms and are often enjoyed during family gatherings, pub lunches and cozy dinners.

Why pies aren’t safe for dogs.

While sharing food with your dog can be tempting. many foods, including pies, are not suitable for dogs and can be dangerous. Here are several reasons why you should keep your pies to yourself:

  1. High Fat Content

Pies, particularly savory ones like meat pies, often have a high fat content. Fatty foods can cause digestive upset in dogs, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis, a painful and potentially life-threatening condition. Pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed and it can be triggered by eating foods high in fat.

  1. Toxic ingredients

Certain ingredients commonly found in pies can be harmful or even toxic to dogs. For example:

  • Onions and Garlic: Many Savory pies, such as shepherds pie or meat pies, contain onions or garlic. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause damage to their red blood cells, leading to anemia.
  • Raisins or Grapes: Some fruit pies contain raisins or grapes, both of which can cause kidney failure in dogs, even in small amounts.
  • Nutmeg: A common spice in pies like apple or pumpkin pie, nutmeg can be toxic to dogs, leading to symptoms like seizures, tremors and vomiting.
  1. Dough and Pastry

The pastry crust of pies, whether sweet or savory, is made with flour, butter and sometimes sugar. While these ingredients aren’t necessarily toxic to dogs, they can still cause digestive issues. The high gluten content can be hard for some dogs to digest, leading to bloating and discomfort. Additionally, raw dough (if the pie isn’t fully cooked) can pose an even greater risk. If consumed, raw dough can expand in a dogs stomach, causing painful bloating and even potentially life threatening gastrointestinal issues.

  1. Excessive Sugar and Sweeteners

Sweet pies, like fruit or custard pies, often contain large amounts of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to weight gain, obesity and even diabetes in dogs. Some pies also contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol, which is highly toxic to dogs, causing a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potential liver failure.

The Dangers of sharing pies with your dog

Sharing a bite of pie may seem harmless, but it can result in serious health issues for your dog. Some if the most common problems caused by feeding your dog pie include:

  • Upset stomach: Even without toxic ingredients, the richness of pie fillings and crusts can cause discomfort in your dogs digestive system. This can lead to bloating, vomiting, diarrhea and wind.
  • Allergic reactions: Some ingredients in pies, like dairy, wheat or specific spices may cause allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. These can range from mild skin irritation to more severe gastrointestinal distress.
  • Obesity and Health Risks: Over time, regularly feeding your dog high-calorie human food, like pie, can contribute to obesity, which in turn can lead to joint problems, heart disease and other serious health conditions.

While British Pie Week is a fantastic time to enjoy some delicious comfort food, it is essential to keep your dog safe by avoiding sharing pies with them. Pies often contain ingredients that are harmful or even toxic to dogs, and their high fat and sugar content can lead to serious health problems. Instead, why not order some Natural Dog Food Treats here.

By prioritising your dogs health and well-being, you can celebrate British Pie Week the right way, by keeping your dog safe and happy with treats made for dogs.

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