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I was flipping through a dog treat cookbook and several recipes called for molasses, which I thought wasn't healthy for dogs; however, before passing judgment, I decided to do some research and learned that dogs could eat molasses, but only blackstrap molasses. I also found an acceptable alternative when molasses isn't a good fit.
What is Molasses?
Molasses is a sweet, dark, viscous liquid that's a byproduct of sugar production. There are three types of molasses—light, dark, and blackstrap—each with varying degrees of sweetness and nutritional content.
Light molasses comes from the first boiling of sugar cane juice, is the sweetest and lightest in color, and is used in baking and as a syrup.
Dark molasses is made from the second boiling and has a deeper, more complex flavor, often used in savory dishes and marinades.
Blackstrap molasses is the third boiling and is the most nutritious but also the least sweet, making it an excellent source of vitamins and minerals, often used for its nutritional benefits. Blackstrap molasses is recommended for use in dog treat recipes because the extra boiling makes it more dog-friendly.
Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses
Research reveals that blackstrap molasses is an excellent source of vital minerals such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. In fact, blackstrap molasses “contains more iron than eggs, more calcium than milk, and more potassium than any other food.” Source: Healthline.com
Due to the rich amounts of iron and calcium, blackstrap molasses may help prevent anemia and support bone health.
Blackstrap molasses is also high in antioxidants, vital compounds that serve to shield the body from free radicals – potentially harmful molecules that can cause cellular damage when present in high concentrations. The accumulation of excessive free radicals can result in oxidative stress, which has been linked to various diseases. Therefore, the regular consumption of antioxidants is crucial for maintaining optimal health.
Shopping for Blackstrap Molasses
When shopping for blackstrap molasses, buy the cleanest product you can find or look for an alternative. Avoiding products containing harmful ingredients such as sulfur or artificial sweeteners (e.g., xylitol) is important.
When shopping for blackstrap molasses, look for an organic, unsulfured product in a glass jar. The following are well-reviewed products that don't contain any harmful ingredients:
Alternatives to Blackstrap Molasses
If given in moderation, blackstrap molasses is safe for dogs. However there are many alternatives to blackstrap molasses, but the one that is beneficial for dogs is raw honey. A quarter teaspoon per 20 lbs (9.1 kg) of body weight is all a dog needs.
- local raw honey offers allergy relief for dogs
- raw honey soothes stomach upset
Raw honey comes straight from the bee hive; it's unpasteurized and contains more nutrients than regular honey.
Blackstrap molasses is richer than raw honey, loaded with more vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, calcium, and potassium. Molasses is higher in antioxidants and lower in calories than honey.
2 Dog Treat Recipes with Blackstrap Molasses
1 – Sweet Potato Crunch Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about two sweet potatoes with skin on)
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 1/4 cup blackstrap molasses
Directions:
- Cut up the sweet potatoes with skin on and boil until soft. Drain and mash the sweet potatoes. Mix in the steel-cut oats and molasses. Mix thoroughly.
- Create bite-sized dollops and cook them in an oven at 200 F (93 C) for six to eight hours (or use a food dehydrator).
- Store in an airtight container for up to three weeks in the fridge; or freeze.
Source: Shaggy Dog Eats, Christy Bright
2 – Coconut Oil and Molasses Dog Treats
Ingredients:
- 4 tbsp blackstrap molasses
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 cup water
- 6 tbsp CocoTherapy coconut oil
- 1-1/2 cups steel-cut oats
- 2 cups whole wheat flour (or quinoa, coconut, or almond flour)
- 1-1/2 teaspoons brewer's yeast
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 F (176.7 C).
- Mix the following ingredients well (it won't be smooth): blackstrap molasses, peanut butter, water, and coconut oil.
- Slowly (and thoroughly) mix in the steel-cut oats, flour, and brewer's yeast to create your dough.
- Roll out the dough (1/2″ thick) and press shapes with cookie cutters or slice into shapes with a knife or pizza cutter.
- Transfer the shapes onto a cookie sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until firm. Cool when finished.
- Store treats in an airtight container for two weeks; or freeze.
Source: GoldenBarrel.com
