Blackstrap Molasses: Say What?!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for molasses! Yup, that’s right. It doesn’t rhyme, but blackstrap molasses is very healthy for you – and for your pup! You may be wondering how molasses is healthy for you; after all, isn’t molasses a byproduct of sugar cane? Yes, molasses is a unique byproduct that is healthier than sugar.

Blackstrap molasses comes from the sugar cane plant; after the plant is crushed and boiled down, twice; the end product is a thick, nearly black liquid (Greenfield, 2012). We here at Riker’s have been using blackstrap molasses in our Pumpkin Molasses treats (link “Pumpkin Molasses treats” to our page) since their creation. So, just how good is black strap molasses for you and your pup? Prepare to have your mind blown!

Honestly, there are so many health benefits of black strap molasses that we can’t even list all of them in this blog! Blackstrap molasses contains many vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, iron, and calcium (Krans, 2015). Also, a single tablespoon of blackstrap molasses is loaded with the antioxidant manganese (“15 Health Benefits of Blackstrap Molasses,” 2013).

Does your dog have hair instead of fur? Well, blackstrap molasses is loaded with copper, which plays a vital role in producing healthy hair (Ravensthorpe, 2013). Therefore, by using blackstrap molasses as a daily supplement, overall hair quality will increase (Ravensthorpe, 2013).

Do you have an older dog? As we mentioned before, blackstrap molasses has lots of calcium, which keeps bones healthy.” n.d.). Blackstrap molasses also has a laxative quality since it is a natural stool softener, which may assist dogs in their elder years to have better bowel movements (Ravensthorpe, 2013).

The best part of all of these health benefits is that they also apply to humans. You can find many health benefits of black strap molasses in humans by searching on Google. However, the key is to give your pup blackstrap molasses in moderation (such as in treats). Giving your dog treats infused with blackstrap molasses is perfectly fine – and recommended. But, as common sense would tell us, do not feed your dog a large quantity of blackstrap molasses on a daily basis. Simply put, giving your dog a full cup of black strap molasses each day is not advisable. It will probably upset their stomach.

If you haven't already, we highly suggest adding blackstrap molasses to your dog's food. But, if you are unsure whether or not you would like to give your dog blackstrap molasses, please talk to your veterinarian about the health benefits. Blackstrap molasses is one of the few byproducts that is worth screaming about. So, come on, give your dog a Pumpkin Molasses treat!