Blackstrap Molasses: Say What?!
I scream, you scream, we all scream for molasses! Yup, that’s right. It doesn’t rhyme, but blackstrap molasses if 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, but, molasses is actually a rare breed of byproducts, in the fact that it is healthier than the original product: 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 is rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B6, iron, calcium, and much more (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 previously noted, blackstrap molasses is a great source of calcium, which helps maintain healthy bones (“Can I Give My Dog Molasses?” 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. A simple google search will yield page after page of the health benefits of black strap molasses in humans. 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. In other words, don’t give your dog a whole cup of pure black strap molasses a day, it just is not a good idea as it will most likely upset your dog’s stomach.
We definitely recommend incorporating blackstrap molasses into your dog’s diet, if you have not already. 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!