Can dogs eat cereal? You might be asking this if you want to share a bit of your breakfast with your dog, or maybe your pup got into a box on accident. We eat cereal, but is it safe for our pooches?
The answer overall is yes, dogs can eat some cereal, but much like for us humans, there are several types that are less healthy than others for dogs. There are even certain cereals that contain ingredients that are dangerous or toxic to your dog.
While dogs can eat many types of cereal, they should only have it as an occasional treat. Cereal should also never replace the food you feed your dog as their main diet. As always, you must ask your vet before giving your dog any new human foods.
Here’s what you should know about feeding cereal to dogs.
Is Cereal Good For Dogs?
While a variety of cereals may be alright for dogs to eat, most cereals you find at the store offer little to no nutritional value for them.
We live in a time where it’s almost frowned upon to feed your dog anything but grain-free food and treats, so many dog parents may avoid feeding their furry friends cereal.
Again, since cereal does not add any substantial nutrients to your dog’s diet, only use it as a “sometimes food,” if at all, and not as a full meal.
A great deal of cereal types contain so much sugar and are so highly processed that, while they are safe to eat once in a while, they should generally be avoided.
Which Cereals Are Safe For Dogs?
There are a few cereals that are not only safe for dogs, but can be a delicious treat for them. These include plain Cheerios, Bran Flakes, and Rice Krispies. Some dog parents even use Cheerios as a training treat since they are small and easy for dogs to eat during a training session.
While not necessarily toxic in small doses, cereals that contain high amounts of sugar and have no nutritional value should be avoided. These include cereals such as Lucky Charms, Fruit Loops, and Frosted Flakes, among many others.
However, cereals with raisins, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners like xylitol should be avoided completely, as they are toxic to dogs. These include Raisin Bran, Cocoa Puffs, and Reese’s Puffs, as well as several other candy-like cereals.
Frequently eating sugary cereals like those mentioned puts your pet at risk for obesity or even developing diabetes. If it isn’t healthy for you to eat, chances are it’s not good for your dog, either.
Again, you must ask your veterinarian before you give your dog human foods. They can advise you further on which cereals might be harmful to your dog.
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Has your dog ever eaten cereal? What other human foods do you share with your pooch? Let us know in the comments below!
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