Can dogs eat granola? You may be asking this because your dog ate some of your cereal, and you’re worried about their health. Humans can eat granola, so is it also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, granola is safe for dogs to eat. Granola can come in many forms, but at its purest, it’s simply oats and brown rice, both of which are safe for dogs. There may granola based products your dog shouldn’t have, but as a rule, the less additives, the better it is for your doggo.
However, as with all human foods, you must contact your veterinarian before feeding your dog granola. Here’s what you should know about feeding granola to your dog.
How Is Granola Good For Dogs?
Granola is rolled oats and puffed brown rice. If you look at your dog’s dry food, these are both ingredients that you may see on the list. They are simple carbohydrates and get your pup’s energy up for a day of dogging around.
Granola is also a good source of fiber, which aids in digestion. However, too much fiber can result in diarrhea and an upset tummy. All in all, in moderation, plain granola is safe to give your pup.
How Can I Safely Give Granola To My Dog?
Granola can be a good snack for dogs if given in the simplest form, but once you start adding flavors or bits of dried fruits, the line between harmless and harmful is blurred.
Granola can come in cereal as plain chunks of oats and brown rice, which is fine to give to your dog in moderation. However, most commercial cereals have certain additives, like synthetic sugars, that are not good for your dog.
The same goes for granola bars. It’s best to stay away from granola with a lot of added ingredients. If you’re interested in giving your dog granola bars, there are some that are made specifically for dogs. There are also recipes for dog-safe granola that could be fun to try!
Do not give your dog granola with raisins or chocolate. Both raisins and chocolate are popular additions in granola and very harmful to dogs.
Honey, another common addition to granola, is safe for your dog to eat. However, even natural sugar like honey can cause an upset tummy if given in large portions.
Has your dog ever eaten granola? Did they enjoy it? Leave us a comment below!