For many families, morning breakfast involves their dog sitting at their feet and begging for some food. Before you share your breakfast with your four-legged friend, you may be wondering, “Can dogs eat Cheerios?” It’s a question many people ask and we’ve got the answers.
While Cheerios aren’t dangerous to give to dogs, there are some things you need to be aware of. For example: Are Cheerios good for dogs? Do they provide any nutritional benefits? Are there any side-effects if I give my dog Cheerios? Below you can find the answers to these questions and more. We’ll even discuss some healthier options to give your dog.
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Are Cheerios good for dogs? Or are they bad?
It is okay to give Cheerios to dogs but they are neither good nor bad for your dog. They aren’t very good because they are basically a grain that has no real benefits for your dog. Dogs process grains too fast to get any nutritional benefits from Cheerios. If you are going to give your dog a treat, there are many healthier alternatives. Most veterinarians suggest giving your dog a protein based treat rather than a treat composed mostly of grains.
Cheerios can be bad for your dog if they have an allergy to grains. The only way to know if your dog has this allergy is by using a dog allergy test kit. You can get these kits from your dog’s veterinarian, which can be expensive, or you may buy a home allergy test on Amazon. For most dogs, Cheerios will not cause an allergic reaction and are safe for your dog.
When you first give your dog Cheerios, it’s a good idea to watch for an upset stomach, gas or diarrhea. Some dogs don’t process fiber very well and too many Cheerios could cause problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, stop giving your dog Cheerios and switch to a healthier treat.
Another thing to be aware of is that some varieties of Cheerios including Honey Nut Cheerios and Chocolate Cheerios have far more sugar than plain Cheerios. Health-wise, it is recommended that you do not give Honey Nut Cheerios to dogs, especially if your dog has diabetes or is sensitive to a lot of sugar. If you do give Honey Nut Cheerios to your dog, most likely, nothing bad will happen but just be aware that too much sugar is bad for your dog. There are much healthier treats available.
Do Cheerios Provide Nutritional Benefits for Dogs?
Cheerios do not provide much, if any, nutritional benefits for dogs. For humans, Cheerios are a great source of fiber and grains, but dogs digest Cheerios too fast to get these same benefits. In fact, some dogs will react badly to the fiber in Cheerios and will get a stomach ache and gas.
Cheerios work fine as an occasional treat but if you are looking for something healthy for your dog, choose another treat. There are plenty of dog treats on the market designed to be both healthy and low calorie.
Side Effects to Watch For
Can dogs eat Cheerios when they have health problems? While most dogs will be perfectly fine after eating Cheerios, a select few may experience side effects due to health issues. Some dogs won’t react well to the fiber in the cereal, especially if you give your dog a lot of Cheerios at once. Side effects to watch out for include a stomach ache, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. It can be difficult to tell if your dog has a stomach ache or nausea but most owners know when something isn’t right with their dog. Just watch your dog and if they don’t look very happy, don’t give them any more Cheerios.
*If you fed your dog the chocolate variety of Cheerios (please don’t) and he or she is showing any of the previous symptoms, please take your dog to the vet immediately. Chocolate can be deadly to dogs. Chocolate Cheerios do not contain much chocolate but some dogs may not tolerate the little amounts of chocolate in the cereal.
Possible Allergic Reactions from Cheerios
The grain in Cheerios can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Monitor your dog for the symptoms of a food allergy including excessive scratching, inflammation of the skin and ears and vomiting. If you suspect your dog has allergies, you can take him or her to the vet for an allergy test or you can purchase a test on Amazon and give your dog the test at home. You will usually have to send a sample of your dog’s fur to a laboratory and they will email you the results of the test. An allergy test costs between $150 and $300 depending on whether you perform the test yourself or you have the vet administer the test.
Can Dogs Eat Cheerios?
Can dogs eat Cheerios? The answer is yes with some restrictions. If your dog has allergies or gets an upset stomach when eating too many grains, then I would avoid feeding your dog Cheerios. Most dogs can be fed Cheerios with no problems. However, that doesn’t mean you can just give them the entire box. Hand them out one-at-time as a low calorie training treat or sneak them a few little O’s under the breakfast table.
Can puppies eat Cheerios? Absolutely! Just as I previously mentioned, avoid giving them to puppies with allergies or sensitive stomachs. Also, only give them to puppies that are already on solid dog food. Any puppies older than 10 weeks should be able to have Cheerios. Cheerios are the perfect size for puppies and most love the taste. Be sure to only give them a few since Cheerios should not be their main meal or even their main source of treats.
Different Varieties of Cheerios
There are many different variety of Cheerios on the market and some are high in sugar. The sugar can contribute to diabetes or insulin problems in dogs. Read the ingredient label and only give your dog the sugar free or low sugar versions of Cheerios.
Can I Give My Dog Honey Nut Cheerios?
We do not recommend giving your dog Honey Nut Cheerios. Honey Nut Cheerios are high in sugar which can be a problem for many dogs. If you are eating breakfast and want to slip your dog a few Honey Nut Cheerios, then it probably wouldn’t hurt your dog. Just don’t make it a regular, everyday treat.
Can I Give My Dog Chocolate Cheerios?
Absolutely not! While Chocolate Cheerios doesn’t have much actual chocolate in the ingredient list, it still isn’t good for your dog. If your dog accidentally eats some Chocolate Cheerios, don’t panic. Watch for symptoms of poisoning such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and urination and panting. If any of these symptoms occur, call a veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Multigrain Cheerios?
As long as the Cheerios are low in sugar, then they are safe for your dog to eat in moderation. One particular variety that we recommend your dog stays away from is Multigrain Cheerios. While they seem healthy for humans, they are high in sugar and wouldn’t be good for a dog.
Peanut Butter Cheerios Dog Treats Recipe
Homemade Cheerios Dog Treats are a delicious and safe treat to give your dog. Limit your dog to one treat a day. The recipe calls for peanut butter and you need to make sure that it is an all-natural peanut butter and is not made with Xylitol which is extremely deadly to dogs. Check and double-check the ingredient label on the peanut butter jar. Even a small amount of Xylitol will kill a dog quickly. The original recipe was first published here: https://bitzngiggles.com/homemade-peanut-butter-cheerio-dog-treats
We have changed some items in the original recipe to make it healthier for your dog but feel free to use the original recipe to make your treats. Here is our version:
Ingredients
- ¼ cup all-natural peanut butter
- 2 cups plain Cheerios
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
Directions
- Preheat the oven 350 F.
- Melt the peanut butter in the microwave.
- Mix all ingredients.
- Roll the dough into small balls (size depends on your dog) and place on greased cookie sheet.
- Bake 8-10 minutes.
- Store in airtight container after they cool.
3 Healthier Treat Options For Your Dog
If you are looking for some treat options that are healthier than Cheerios, then we highly recommend the following three dog treats. Each of them will provide your dog with a tasty, low-calorie snack. The treats we have chosen are similar in size to Cheerios but are much healthier and are made with ingredients designed to promote your dog’s health.
Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats
The Zuke’s Mini Naturals Dog Treats are my dog’s favorite treats. They are tiny so you can use them for training and dogs seem to go nuts for them. The Zuke’s Minis are the same size as Cheerios but, unlike Cheerios, they are made with high-quality protein, berries and herbs with no corn, wheat or soy. They are a much healthier alternative to cereal treats.
Zuke’s comes in a variety of flavors including chicken, peanut butter & oats and salmon. The flavors are designed to get your dog excited about training. These treats are affordable and high-quality. We recommend getting all three flavors and seeing which one your dog likes the best.
Isle of Dogs 100-Percent Natural Joint Dog Treats
The Isle of Dogs 100-Percent Natural Joint Dog Treats is great for any dog. These super cute treats are shaped as hearts. Give your dog 1-2 hearts a day to show them that you love them. They are designed for good health and, specifically, to improve joint health. When you give your dog one of these treats, you are not just making them happy but you are also keeping them healthy.
These treats are organic and all natural. They are made from cherries, apples, flaxseed and rolled oats. They add in glucosamine and chondroitin to promote joint and bone health. Overall, the Isle of Dogs 100-Percent Natural Joint Dog Treats are a great alternative to Cheerios.
Nature Gnaws Sweet Potato Chips
You may think that giving your dog potato chips is bad but the Nature Gnaws Sweet Potato Chips are not ordinary potato chips. These chips were designed with your dog in mind. They were made for all sizes, shapes and breeds. The Nature gnaws are made with 100% real sweet potato – both human grade. There is no added flavor, colors or preservatives. Perhaps the best thing about these treats is that they are completely grain-free. They are perfect for dogs with allergies.
Other benefits of the Nature Gnaws Sweet Potato Chips include a seal-able bag, made in USA and they are packed with Omega 3’s. If you are looking for a healthy alternative to Cheerios, then pick up a bag of Nature Gnaws.
In conclusion, can dogs eat Cheerios? Yes, we think it is okay for dogs to eat Cheerios as long as you take a few precautions. Watch your dog closely after giving them Cheerios and look for signs of allergies or health problems. These symptoms may include stomach aches, excessive scratching, skin irritation, lethargy and vomiting. If it turns out that your dog has allergies or cannot digest grains well, then check out the treats we reviewed above for a healthy alternative. Your dog is sure to love them and they will keep your fur baby happy and healthy.
