Can dogs eat cheerios? This really depends on what flavor cheerios we are talking about.
You can feed you dog the normal oat based cheerios and it wouldn’t be a problem. However, considering there is a whole assortment of flavors available from honey nut, to chocolate, to apple and cinnamon (and a fair few others in between) the advice is to consider the potential issues that come from such flavorings.
Chocolate is generally a big no no for our pets. The plain cheerios should be fine.
There are other factors to consider however…
Can dogs eat cheerios – Any Benefits?
Such as what’s the point? Beyond the fact you might feel good giving your dog a sweet little treat such as cheerios, there is very little benefit in doing so. (And the benefit I have just described is not even for your dog.)
Nutritionally, a cheerio or two will not do anything for your dog. Give the whole bowl and you’ll actually be causing harm rather than any good. (But then I would hope no owner would want to give their dog an entire bowl of cheerios.)
Can dogs eat cheerios – Precautions
Beyond quantity, the precautionary element simply comes from the type of flavor you wish to feed your dog.
Some flavors will clearly contain more sugar than others, deeming them more detrimental when fed to your beloved pooch. Under no circumstances should any type of cheerio become a consistent presence within his dog bowl.
As I have already said – chocolate cheerios should be avoided. If you really must feed you dog cheerios, make it the plain oatmeal ones.
The overall problem with sugary cereals such as cheerios is that they come in the form of modified corn starch and wheat starch.
Not only are they difficult for your dog to break down, wheat and corn are actually common types of allergens to dogs.
If your dog is unlucky enough to be allergic to wheat and corn, the symptoms can end up being the usual stomach upset and intestinal issues, diarrhea and sometimes fatigue, (a by product of many an ill informed dietary change). Other issues can be itchy skin, rashes, and runny eyes and nose.
So, can dogs eat cheerios?
The answer is yes they generally can. There are no toxic substances in cheerios so you will be alright there. However, some dogs may be allergic to the wheat and for all dogs you should avoid the sweet flavors.
And never should you feed your dog human type servings of these foods. If you want to give your pet a little treat, there are safer and more nutritious alternatives available.
Can dogs eat cheerios – Resources
- Find out the nutritional value of cheerios
- Dangers of chocolate for dogs – Pet MD
- Allergy symptoms in dogs – ASPCA
- (Image Credit: Mydoglikes.com)
Comments
Can dogs eat cheerios? If you have any comments on your own experiences with feeding your dog cheerios please leave them below.