We’ve all seen our dogs eat Cheerios off the floor. Touted as being part of a healthy breakfast, Cheerios are quick, easy, and taste great. Dry Cheerios are also great to snack on, and dogs seem to really like them as well. But, can dogs eat Cheerios without getting sick? Yes and no.
There are many different flavors of Cheerios, and while some are safe for dogs to eat, others are not. For instance, dogs can eat Honey Nut Cheerios, but not the chocolate-flavored variety since chocolate is toxic to dogs. Generally, a handful of original, plain Cheerios now and again isn’t going to hurt pets. In fact, they’re a good training treat for both dogs and puppies.
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What Varieties of Cheerios Can I Give My Dog?
As long as you don’t go overboard and give your dogs huge amounts of cereal, it’s okay to give them Honey Nut Cheerios once in a while. Just like plain Cheerios, this variety also makes a great training reward.
If you’re considering buying generic cereals, you should be aware that the ingredients may not be the same as in the originals. If your dog loves Honey Nut Cheerios, check the ingredients on generic brands to make sure that they don’t include almonds, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea in dogs.
While the Honey Nut Cheerio variety is okay, you should avoid giving your dogs Frosted Cheerios because they are coated with sugar. Similarly, the multi-grain variety isn’t a great option because they also have sugary coating.
Are There Any Health Benefits?
For us, Cheerios offer many health benefits including its help to reduce the risk of heart disease. However, this is not the case for dogs. Although Cheerios contain vitamins and minerals, the moderate amount that you give your dogs won’t provide them with any major benefits.
On the other hand, this is one of the healthier treats you can give to your dogs, especially if they are overweight. After all, you don’t want to deprive them of treats, and Cheerios are low in fat and calories. If your dogs are on a diet, Cheerios are a safe snack to give them in moderation.
Are There Any Risks?
In most cases, Cheerios are a safe snack for dogs. But don’t give them a big bowl of cereal with milk because dogs shouldn’t eat the same serving sizes as we do. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and the milk could end up giving them digestive troubles. See our page on Milk for further information.
Cheerios also contain wheat which is one of the most common causes of allergic reactions in dogs. If you notice any negative reactions after giving your dog Cheerios, you should stop feeding them this treat. Immediately contact your vet if the symptoms are serious or if they persist.
Yes, Dogs Can Eat Certain Kinds of Cheerios in Moderation
Generally, Cheerios are a perfectly healthy snack to share with your dogs. Just make sure that you aren’t giving them any of the sugary or chocolate varieties. You should also give them Cheerios without adding milk or any extra sugar. Also, just like with any other treat, give it to them in moderation. Treats should make up less than 10 percent of your dogs’ diets.
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