Many people think Oreos have chocolate, and therefore believe Oreos are bad for dogs. And while there is a little chocolate in Oreos, the main reason dogs can’t eat Oreos is that they are simply very unhealthy for pets. While you shouldn’t panic if your dog has eaten an Oreo, you’ll want to call your vet if he eats an entire box. Similarly, it’s also dangerous to regularly give your pup this much sugar, empty calories and toxic chocolate, even in small amounts.
Luckily, there are many dog treats, homemade recipes, and alternatives that are much healthier than Oreos, including cookies that are baked specifically for dogs. Read on to learn more about why dogs can’t have Oreos and chocolate.
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Do Oreos Have Chocolate?
There are several reasons why you should never give Oreo cookies to your dog as treats. First, Oreos contain chocolate, which is very toxic to dogs. Although a single Oreo cookie isn’t enough to cause health problems, it’s not wise to feed your pet foods that contain poisonous ingredients they don’t need. That’s why it’s best to avoid giving your pups even the smallest bite of your cookie, no matter how much they beg for it.
Instead, offer them a sweet delicious fruit, like a banana, apple, mango, peach, cherry, honeydew, and other healthy treats.
Although the risk is small if your dog accidentally eats one or two cookies, you should watch for signs of reactions, just to be on the safe side. However, contact your vet immediately and seek treatment if your dog has eaten many cookies.
Oreos Are High in Sugar and Calories
One of the biggest problems with Oreos is that they are extremely high in sugar, which is very unhealthy for dogs. Too much sugar in your dog’s diet can quickly lead to obesity and increase your pet’s risk of developing a number of serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and pancreatitis.
Oreos also contain a lot of calories, which will add to their risk of obesity. Generally speaking, overweight dogs tend to have shorter lifespans, so if you want your pet to be around for years, make sure he stays fit.
Homemade Doggy Oreo Cookies Recipe
If you want to spoil your pet, then consider homemade Oreo dog cookies. Simply to make at home and delicious for your canines, this is a special recipe your dog will love!
Ingredients
Here are the necessary ingredients to make the cookies.
- ¼ C carob powder (chocolate substitute)
- 2/3 C whole-wheat flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- 1 small egg
- ¼ C raw honey
- ¼ C applesauce (not sweetened)
And here are the ingredients to make the filling.
- ½ package cream cheese, softened
- 1/8 C low fat milk
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350° F, and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Place pans in oven while it is heating.
- Combine flour, carob powder, baking soda, and baking powder in a large bowl.
- Make a well in the center, and add honey, applesauce, and egg (beaten).
- Mix everything together to create a sticky dough.
- Roll dough into a log shape, and cut into ½ inch thick cookies.
- Remove baking sheet from oven, place cookies on the baking sheet, and put them in the oven for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely.
While the cookies are cooling, mix the filling ingredients. Once the cookies have cooled, spread the filling on top of them. Store in an airtight container for up to two weeks.
No, Dogs Can’t Eat Oreos
As general rules of thumb, it’s not a good idea to give your dog treats that contain lots of sugar and you should never give them anything that contains chocolate. Instead, you can opt for healthier treats, such as the dog-friendly cookie recipe included above or organic, all-natural dog treats purchased online!