Can my dog eat cheerios? Yes, but sparingly. Do you eat a bowl of cheerios for breakfast every day and wish you can give some to your dog? If so, you can but only a tiny amount.
Cheerios are made from whole-grain oats and digest quickly. However, they don’t provide any nutritional value to your dog’s diet, but they act as a filler. Most pet parents are surprised to learn the answer to their question, “Can my dog eat cheerios?” The reason it’s so startling is that cheerios are so healthy for children and adults. It isn’t easy to accept they aren’t equally as nutritious for dogs.
Dogs require high-energy diets, and cheerios make them feel full instead of providing the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy energy level. While cheerios don’t offer a tremendous amount of nutrition, they aren’t toxic either. This means you can enjoy giving your dog a few cheerios now and then.
Can My Dog Eat Cheerios?
Are Cheerios bad for dogs
As mentioned earlier, they aren’t toxic, and it’s best only to give cheerios to your dog occasionally. Are they bad for your dog? It depends. Most healthy dogs tolerate the ingredients in cheerios, while others might develop some issues, especially if they eat them regularly.
One common issue is the whole-grain oats often contribute to chronic urinary tract infections. If your dog suffers from UTIs, it’s best to eliminate corn, oats, and wheat from their diet.
How many cheerios is safe to give to dogs
Typically, the ideal serving size is ¼ cup or less. Only serve it on occasion. Toy and small breeds should eat less. If it’s the first time you are giving your dog cheerios, try a few and wait 24 hours to see if there’s an adverse reaction. Dogs that eat cheerios and show signs of stomach upset such as vomiting and diarrhea need to be taken to the veterinarian for an exam.
Can my dog eat cheerios of any kind
Grocery store shelves are filled with boxes of cheerios of all types and flavors. You might feel overwhelmed about which option is the best for your dog. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Plain cheerios – This option is the safest and recommended when giving it to your dog for the first time.
- Honey Nut cheerios – This one has more sugar than the plain kind but is still safe to give your dog as long as it’s in a small amount.
- Flavored cheerios – Cheerios have come out with flavors such as strawberry and apple cinnamon. It’s best to avoid flavored cheerios because of the different ingredients and added sugar.
- Multi-grain cheerios – These are safe to give your dog as long as it’s sparingly.
- Gluten-Free cheerios – Contain the same ingredients as plain cheerios without gluten and are safe in small amounts.
Bottom Line
So, the next time your kids are sitting on the sofa watching cartoons and eating dry cheerios, let them know it’s ok to give your dog a couple of bites. The same goes for the next time you eat breakfast and toss a few towards your dog.
Fun ways to add cheerios to your dog’s diet include adding a few to their dry kibble or wet food. Dogs love to crunch on cheerios, and it will make eating more fun. The crunchiness also captures their attention and encourages them to eat their food to find more cheerios. It’s excellent for encouraging picky eaters to eat their entire meal.
Cheerios are safe for dogs to eat in moderation and in small serving sizes. Check with a veterinarian first if you have any concerns about feeding your dog cheerios. Visit the DogStruggles homepage for more expert dog information!