Yes. Dogs can eat certain kinds of cereals in moderation. Cereals don’t add much nutrition to your canine’s diet unless fortified with some fruits. However, you can offer them as treats. If you run out of ideas, you may pick up cereals to feed your dog as snacks. Remember, you must provide them with only plain cereals, not flavored ones, as they may cause choking hazards and affect their health instantly.
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What Are Cereals?
Cereals are breakfast food made up of roasted grain, traditionally taken with milk. The grains include oatmeal, cornflakes, wheat, and rice. It contains fewer calories and is popularly consumed by many as a diet. In addition, it is a beautiful treat for those who love crunchy food. Thus, your dog will also enjoy munching on this crunchy snack. “Cereal” was derived from the word “ceres,” the Roman goddess of agriculture and harvesting.
Are Cereals Safe for Dogs?
Although they contain some nutritional value, not all cereals are safe for dogs. Some kinds of cereals that are safe are listed below:
Cereals are less nutritional and cannot be your dog’s regular diet. However, cereals are far better than other dog treats and snacks with zero nutrition. Here is why cereals are suitable for dogs:
Cereals are loaded with fiber, enhancing healthy digestion and controlling constipation or diarrhea. It also helps in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
They give a sense of fullness to the appetite and thus will prevent obesity in dogs.
Cereals produce quality carbohydrates.
They also help in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Cereals provide relief for dogs with food allergies.
Cereals are rich in vitamins, protein, and minerals that help reduce stress.
Cereals also stabilize blood sugar levels.
Why Are Cereals Bad for Dogs?
Although cereals are healthy for dogs, overfeeding them can affect your pet. Cereals contain high carbohydrates, which leads to some health issues. These include:
Obesity
Cereals contain carbohydrates and fats. So excessive consumption of cereals can make your dog gain weight.
Diabetes
Cereals contain sucrose and are rich in sugar. Hence when cereals are regularly fed, dogs are prone to diabetes.
Dental Issues
If dogs eat sugary treats, they develop tartar and plaque, and removing the sugar foodstuffs stuck between their teeth becomes difficult. It causes their teeth to decay.
Urinary problems
Diets rich in whole grains or cereals can cause urinary tract infections and kidney failures due to urinary crystal formation.
Indigestion
A dog’s digestive system is more sensitive than a human’s. Thus, nuts like almonds cannot be digested by their stomach, which can cause indigestion.
Some ingredients in cereals that are bad for dogs
Xylitol
Xylitol,an artificial sweetener ingredient in sugar-free snacks, is used in some store-bought strawberry yogurt. It is hazardous for dogs, causing hypoglycemia and severe liver damage. Therefore, ensure the brand you buy doesn’t contain xylitol. Some similar names of xylitol that you can find on the labels include:
4-Anhydro-D-xylitol
Xylite
Anhydroxylitol
D-xylitol
Xylitylglucoside
Nut Allergies
Some dogs are intolerant to nuts causing nut allergies in them.
Soy allergy
Soy in cereals can cause allergic reactions in your dog. Symptoms of soy allergy in your pet include:
A raisin in cereals can be hazardous to dogs as it has mycotoxin, which can lead to:
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Kidney failure
Anuria
Chocolate
Chocolates and choco chips in cereals can be hazardous to your canines. Chocolates contain toxins like theobromine and caffeine, making your dog restless and causing abnormal heart rates and seizures.
How Much of Cereals to Feed Your Dog?
Before introducing new food to your dogs, consult your veterinarian and follow his suggestions.
Check for dog-safe ingredients.
Even though cereals contain some nutrients that can be good for your dogs, limiting this food to occasional treats and snacks is always best.
Being a pet parent, you know that snacks or treats should take at most 10% of your dog’s daily calorie count, and the rest would come under dog food.
Finally, feed cereal depending on your dog’s age, activities, and size.
How to Serve Cereals to Your Dog?
Here are some points to be considered while serving cereals to your dogs.
First, offer plain cereals with a low glycemic index of 12 percent calories per serving.
Do not add milk, as dogs are lactose-intolerant.
Cereals are not wholesome food containing essential nutrients that your dog’s metabolism requires, nor are they substitutes for natural whole grains.
Blending the cereals with some cooked vegetables, fresh and chopped fruits, healthy proteins like eggs, homemade dog-safe peanut or almond butter, or wet canned food are best to acquire additional health benefits from cereals.
Some cereals that should be avoided are listed below:
Cocoa Puffs
Lucky Charms
Reese’s Puffs
Fruit Loops
Raisin Bran
Count Chocula
Great Grains
Oatmeal Crisp
What if My Dog Ate Cereals?
If your dog eats cereals that are not dog-safe or consumes more, you should take him to a vet immediately. The following are the symptoms to look out for:
Pancreatitis
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Breathlessness
Heartburn
Anxiety
Vomiting
Bloating
Weakness
Lethargy
Upset Stomach
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Stomach soreness
Alternatives to Cereals
You can always go for kibbles or foods specially made for dogs. However, cereals that are dog safe are listed below:
Bran Flakes
Cream of Wheat
Oat Bran
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Dogs Eat Apple Jacks Cereal?
No. Dogs should not be offered Apple Jacks Cereals. This cereal contains high sugar and preservatives that may upset your canine’s stomach.
Kix cereal is safe for dogs to eat. However, it is better to offer them in minimal quantities.
Can Dogs Eat Life Cereal?
Life cereal is safe for dogs. It has less sugar than many other cereal brands and is void of calories.
Can Dogs Eat Trix Cereal?
Trix Cereals are safe for dogs but contain high sugar, which can upset your dog’s stomach.
Final Thoughts
Cereals are healthy treats for your dogs and can be offered in moderation. Some matters of concern while feeding these cereals to your dogs are artificial sweeteners, preservatives, checking for dog-safe ingredients, and feeding quantity. Apart from that, cereals are safe for dogs.
