Can Dogs Eat Cheerios? Everything You Need to Know

Yes, dogs can eat Cheerios occasionally. Though they are low in sugar, they do not have any nutritional benefits for dogs. However, it helps a dog if he has constipation and diarrhea. Cheerios are primarily empty-calories, made from whole wheat. Flavored cheerios must be avoided, as they contain harmful elements which can be hazardous for the dog. As a responsible pet parent, you must provide your dog with the best quality dog food or healthy human food which suits him well.  

What Are Cheerios? 

Cheerios is a cereal made of crushed oats in a solid torus that General Mills in the United States manufactures. Cheerios is distributed as an Uncle Tobys product in Australia and New Zealand and is marketed by Cereal Partners under the Nestlé name in several countries, including the United Kingdom. CheeriOats was first created in 1941. 

Is Cheerios Safe for Dogs? 

Yes, Cheerios are safe for dogs if offered sparingly. Though it will not provide any nutritional benefit to your dog, it can be a great treat during the training sessions. However, you must keep in mind the ingredients added to cheerios.  

Why Are Cheerios Good for Dogs? 

Cheerios are good for dogs in a few conditions. As it is prepared with whole-wheat and whole-grain oats, it is packed with fiber.  

Subsides Diarrhea and Constipation: Dogs suffering from diarrhea and constipation can benefit from plain cheerios. However, keep in mind to stop feeding plain cheerios when diarrhea and constipation subsides. 

Helps your Obese Dog: If your dog is overweight, you can use plain cheerios as treats during the training session as it is low in calories.  

Why Are Cheerios Bad for Dogs? 

Cheerios technically provides no health benefits to your dog. They are empty calories that will affect your dog if fed more often. The consequences of regularly feeding plain cheerios are: 

• Wheat allergy 
• Grain allergy 
• Obesity 
• Fat 
• Diabetes 
• Heart issues 
• Lethargy 
• Weight gain 

If you feed your dog with other flavored cheerios, then it will be hazardous due to the following reasons: 

Xylitol and Corn Syrup: Flavored cheerios may contain xylitol and corn syrup, affecting the dog significantly. The consequences of consuming xylitol and corn syrup can cause: 

• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Gastrointestinal issues 
• Diabetes 
• Obesity 
• Weight gain 
• Fat 
• Lethargy 
• Hyperactivity 
• Frequent urination 
• Muscle tremors 
• Pancreatitis 
• Seizures 
• Death 

Natural Honey: Consuming natural honey can affect the dog due to its high sugar content. The consequences are: 

• Diabetes 
• Obesity 
• Fat 
• Weight gain 
• Cardiovascular issues 
• Lethargy 
• Hyperactivity 
• Lack of coordination 

Corn and Wheat Allergy

Suppose your dog is allergic to corn and wheat. In that case, cheerios are not a good option. Symptoms to look out for if your allergic dog eats cheerios accidentally are:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Behavioral changes
• Skin rashes
• Sneezing
• Constant licking of paws 
• Ear inflammation
• Nausea
• Gassy

How Many Cheerios to Feed Your Dog? 

Feeding plain, unsweetened cheerios appropriately to your dog is vital. It would help if you did not feed your dog with cheerios daily. It is best to offer one cheerio or even less during training sessions sparingly to avoid health issues.  

What If My Dog Ate Cheerios? 

If your dog accidentally consumes a bowl of cheerios, you must provide your dog with enough water to ease him. It is best to take him to the vet if you have served cheerios with milk. Dogs are lactose intolerant and can cause several issues.  

Follow the vet’s recommendations to heal your dog. 

Alternatives to Cheerios 

There are healthier alternatives for your dog. It would help if you did not depend upon Cheerios as a dog treat.  

The healthier alternatives are: 

• Broccoli 
• Carrots 
• Apple 
• Cranberries 
• Blueberries 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can dogs eat honey nut cheerios? 

Yes, dogs can eat honey nut cheerios in moderation. However, it contains honey and sugar, which may cause health distress in dogs if fed frequently. It also includes nuts, especially almonds. Dogs are nut-intolerant and may trigger allergies. 

Can dogs eat chocolate cheerios? 

Dogs cannot eat chocolate cheerios as chocolate is toxic for dogs. 

Can dogs eat frosted cheerios? 

No, frosted cheerios contain a high amount of sugar which can cause a range of health issues in dogs.  

Can dogs eat multigrain cheerios? 

No, multigrain cheerios also contain high sugar, adversely affecting dogs.     

Can dogs eat gluten-free cheerios?

Yes. Dogs can eat gluten-free cheerios occasionally in moderation.

Can dogs eat high-protein cheerios?

No. Dogs should not eat high-protein cheerios as they contain almonds. This causes vomiting and diarrhea in your dogs.

Conclusion 

Summing up whether dogs can eat cheerios, we can easily comprehend that it provides no health benefits. Instead, it is filled with empty calories. Cheerios can be perfect for subsiding the issue if your dog has diarrhea and constipation and faces no allergic reaction due to wheat. However, it is best to limit cheerios.