The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
If there’s one issue that has gripped the dog-loving community for the past few years, it’s that of cereals in dog food, and in particular in the ingredients that make up kibbles.
The charges are manifold: the grains are said to cause bloating, obesity, gluten intolerance diabetes, and be riddled with mycotoxins (toxins produced by microscopic fungi). It took only a few years for the makers of dry dog foods to adapt to these fears, and many now claim to have eliminated cereals from their formulas, with the merits of gluten-free food widely touted.
Behind the notion of cereal lie a number of terms that are often confusing for consumers, including carbohydrates, gluten and mycotoxins.
A cereal is a herbaceous plant cultivated mainly for the nutritional value of its grains. These mostly hail from the Poaceae family, more commonly known as grasses. The best known and most widely cultivated in the world are wheat, maize, rice and barley.
On average, a grain of wheat contains 70% starch, a complex carbohydrate. Gluten refers to a group of proteins contained in the seeds of cereals from the Poaceae group.
Are you munching on your morning bowl of cereal when those puppy dog eyes start begging for a taste? Before you share your breakfast with your furry friend, it’s important to know which cereals are safe for dogs and which could cause harm. I’ve researched extensively to bring you this comprehensive guide on whether dogs can eat cereal.
The Short Answer: It Depends
Yes, dogs can eat some cereals, but not all are created equal when it comes to canine consumption. While dogs are omnivores capable of digesting cereals and grains (contrary to popular belief), many commercial breakfast cereals contain ingredients that range from unhealthy to downright dangerous for your pup.
Can Dogs Digest Cereals?
According to Purina dogs can absolutely digest cereals and grains. They use the same enzyme as humans to break down carbohydrates. As omnivores, dogs’ digestive systems are equipped to handle both plant and animal-based foods.
Whole grain cereals provide dogs with
- Carbohydrates for energy
- Fiber for digestive health
- Essential nutrients
However just because dogs can digest cereals doesn’t mean all cereals are good for them!
Safe Cereals for Dogs
If you’re determined to share some cereal with your furry friend, these are generally considered the safest options:
- Plain Oatmeal (made with water, not milk)
- Dry Shredded Wheat (without added sugar)
- Bran Flakes (in moderation)
These cereals offer some nutritional benefits like fiber, which can help with digestion and may assist in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Oat bran, in particular, contains fiber that supports healthy digestion.
Cereals to Avoid Giving Your Dog
Many popular breakfast cereals are absolutely off-limits for dogs. Here’s what to keep away from your furry friend:
Potentially Fatal Cereals
These contain ingredients toxic to dogs and should NEVER be given:
- Raisin Bran (any brand) – Raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs
- Chocolate-containing cereals (Coco Puffs, Coco Krispies, Reese’s Puffs) – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine that are toxic to dogs
- Cereals with xylitol (found in some “healthy” or low-sugar options) – Causes hypoglycemia and liver failure
- Cereals with macadamia nuts, walnuts, or pecans – These nuts can be toxic to dogs
Not Recommended Cereals
These aren’t toxic but are unhealthy due to high sugar content and minimal nutritional value:
- Fruit Loops
- Captain Crunch
- Frosted Flakes
- Lucky Charms
- Rice Krispies
- Special K
- Apple Jacks
- Corn Flakes
- Honey Nut Cheerios
Why Most Cereals Are Bad For Dogs
Even cereals that aren’t toxic can still be problematic for your dog’s health. Here’s why:
1. High Sugar Content
Most commercial cereals are loaded with sugar, which can lead to:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Dental issues
- Hyperactivity
- Digestive problems
- Pancreatitis
2. Empty Calories
Most cereals provide little nutritional benefit for dogs. They’re basically empty calories that can contribute to weight gain without offering valuable nutrients.
3. Difficult-to-Process Ingredients
Many cereals contain:
- Highly processed grains
- Artificial additives
- Preservatives
- Colors and flavors
These can be harder for your dog’s stomach to process compared to their regular dog food.
4. Milk Issues
If you serve cereal with milk (as most humans do), that creates another problem. Most adult dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot properly digest dairy products. Giving milk to dogs often results in:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Excessive gas
Signs of Trouble After Eating Cereal
If your dog has eaten a cereal containing toxic ingredients, watch for these warning signs:
Chocolate Toxicity
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Restlessness
- Panting
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures or muscle tremors (in severe cases)
Xylitol Poisoning (Hypoglycemia)
- Lack of energy
- Tremors
- Body weakness
- Seizures
Nut Toxicity
- Muscle weakness
- Seizures
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting
If you notice any of these symptoms after your dog has eaten cereal, contact your veterinarian immediately.
The Bottom Line: Should You Feed Your Dog Cereal?
While some cereals are technically safe in small amounts, there’s really no good reason to make cereal a regular part of your dog’s diet. Dogs need a balanced diet specifically formulated for their nutritional needs, and cereals simply don’t provide much benefit.
If you want to give your dog a treat, there are much healthier options available. And if you’re looking for ways to supplement your dog’s diet, speak with your vet about appropriate foods that will actually benefit your furry friend.
FAQs About Dogs and Cereal
Can dogs eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch?
While not toxic, Cinnamon Toast Crunch is high in sugar and should only be given as a very occasional treat in tiny amounts.
Can dogs eat Chex cereal?
Chex is rice-based and generally safer than many cereals, but it has almost no nutritional value for dogs. It’s not toxic but not beneficial either.
Can dogs eat Kix cereal?
In moderation, yes. However, Kix contains high amounts of sugar and carbohydrates with little nutritional value for dogs. It should only be an occasional treat.
Is cereal good for dogs?
At best, even the healthiest cereal isn’t particularly beneficial for dogs. Some high-fiber cereals like Bran Flakes may help with digestion, but your dog is likely getting enough fiber from their regular diet.
What should I do if my dog ate a toxic cereal?
Calculate approximately how much they ate and contact your veterinarian immediately. The vet will determine the next steps based on your dog’s size, breed, weight, and the amount consumed.
Moderation is Key
If you do decide to share a bit of your cereal with your dog, remember that moderation is crucial. A few pieces of plain, unsweetened cereal as an occasional treat probably won’t harm a healthy dog. But making it a regular part of their diet can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
I always believe it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our furry friends. When in doubt, stick to food that’s specifically made for dogs, and consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new foods into your dog’s diet.
Remember, our dogs rely on us to make healthy choices for them. While those begging eyes might be hard to resist, sometimes loving our pets means saying “no” to sharing our human treats with them.
What’s your experience with dogs and cereal? Have you ever shared your breakfast with your furry friend? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Charge No. 1: Failing to respect a dog’s “natural” diet
The first charge levelled against foods containing cereals is that they do not respect the dog’s “natural” diet. To pin down what the latter may be, scientists have a choice between examining prehistoric or feral dogs, which we define as individuals of domesticated species that have little or no dependence on humans.
Analysis of canine remains in tombs at various sites in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula dating from the Early Middle Bronze Age (end of the 3rd to 2nd millennia BC) has shown that their diet was fairly similar to that of humans, and contained cereals in some cases. The diet of feral dogs, on the other hand, is also mainly based on human waste, made up mostly of cereals and human faeces.
We can therefore conclude that dogs’ diets stretching back to prehistoric times have consisted of human food waste that, in some cases, contains cereals. This is quite different from the impressions we have of the “natural” diet of the dog – often represented in our imaginations as hunting, like a wolf in the wild.
Charge No. 3: Gluten makes dogs ill
The consumption of gluten-derived products can lead to adverse reactions of three known kinds: allergic, autoimmune and miscellaneous.
In dogs, the relationship between gluten and intestinal disease has been studied in the Irish setter for around 20 years, with researchers having yet to establish any causality. In Border Terriers, an association between gluten and paroxysmal dyskinesia (episodic involuntary tremors) has been noted. At present, these are the only two reports of pathologies that could be associated with the presence of gluten.
In this context, an avoidance diet could be considered to test the dog’s sensitivity.