Can dogs eat Cheez-Its? This might be something you’ve often wondered when you’re snacking on some of the cheesy crackers yourself and noticed that your dog also seems to want to get in on the Cheez-Its action. If humans can eat Cheez-Its, can dogs safely eat them too?
There is no short yes or no answer to whether dogs can eat Cheez-Its safely. On the one hand, scarfing down a couple on occasion likely won’t adversely affect your dog.
But on the other hand, there’s little nutritional value in feeding Cheez-Its to your dog, and they are also too high in sodium to form a regular part of your dog’s diet.
If your dog manages to eat a lot of Cheez-Its, you should call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about Cheez-Its and dogs.
As a dog owner, I’m constantly wondering which human snacks are safe to share with my furry friend. One question that comes up often is about those cheesy crackers that we all love to munch on. Can dogs eat crackers and cheese? Let’s dive into this topic and find out what’s safe for our four-legged companions.
The Short Answer
Yes, dogs can eat cheese crackers, but only in moderation and on rare occasions. They should not be a regular part of your dog’s diet. Cheese crackers are high in three things that dogs should consume in limited amounts: salt, calories, and dairy products.
Understanding the Ingredients in Cheese Crackers
Before sharing any human food with your pup, it’s super important to understand what’s actually in it. Cheese crackers typically contain
- High amounts of salt
- Artificial flavors
- Processed ingredients
- Low nutritional value
- Wheat flour
- Dairy products
These ingredients might be fine for us humans in moderation, but they can potentially cause problems for our canine friends.
Potential Risks of Feeding Your Dog Cheese Crackers
Salt Content
Dogs are very sensitive to salt If they eat too much, they could experience sodium poisoning. A whole serving of cheese crackers like Cheez-Its would provide more than double the recommended daily sodium intake for dogs, which should be no more than 100 milligrams
Symptoms of sodium ion poisoning include
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Excessive thirst
- Diarrhea
- Fluid accumulation
In severe cases, sodium poisoning can lead to tremors, seizures, and possibly kidney damage if not treated promptly.
Dairy Concerns
The dairy content in cheese crackers can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. According to the Cummings Veterinary Center at Tufts University, dairy ingredients are listed as one of the major canine food allergies.
If your dog seems to be suffering from itchy red skin or digestive issues after eating cheese crackers, they may be experiencing an allergic reaction.
Fat Content
Cheese crackers are relatively high in fat. While dogs do need some fat in their diets, too much can be difficult for them to digest. This might cause inflammation in their pancreas, potentially leading to pancreatitis, which is a painful condition.
Weight Gain and Other Health Issues
Regularly feeding your dog high-calorie snacks like cheese crackers can lead to obesity, which can then contribute to various health problems such as:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Joint problems
- Reduced quality of life
How Many Cheese Crackers Can Dogs Have?
If you’re still determined to share this snack with your dog, moderation is key. A good rule of thumb is to limit your dog to about one to two individual crackers for every ten pounds of body weight, and only as an occasional treat.
For example:
- Small dog (10 pounds): 1-2 crackers
- Medium dog (30 pounds): 3-6 crackers
- Large dog (60 pounds): 6-12 crackers
But remember, these should be rare treats, not daily snacks!
What About Specific Types of Cheese Crackers?
Cheez-Its
Cheez-Its aren’t the worst snack for dogs, but they’re far from ideal. They contain quite a bit of salt, fat, and calories, making them a poor choice as a regular treat. If your dog accidentally eats a few, they’ll likely be fine, but don’t make it a habit.
Wheat Thins and Other Wheat Crackers
If your dog has a wheat allergy, you should avoid giving them any crackers that contain wheat flour, such as Wheat Thins. Always check ingredient labels if your dog has known allergies.
Healthier Alternatives to Cheese Crackers for Dogs
Instead of feeding your dog cheese crackers, consider these healthier alternatives:
- Homemade treats made from lean meats like chicken
- Small pieces of cooked beef (without bones)
- Raw vegetable slices like carrots, broccoli, or cauliflower
- Commercial dog treats specifically formulated for canine nutrition
These options provide better nutrition while still satisfying your dog’s craving for a special treat.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Too Many Cheese Crackers
Accidents happen, and your dog might get into a box of cheese crackers when you’re not looking. If this happens:
- Don’t panic
- Monitor your dog for signs of distress
- Ensure they have access to plenty of fresh water
- Contact your veterinarian if you notice symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior
The Importance of Pet Insurance
Even with the best intentions, dogs sometimes eat things they shouldn’t. These accidents can result in unexpected veterinary costs. As a responsible pet owner, it’s wise to consider pet insurance to help cover potential emergency vet visits.
FAQs About Dogs and Cheese Crackers
What kind of crackers can dogs eat?
Dogs can consume plain crackers without additives or excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or fat. However, these should only be given occasionally as treats since they don’t provide much nutritional value.
What happens if a dog eats a cracker?
In small amounts, plain or unsalted crackers are generally safe for dogs to consume. However, they shouldn’t be included regularly in your pet’s diet as they offer no health benefits.
Is it OK for my dog to eat cheese?
Yes, most dogs can eat cheese in moderation. Cheese is often used as a training aid, especially for puppies. However, some dogs may be lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products.
What happens if a dog eats a cheese it?
If your dog eats a few Cheez-Its, they’ll likely be fine. However, if they manage to consume a large amount, they might experience digestive upset including vomiting. Keep an eye on them and contact your vet if they show signs of illness.
Conclusion
As pet parents, we all want what’s best for our dogs. While sharing our favorite snacks might seem like a way to show love, sometimes the kindest thing we can do is keep those treats to ourselves and offer our dogs something better suited to their nutritional needs.
Remember, a healthy dog is a happy dog! And isn’t that what we all want for our four-legged family members?
When Are Cheez-Its Okay For Dogs To Eat?
As an occasional snack, Cheez-Its are okay to serve to your dog. Unless they have a dairy or wheat allergy, there isn’t much in the average portion of Cheez-Its that will prove poisonous to your dog.
Additionally, your dog might feel like they are bonding with you if you wind up sharing the same snacks together.
From a nutritional point of view, there isn’t too much to recommend about Cheez-Its; although, they will provide your dog with an amount of calcium.
In terms of portions, it’s best to only let your dog snack on around one-to-two individual crackers for every ten pounds of body weight.