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You’re eating your morning lucky charm and your dog watches you eat every bite. We all know puppy eyes are hard to say no to, but sometimes we need to speak up. If your dog begs for cereal, can you give them some?
Yes! But not from your bowl, and some risks are easily avoided. Most grains are fine for your dog to eat (in moderation), but you should avoid some. Grains won’t add much nutrition to your dog’s diet, although some grains are fine as treats.
After reading this article, you’ll have a better idea of which grains are safe for your pup. It also explains in more depth whether it has nutritional benefits or if it’s just a safe snack. Lucky charms and cereal, here we go!
What can dogs eat?
With your veterinarian’s approval, you can regularly give your dog a special grain food, such as rolled oats, to help your dog with digestive issues like constipation. It is important to note that grains enriched with vitamins and minerals will not improve your dog’s health. That’s because they need to eat more grains than they should to reap the nutritional benefits.
Due to the high risk of stomach problems, it’s never a good idea to feed your dog large amounts of grain, even if it’s a “healthy” breed. While certain grains can be used as occasional treats, grains should never be used as a replacement for your pet’s daily food, as they are high in grains and can be very unhealthy for puppies.
Additionally, many grains are processed with additives that make the breakfast staple much less nutrient dense for humans and their dogs. The good news is that, as long as you give your pet cereal in moderation, it’s generally lower in calories and fat and less likely to cause weight gain. Some grains that are safe for dogs include:
- oatmeal
- cream of wheat
- Special K
- Rice Krispies
- corn flake
Best Professional Brand
don’t feed your dog this
Cereals that are high in sugar and have no nutritional value should be avoided, but may be harmless in moderation. These include many other cereals such as Frosted Cereal, Fruity Pebbles, and Lucky Charms. However, since they are toxic to dogs, never consume cereals that contain artificial sweeteners like raisins, chocolate or xylitol.
These include several candy-like cereals, such as Reese’s Puffs, Cocoa Puffs, and Raisin Bran. Common sugary cereals like those mentioned above can increase your pet’s risk of obesity and even diabetes. If it’s not good for you to eat, neither should your dog.
Again, consult your veterinarian before feeding your dog human food. They can provide more information on which grains are bad for your dog. Grains should be avoided with things like:
- Oreo
- Cinnamon Toast Shortbread
- Triptych
- potato chips hi
skip milk
Many dogs have difficulty digesting dairy products because they are lactose intolerant to some degree. The short answer to whether a dog can drink milk is it depends. Small amounts of milk are generally neither dangerous nor harmful.
However, there are exceptions, and large or prolonged consumption of dairy products can cause several health problems in dogs. Most dairy products, including whole milk, are high in fat, which can lead to pancreatitis, a serious condition.
Dairy products should be avoided where feasible, or at least consumed in small amounts. Typically, a dog may develop gastrointestinal distress sometime within twelve hours after eating or digesting dairy.
Best for sensitive stomachs
Risks of Grain to Dogs
There are only a few cases where grains are harmful to dogs. It’s a good idea to keep those above and similar items out of your pup’s reach. If they are always stuck in it, there will be short and long term problems. This can give you a better idea of why it’s not working for your dog.
allergies and intolerances
Dry or wet grains (such as milk) may cause adverse reactions if the dog has a gluten sensitivity or is lactose intolerant. If you suspect one of these conditions, avoid feeding your pet grains and dairy products. Always observe your dog closely after offering them a new human meal. The high fiber content of some grains can help your pet’s digestive system, but overeating may cause stomach upset and constipation. Dog breeds with sensitive stomachs should not eat grains, even grain-free ones, as they may not tolerate ingredients in dog food well beyond the regular food. After all, most of your dog’s calories and nutrients should come from a high-quality dog food.
best for large dogs
dental problems
If your pet eats too many commercial cereals that are high in sugar and carbohydrates, they may gain weight quickly. Obesity can put severe joint stress on your pet and increase their risk for heart disease and pancreatitis. Sugary cereals not only put on weight, they can also erode your dog’s tooth enamel. Your dog’s oral bacteria consume this extra sugar, leading to plaque and tartar buildup.
artificial sweeteners
Various grain types that contain artificial sweeteners like xylitol may pose the greatest health risk to your pet. Breakfast cereals contain chemicals or preservatives, even the lower-sugar varieties. While humans can consume these ingredients without harm, many animals, including dogs, find them toxic. Weakness, vomiting and, in severe cases, shaking and convulsions are all signs of xylitol poisoning.
best wet food
- Purina One Smartblend Classic Mincemeat Dog Food
- Made with Real Chicken and Brown Rice
- Contains Antioxidants for a Healthy Immune System
- Provides 100% complete and balanced nutrition for adult dogs
- Added vitamins and minerals provide complete and balanced nutrition
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in conclusion
You can feed your small dog a certain amount of grains, such as cornflakes or oatmeal, without any adverse effects. You don’t want to offer your puppy too many types that are safe for dogs because they provide less nutritional value than your dog’s regular food.
If dogs are full, they won’t be getting their daily recommended vitamins and minerals from food. Other cereals, such as Lucky Charms or Fruity Pebbles, should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Some ingredients, such as chocolate and raisins, may be harmful. The worst thing is anything with artificial sweeteners.
If you’re looking for a way to treat your dog, you can always treat them to dog treats made just for them, some of which may contain fish oil or have a calming effect. Be sure to check out our other articles on feeding your dog. Share with the cereal-loving puppy owners you know!
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I am broadly interested in how human activities influence the ability of wildlife to persist in the modified environments that we create.
Specifically, my research investigates how the configuration and composition of landscapes influence the movement and population dynamics of forest birds. Both natural and human-derived fragmenting of habitat can influence where birds settle, how they access the resources they need to survive and reproduce, and these factors in turn affect population demographics. Most recently, I have been studying the ability of individuals to move through and utilize forested areas which have been modified through timber harvest as they seek out resources for the breeding and postfledging phases. As well I am working in collaboration with Parks Canada scientists to examine in the influence of high density moose populations on forest bird communities in Gros Morne National Park. Many of my projects are conducted in collaboration or consultation with representatives of industry and government agencies, seeking to improve the management and sustainability of natural resource extraction.
