Cheerios is a brand of breakfast cereal made by General Mills.
They are small circles of oats that have been baked and then coated with sweet syrup. These round shapes (sometimes referred to as ‘O’s) have become extremely popular, due in part to their adorable commercials featuring the family dog.
Cheerios are one of those cereals that many people wonder if their dog can eat or not. You may have some Cheerios lying around and you’re wondering if your dog will love them as much as you do, and whether or not they’re safe for your furry friend.
So, can dogs eat cheerios?
Yes, dogs can eat plain, oat-based Cheerios. If you give Cheerios to your dog, do it occasionally and serve it as a treat, or in place of other tidbits. They don’t cause any harm if given every once in a while, but they don’t provide any nutritional value to your dog either, so you’re better off feeding him cereal like bran flakes.
Are Cheerios Healthy for Dogs?
Plain Cheerios are healthy for dogs in the sense that are very low in sugar, but they don’t provide any nutritional value. The biggest ingredient in Cheerios is corn, and corn is a common food allergen for dogs, so you should exercise caution if your dog is allergic.
How Much Cheerios Can Dogs Eat?
You should only give your dog a very small amount (1/4 cup or less) once in a while. If this is the first time your dog has eaten Cheerios, be sure to keep an eye on him afterward. If he has diarrhea or starts to vomit, call your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Honey Nut Cheerios?
Yes, dogs can eat Honey Nut Cheerios, however, this version of Cheerios has more sugar, making it one of the least healthy cereals for dogs. The added sugar is what makes Honey Nut Cheerios a treat, not a food, so don’t feed it to your dog too often. In addition to this, just like plain Cheerios, it doesn’t provide any nutritional value to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Other Cheerio Flavors?
If you’re even considering adding colorful, tasty Cheerios to your dog’s diet, you should remember that they are not a complete meal and that not all Cheerios are created equal.
While your dog will love the taste of other Cheerio flavors like Banana Nut Cheerios or Chocolate Cheerios, these flavors contain more sugar and can be harmful to dogs when they are not given in moderation.
They are treats and should be treated as such. Providing your dog with healthy treats can help prevent cavities and gum disease. Cheerios are not a necessary element in any dog’s diet.
Dogs can eat other cereals like bran flakes without the same risks associated with the more sugary varieties like Banana Nut Cheerios or Chocolate Cheerios.
Other Cereals To Feed Your Dog
Bran Flakes
Bran flakes are a nutrient-dense, high-quality cereal that is the most nutritionally dense breakfast cereal on the market.
Bran flakes are made primarily from bran, and they’re typically fortified with vitamins, minerals, and various compounds for added health benefits. Some of the main nutrients in bran that have been found to be helpful for dogs include fiber; vitamins A, B, C, and E, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, and more.
Oat Bran
Oat bran is a great source of fiber, particularly for dogs who may have trouble digesting other forms of fiber.
Most dogs can eat oat bran in small amounts, but it’s done in moderation to avoid upset stomachs or other digestive issues.
Oat bran is not a substitute for dog food. It doesn’t provide your canine companion with the vitamins and minerals he needs for healthy living, so it should only be used as an add-in or supplement to his regular diet.
Cream of wheat
Cream of Wheat is a breakfast dish made from cooked wheat. It’s typically unflavored, though some chefs might add seasonings to the recipe. Dogs can have cream of wheat as part of their diets, but it isn’t recommended as its own meal.
Dog owners should talk to a veterinarian before offering dishes like Cream of Wheat as part of your pet’s diet, especially if your pup has other health issues or allergies.
Cereals to avoid giving to your dog
Cereal is a nutritious and healthy food for humans. But there are certain cereals that you should never give to your pet.
The reason for this is that dogs have a very different digestive system than humans do, which means some foods that don’t bother us, can make them severely ill.
Avoid giving the following cereals to your dog:
– Coco Puffs
– Froot Loops
– Lucky Charms
– Raisin Bran
– Reese’s Puffs
Conclusion
Most dogs enjoy eating a bowl of dry cereal from time to time. However, it’s important to know that not all cereals are healthy for dogs to eat.
A lot of dogs love eating regular Cheerios because they’re small and crunchy! They’re a great reward for good behavior and most dogs find them tasty.
But they are treats, and as such, should be given to your dog in moderation, and only if your dog hasn’t displayed any symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting after eating them.
I would personally recommend that you feed your furry friend healthier cereals like bran flakes, oat bran, or cream of wheat.
