As I was enjoying my Rice Krispies treat today, my Labrador came over and placed his paw on my arm. It was his way of asking me to share what I’m eating with him. As I was about to share this human snack with him, I wondered, “can my dog eat Rice Krispies?” If you’re asking the same question, here’s the short answer first.
Can dogs eat Rice Krispies? No, dogs should not eat Rice Krispies treats since they are packed full of sugar, fat, carbohydrates, sodium, and calories. Regularly eating this processed treat can lead to health issues such as upset stomach, diabetes, weight gain, and even pancreatitis in dogs. This sugary human snack is also quite sticky, difficult for dogs to chew, and can even be a choking hazard. It’s best that dogs stay away from Rice Krispies treats.
Below, we’ll dive deep into why dog owners should keep Rice Krispies away from their furry family members. The reasons we’ve provided above only scratches the surface for why our dogs should stay away from Rice Krispies. Below we’ll discuss in-depth how this chewy and sugary treat can harm your dog’s health.
Homemade Rice Krispy Recipes For Your Dog
The good news is that you can also make rice Krispies at home. The bad news is that it will probably not match Kellogg’s version.
The better news is that your dog won’t know the difference. So what are you waiting for? Here’s a simple recipe you can try without having to open a store-bought packet that is loaded with sugar.
Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic of Rice Krispies for dogs.
How long is Rice Krispies good for?
Rice Krispies need to be stored in an airtight container or jar at room temperature. Even under these conditions, Rice Krispies will not last you more than 2-3 days.
To ensure they last longer, freeze them for up to 6 weeks. Then, store them in layers separated by wax paper in airtight containers. To use them, remove them from the refrigerator and keep them at room temperature for fifteen minutes before serving.
Are Rice Krispies Good And Safe For Dogs?
Before you decide whether this snack is dog-friendly, it is essential to know what goes into making it. The ingredients that go into ready-to-eat chunks of sticky, gooey Rice Krispies are:
The best thing about this recipe is that it is majorly made from rice. This healthy grain won’t do any harm to your dog. The second ingredient is sugar. We all know that sugar causes damage to teeth.
It is also one of the leading causes of obesity in people and dogs. This is because dogs, like humans, can taste sugar. This, plus the fact that sugar is addictive to canines and humans, means that your dog could quickly want only sweet food and snacks.
It is safe to say that no dog will quickly pass a sweet treat. Other ingredients like fructose and corn syrup are all heavily loaded with sugar. While this cereal is not harmful to your dog to eat, remember that it is considered unhealthy.
Moreover, it does not serve as a replacement for a proper homemade nutritious meal. Besides sugar, the barley malt flavoring used to amplify the flavor may contain gluten. Nevertheless, barley is safe for most dogs.
However, some dogs may be intolerant to gluten (grain-based protein). Ingesting Rice Krispies will aggravate this condition and cause several complications, like diarrhea, stomach inflammation, weight loss, fatigue, ear infections, poor coat development, ear infections, and other health issues.
Please ensure that your pet is not gluten intolerant before feeding it a grain-based snack. The last two ingredients, salt and vegetable oil in small helpings, are acceptable for dogs.
This means no more than a teaspoon of vegetable oil or a tiny pinch of salt. Keep salty snacks away from your pet if they have a heart, liver, or kidney-related medical condition.
This out-of-the-box breakfast has no harmful chemicals or added fattening additives. And while that does sound good, remember that while Rice Krispies do not contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs, that does not mean they are a healthy snack for your puppy.
If you do feed your dog Rice Krispies, be careful to offer only small amounts of this dry cereal as an occasional treat for a job well done. Or you could find a healthy alternative. Read on to see what treat we’ve got in store for your dog.
FAQ
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