If you’re a dog owner, you know that your pup loves to eat just about anything. And if you’ve ever given them a Cheerio or two, you know that they go crazy for the delicious little O’s. But what about the different flavors of Cheerios? Are some better for dogs than others?
So, can dogs have Cheerios?
In this post, we’ll take a look at which flavors of Cheerios are good for dogs and which ones are bad. So read on to find out whether your pup can enjoy a tasty treat made from one of America’s favorite breakfast cereals!
- Can Dogs Have Cheerios – Are They Okay for Your Dog?
- Ingredients & Nutritional Value of Cheerios
- 5 Flavors of Cheerios – Which Can You Give to Your Dog?
- How Much Cheerios Can Your Dog Eat?
- The Best Way To Feed Your Dog Cheerios – Serving Tips
- Our Reader’s Popular Questions
- Can Dogs Have Honey Nut Cheerios?
- What Kind of Cheerios Can Dogs Have?
- What Cereal Can Dogs Eat?
- Can Cheerios Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
- Conclusion
Can Dogs Have Cheerios – Are They Okay for Your Dog?
The good news is that, in general, Cheerios are perfectly safe for dogs to eat. In fact, many dog owners use them as a healthy treat or training aid.
The main thing to be aware of is that some flavors of Cheerios contain chocolate, which is toxic to dogs. So if you’re giving your pup Cheerios as a treat, make sure you’re only giving them the flavors that are safe for dogs.
Ingredients & Nutritional Value of Cheerios
Before we look at the different flavors of Cheerios, let’s take a quick look at what they’re made of and how nutritious they are.
Cheerios are made from whole grain oats, which are a great source of fiber. They also contain vitamins and minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc.
In terms of calories, a single serving of Cheerios (one cup) contains about 100 calories. This makes them a relatively low-calorie treat for dogs.
In addition, some Cheerios are low in fat and sugar. For example, the original flavor of Cheerios has just one gram of sugar and two grams of fat.
However, it’s important to note that not all Cheerios are created equal. Some flavors, like Honey Nut Cheerios, are higher in sugar and fat than others.
Also, in terms of nutrition, it’s worth noting that Cheerios are not a complete source of nutrition for dogs.
So if you’re giving your pup Cheerios as a treat, make sure they’re getting all the nutrients they need from their regular dog food.
5 Flavors of Cheerios – Which Can You Give to Your Dog?
Now that we know a little bit more about Cheerios, let’s take a look at the different flavors and see which ones to give your dog.
#1 – Plain Cheerios – yes
The original flavor of Cheerios is made with whole grain oats and contains no chocolate. This makes it a safe and healthy treat for dogs.
#2 – Chocolate Cheerios – no
These are coated with chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, so this flavor should be avoided. They are also high in sugar, which is not good for dogs.
#3 – Multi-Grain Cheerios – no
The ingredients in this flavor are not necessarily bad for dogs, but the addition of chocolate makes it a no-go.
#4 – Frosted Cheerios – no
As tasty as they are, they are not recommended as a treat for dogs. This is because they are coated with lots of sugar which can be harmful to dogs.
#5 – Honey Nut Cheerios – yes
This flavor is safe for dogs and contains less sugar than some of the other flavors. However, it is higher in fat than the plain option, so it’s best to give them in moderation.
How Much Cheerios Can Your Dog Eat?
As with any treat, it’s important not to overdo it. A good rule of thumb is to give your dog no more than 10% of their daily calorie intake in treats.
So, for a 20-pound dog, that would be about two tablespoons of Cheerios per day.
Of course, this will vary depending on the size of your dog and their activity level.
If you’re not sure how much to give, it’s always best to speak to your veterinarian.
The Best Way To Feed Your Dog Cheerios – Serving Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when giving your dog Cheerios as a treat.
First, make sure you’re only giving them the safe flavors of Cheerios.
Second, because Cheerios are not a complete source of nutrition, it’s important to give them in moderation and to supplement with other healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables.
Finally, when giving your dog Cheerios, it’s best to do so in a slow and controlled manner. This will help prevent them from overeating or choking on the cereal.
Some owners like to put a small handful of Cheerios in their dog’s food bowl at mealtime. Others like to give them as a standalone treat.
Looking for some serving tips? Here is one of our favorites:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of Cheerios
- ½ cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- Honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ingredients to form a dough.
3. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface and roll out to ½ inch thickness.
4. Use a cookie cutter to cut out desired shapes (we like dog bones!).
5. Place the treats on a lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.
6. Let cool completely (1 hour approx) before giving it to your pup.
Our Reader’s Popular Questions
Can Dogs Have Honey Nut Cheerios?
Yes, dogs can have Honey Nut Cheerios as a treat. Just make sure to give them in moderation because they are higher in fat than the plain flavor.
What Kind of Cheerios Can Dogs Have?
The best Cheerios for dogs are the plain or Honey Nut flavors. These are safe for dogs and do not contain chocolate, which is toxic to them.
What Cereal Can Dogs Eat?
There are a few bowls of cereal that are safe for dogs to eat, such as Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and Corn Flakes. Just make sure to give them in moderation and to avoid any flavors that contain chocolate.
Can Cheerios Upset a Dog’s Stomach?
Cheerios are generally safe for dogs to eat, but they may upset some stomachs. If they eat too much or eat too fast, they may experience diarrhea or vomiting.
Conclusion
Cheerios are a safe and healthy treat for dogs – as long as you choose the right flavor and give them in moderation.
The plain and Honey Nut flavors are the best options, but avoid giving your dog any that contain chocolate.
When feeding your dog Cheerios, it’s best to do so in a slow and controlled manner to prevent them from overeating or choking.
Similarly, make sure you supplement their diet with other healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables as Cheerios are not a complete source of nutrition.
Do you give your dog cheerios as an occasional treat?