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Can Dogs Eat Cereal? | Comprehensive List of Brands!

can dogs have cereal

If you’re like me and have cereal for breakfast most mornings, you’ve probably wondered, “can dogs have cereal?”  Whether you want to share a quick snack with your pup or they managed to sneak some before you noticed, in this article we’ll give you everything you need to know about whether cereal is safe for dogs.  

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Can Dogs Eat Cereal? (The Short Answer)

It depends.  There are so many brands of cereal with each one containing different ingredients.  Some are safe for dogs, some are safe but still unhealthy, while others are toxic and should be avoided at all costs.  The most important thing to do is to read the full ingredients list.  Keep reading to learn about specific brands and whether they’re safe for our furry friends.  Remember that dogs should never have milk with their cereal and it should always be eaten dry.

It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t.  Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses.  That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.

Is Cereal Good For Dogs?

At best, cereal is marginally healthy for your dog.  Some cereals, like Bran Flakes, can contain high amounts of fiber helping with your dog’s digestive health while lowering their cholesterol and blood pressure.  However, most cereals lack any substantial nutritional value whatsoever.  Even the ones that are safe for dogs are pretty much just empty calories.

All this means is that you shouldn’t make cereal a substantial part of your dog’s diet.  If a particular brand that you want to share with your pup is dog-friendly, feed it as an occasional treat in small quantities.

Is Cereal Bad for Dogs?

Most cereal isn’t toxic to dogs, but that doesn’t mean it’s healthy.  Lots of cereals are loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients that, just like for humans, shouldn’t be a consistent or large part of a dog’s diet.  Keep that in mind if you choose to feed it to your dog.

The most important thing for any cereal brand is to read the full list of ingredients and make sure they are all dog-friendly.  Some cereals contain chocolate, xylitol, or other toxic ingredients which are very dangerous for dogs to consume.  Moral of the story is that if you don’t know for sure that every ingredient is safe, don’t feed it to your dog.

Remember that dogs should never have cereal with milk.  The reason for this is that dog’s stomachs are not designed to digest dairy products.  Some dogs are highly lactose intolerant so it’s best to stay away altogether.

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Brands of Cereal:

Can Dogs Eat Apple Jacks Cereal?

No, you should not feed your dog Apple Jacks.  While the ingredients aren’t toxic, they are loaded with sugar and additives making them an unhealthy choice for pups that could upset their stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Cheerios Cereal?

Yes, Cheerios are safe for your dog to eat.  However, they provide no nutritional value and are simply empty calories, so only use them as a treat and never a meal replacement.

Can Dogs Eat Chex Cereal?

Both Rice Chex and Corn Chex cereals are safe for dogs, but have limited nutritional value.  Common brands of dog foods contain both corn and rice as fillers, so as long as your dog doesn’t have an allergy to either one of those ingredients you should be good to share a few pieces.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Toast Crunch Cereal?

Cinnamon Toast Crunch is technically safe for dogs to eat, but you should think twice before doing it.  It is high in sugar, so if you choose to feed it to your pup, only give them a couple  pieces and definitely only on rare occasions.

Can Dogs Eat Coco Puffs Cereal?

No, you should never feed your dog Cocoa Puffs.  Not only are they high in sugar, but they obviously contain chocolate which is highly toxic to dogs.  You probably don’t have anything to worry about it you drop one on the floor by accident, but if they get more than a few bites you want to get in touch with your local veterinarian.

Can Dogs Eat Corn Flakes Cereal?

Yes, Corn Flakes are safe for dogs as long as your dog doesn’t have a corn allergy.  Corn Flakes are low in sugar compared to a lot of cereal brands, but keep in mind they are still just empty calories and carbs.

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes Cereal?

While technically safe and non-toxic for pups, Frosted Flakes still should not be your go-to cereal of choice to give as a treat.  If you do so, only a few flakes and only very sparingly.  There are much better cereal options that won’t risk giving your dog an upset stomach from sugar.

Can Dogs Eat Frosted Mini Wheats Cereal?

While non-toxic for our pups, they’re still very unhealthy with their added sugar and preservatives.  For that reason, it’s recommended to opt for other, healthier choices if you decide to give your dog a taste of cereal.

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Can Dogs Eat Fruit Loops Cereal?

No, you should not feed your dog Fruit Loops.  While they aren’t toxic, they are packed with sugars and preservatives that aren’t healthy for your dog and could result in an upset stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Fruity Pebbles Cereal?

Fruity Pebbles are another cereal to avoid, however they aren’t toxic.  They simply contain more sugar than other brands which can lead to an upset stomach if your dog eats too many.

Can Dogs Eat Honey Bunches of Oats Cereal?

Honey Bunches of Oats is a safe cereal for dogs to eat, but only in moderation.  A few pieces every now and then won’t harm them.  However, it does have plenty of added sugar and preservatives, so do your pup a favor and don’t make a habit out of it.

Can Dogs Eat Honey Nut Cheerios Cereal?

Yes, dogs can safely eat Honey Nut Cheerios.  While they aren’t as healthy as regular Cheerios due to the added sugar, they are still healthier than a lot of the dessert-style cereals sold today.

Can Dogs Eat Kix Cereal?

Yes, Kix cereal is safe for dogs to eat.  However, it is simply empty calories, carbohydrates, and sugar so keep portions very limited and served sparingly.

Can Dogs Eat Life Cereal?

Yes, Life cereal is ok to give to your dog.  Keep in mind that it’s not particularly healthy and is empty calories with no nutritional value.  That being said, it has less sugar than many other brands of cereal on this list so comparatively it’s not too bad.

Can Dogs Eat Lucky Charms Cereal?

No, do not feed your dog Lucky Charms.  Like many other cereals on this list, Lucky Charms aren’t toxic, but they contain so much sugar that they are considered unhealthy and worse than just empty calories.  The added sugar and preservatives could end up giving your dog a belly ache.

Can Dogs Eat Oat Bran Cereal?

Yes, Oat Bran is not only safe for dogs but it is actually one of the few cereals that provide some sort of nutritional value for them.  Oat Bran is high in fiber which can help with weight management and digestion.  However, your dog’s daily dog food should have more than enough fiber anyway so additional isn’t particularly necessary.

Can Dogs Eat Raisin Bran Cereal?

No, you should never feed your dog Raisin Bran cereal.  While the actual bran flakes themselves are safe, raising are highly toxic to dogs and need to be avoided at all costs.

Can Dogs Eat Reese’s Puffs Cereal?

No, you should never feed your dog Reese’s Puffs.  This brand of cereal contains chocolate which is toxic for pups.  If they only eat a few pebbles it likely won’t call for a vet trip, but if they  eat a large portion of a box you should call your vet for advice on how to proceed.

Can Dogs Eat Rice Krispies Cereal?

Yes, Rice Krispies Cereal (unlike the sugar-coated Rice Krispie Treats) are safe for dogs to eat.  Feed small portions and sparingly as it still is just empty calories and carbohydrates your dog doesn’t need in their diet.

Can Dogs Eat Special K Cereal?

Yes, dogs can eat plain Special K cereal.  However, if you have a flavored variety you need to be extra careful in making sure all the ingredients are safe for dogs as likely many of them won’t be.

Can Dogs Eat Trix Cereal?

Even though it’s not toxic for pups, you should probably avoid feeding your dog Trix cereal, due to the high sugar content.  It can cause your dog to have an upset stomach if they get too much.  If they accidentally get a piece or two you drop on the floor, you should be fine.

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Cereal?

Yes, but only some brands and only sparingly as treats.  Even the best cereal options only have a little nutritional value, most are just empty calories and sugar, and a few are toxic.  Always know the ingredients and check to make sure they are all safe for your pup before feeding!

Want to Learn More?

Check out these related articles from our “Read Before You Feed” series for more advice on safe foods for dogs!

Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice.  If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.