Cheetos are a household favorite among snackers everywhere! Everyone knows the joy of licking the cheesy, orange goodness off of your fingers. Your dog is probably jealous of that cheesy treat, but are Cheetos bad for dogs? Can dogs eat Cheetos? Read below to find the answer to these questions and more!
Can Dogs Eat Cheetos? (The Short Answer)
No, dogs really should not eat Cheetos. Although they are not lethal in small quantities, they have no nutritional benefits and contain unnecessary empty calories. Most of their ingredients can cause problems if eaten regularly or in large quantities. Between the lack of health benefits and the potential risks associated with feeding your dog Cheetos, this is definitely a food you should not share with your dog.
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.
Are Cheetos Good For Dogs?
No. Cheetos have absolutely no health benefits for dogs. If your dog happens to snatch a Cheeto off the floor would they be alright? Yes. Should you give your dog Cheetos on purpose? The answer is no. Cheetos aren’t healthy for humans and they’re especially unhealthy for dogs. While it may be tempting to offer your pup some as you munch on them, it’s not advisable, and there’s plenty of other human foods that you can share with your dog instead!
Are Cheetos Bad for Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat Cheetos?” Now, let’s learn about the dangers of feeding your dog this food! Are Cheetos bad for dogs?
There are a significant number of reasons why Cheetos are bad for your dog. They have unhealthy ingredients, preservatives, and empty calories that are not a healthy for your pup.
One of the first ingredients in Cheetos is corn meal (see: Can Dogs Eat Corn?) This is cooked and doused in a cheesy seasoning. The seasoning contains MSG and yellow #6 coloring which can be harmful to dogs. MSG has the potential to harm your dogs brain, which is a scary thought! Yellow #6 has been shown to cause adrenal gland and kidney tumors in animals.
Cheetos also contain a lot of empty calories. With little nutritional value, they contain high amounts of calories, saturated fats, and sodium. All of these are unhealthy for your dog and can be potentially harmful in large quantities.
Again, accidentally ingesting a small portion of Cheetos should not be a problem for most dogs and isn’t a reason to panic. However, if they eat a significant amount it may lead to diarrhea, stomach pain, discomfort, and vomiting. If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact your vet for professional advice.
Other Varieties & Related Foods:
Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos? / Can Dogs Eat Flamin Hot Cheetos?
Your pup should not eat Hot Cheetos, or Flamin Hot Cheetos. These are worse than regular Cheetos because of the spices that are added to them. The Flamin Hot Cheetos contain onion powder and garlic powder, both of which are toxic to dogs. In addition to toxic ingredients and poor nutritional value, spicy foods often cause gastrointestinal distress for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Cheetos Puffs?
No, similar to normal Cheetos, Cheetos Puffs are also not the best option for pets. They contain many of the same ingredients such as corn meal, MSG, and yellow number six. As previously stated, these can all cause problems for your pup and it’s best to avoid Cheetos Puffs to be safe.
Can Dogs Eat Cheese Balls?
No, dogs should not have Cheese Balls. The Cheetos Cheese and Bacon Balls contain paprika which can irritate your dog’s eyes, skin, and stomach. Cheese balls also contain empty calories that aren’t healthy for your dog. Your dog is already getting an adequate amount of calories from their dog food and excessive cheese ball snacks can lead to problems with obesity. It’s better to opt for a healthier snack with fewer calories, less dangerous ingredients, and less preservatives.
Can Dogs Eat Jalapeño Cheetos?
No, Jalapeño Cheetos are not safe for dogs. Jalapeño Cheetos are spicy, just like the Flamin Hot Cheetos, which can cause your pup to have an upset stomach. They also contain onion powder and garlic powder, both of which are toxic to dogs. When it comes to your dog’s health, it is always better to err on the side of caution and avoid foods that contain potentially dangerous ingredients.
Are Cheese Itz Safe for Your Pup?
No, dogs should not eat Cheez Its. For more information on why, see our article, “Can Dogs Eat Cheez Its.”
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Cheetos?
No, dogs should not eat Cheetos. They contain unnecessary calories, unsafe ingredients, and added preservatives that are not recommended for your dog. While a bite or two as a rarity should not cause severe harm to your furry friend, over time, the amount of unhealthy ingredients can have negative impacts upon your dog’s overall health.
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.
