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There are so many delicious sweet treats out there it’s hard to avoid our dogs getting their paws on some.
My dog loves Starbucks Puppuccinos, Cool Whip, and ice cream. What dog doesn’t?
Rice Krispie Treats are another classic dessert that many of us grew up with and still eat to this day. But can dogs eat rice krispie treats?
Is this a treat they can enjoy in small amounts? Are they safe to eat?
We asked a veterinarian to get the scoop on whether dogs can eat rice krispie treats and if they’re safe.
So, can dogs eat rice Krispie treats?
Rice krispie treats are not recommended for dogs to eat. Rice krispie treats are very high in sugar, fat, and salt. Dogs that consume too much of these can develop obesity, pancreatitis, and other health problems. Also, some contain preservatives and artificial flavors that can be toxic to dogs.
Below you’ll discover: the health risks associated with dogs eating rice krispie treats, if dogs can eat rice krispie cereal, and what to do if your dog accidentally eats some.
Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
What Are Rice Krispie Treats?
Rice Krispie Treats are a classic American dessert that has been around since the 1930s.
They are made with rice cereal, marshmallows, and butter. First, the cereal is mixed with the marshmallows and butter until it forms a sticky mixture that is then pressed into a pan and allowed to cool.
While Rice Krispie Treats are a favorite among kids and adults alike, you may be wondering if they are safe for your dog to eat.
Let’s take a look at the ingredients.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 bar (22 g): 90 calories, Fat 2.5 g, sodium 105 mg, potassium 5 mg, carbs 17 g (8 g sugar), and protein 1 g.
Ingredients
Cereal (rice, sugar, salt, corn, and barley malt extract, monoglycerides, vitamins [niacinamide, folic acid], iron, color), marshmallow (corn syrup, sugar, gelatin, natural and artificial flavor), fructose, soybean, and palm oil shortening, corn syrup solids, glycerin, dextrose, salt, natural and artificial flavor (contains milk), acetylated tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides, acetylated monoglycerides, bht. Contains barley and milk ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Rice Krispie Treats?
I contacted our veterinary consultant and some animal nutritionists to see what they had to say.
The verdict.
The answer is a dog should not eat rice krispie treats
Rice krispie treats are high in sugar, fat, salt, and calories and have no nutritional value for a dog.
They contain harmful ingredients like TBHQ, vanilla extract, and other artificial flavors.
So, while your dog could get away with a small taste of rice krispie treat every now and then, it is best not to give them any.
Dr. Littlejohn says, “I would never recommend anyone feed their dog rice krispie treats or cereal. However, I wouldn’t be concerned if a dog were to eat a small amount.”
So, can dogs have rice krispie treats?
They can have very small amounts and be okay, but it’s not in their best interest to be eating rice krispie treats.
Can Dogs Have Rice Krispie Cereal?
In short, dogs can eat rice krispie cereal, but vets do not advise it. Rice-based cereal is technically safe for dogs to consume. Still, It’s basically a filler food with a few added vitamins and minerals.
If your dog is eating a well-balanced diet, this won’t give dogs any real health benefits.
The rice krispie cereal is slightly better than the rice krispies bars but still has downsides.
Nutrition Facts
Per 1 cup (28 g): 110 calories, 140 mg sodium, 25 mg potassium, carbs 25 g (3 g sugar), and 2 g protein.
Also contains Iron, Vitamin D, Thiamine, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenate, and Manganese.
Ingredients
Rice, sugar, salt, corn and barley malt extract, vitamins and minerals: iron, niacinamide, thiamine hydrochloride, cholecalciferol (vitamin d3), pyridoxine hydrochloride, d-calcium pantothenate, folic acid. Contains barley ingredients.
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Twinkies? Dangers + Tips If They Do
Is It Safe For Dogs To Eat Rice Krispie Treats?
Rice krispie treats are safe In very small amounts, infrequently. However, rice krispie treats become unsafe when eaten in large amounts or often.
They are high in sugar, fat, sodium, and calories and contain harmful preservatives and ingredients like vanilla extract.
So, while a small bite might be safe, its still unhealthy for a dog to eat rice krispies.
Let’s break down the dangers of rice krispies for dogs.
Dangers Of Dogs Eating Rice Krispie Treats
While things like whipped cream or rice krispie treats may seem harmless to give your dog small amounts, there are still risks.
This risk grows over time as feeding these things becomes more frequent.
Here are a few dangers with rice krispie treats:
Unhealthy Fats
Rice Krispie treats are high in calories and unhealthy fats. While small amounts of fat are necessary for a dog’s diet, too much can lead to obesity.
Obesity in dogs can cause several health problems, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Breathing difficulties
- Decreased energy levels
- Cancer
Lots Of Sugar
We all know sugar is not good for our health. It’s basically toxic to our bodies. Unfortunately, this is also true for dogs.
The more exposure your dog has to sugar, the more risk you put your dog in.
Dogs have a hard time metabolizing sugar as we do. So our bodies can handle sugar much easier than a dog.
Here are a few repercussions of feeding dogs too much sugar from Rice Krispie treats:
- Diarrhea
- Weight gain
- Dental problems
- Lethargy
- Hyperactivity
Related Reading: Can Dogs Eat Sugar Cookies? (We Spoke With A Vet)
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is when your dog’s blood sugar gets too high. This can lead to serious health problems, including:
- Liver disease
- Excessive thirst or hunger
- Pancreatitis
- Cataracts
- Bloodshot eyes
- hyperactivity
- Obesity
Feeding your dog Rice Krispie treats can also cause them to develop an intolerance or allergy to rice. Dog
Lactose Intolerance
Rice Krispie treats contain milk products, which can lead to a gastrointestinal upset in some dogs.
Most dogs are lactose intolerant, so they struggle to break down dairy foods.
Lactose intolerance can cause:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Gas
- Vomiting
Overeating
A dog that gets into too many Rice Krispie treats could face problems like food bloat, diabetes, cavities/teeth issues, obesity, or pancreatitis.
Pancreatitis can often develop after dogs eat a large helping of something high in sugar and fat (like Rice Krispie treats).
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Fever
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Rapid breathing/panting
- Dehydration
These are just a few dangers dogs face when eating Rice Krispie treats.
Toxic Ingredients
Some rice krispie treats contain preservatives, vanilla extract, and artificial sweeteners.
TBHQ is one of these preservatives used to extend processed foods’ shelf life. Its found in some rice krispie treats and has been linked to side effects in animals such as:
- Tumors
- Liver enlargement
- Paralysis
- Convulsions
If your dog ingests too much TBHQ, it can have these side effects.
Additionally, marshmallows are used to make rice krispie treats, and some marshmallow brands use xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener that is safe for humans but poisonous to dogs.
Even a small amount of xylitol can cause low blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs.
Salt Content
Surprisingly, some brands of rice krispie treats can have high salt contents.
One Kellogg rice krispie bar contains 105 mg of salts. While this may not seem like a lot, the recommended daily sodium intake for a dog that’s 33 lbs is less than 100mg of sodium.
A dog’s body is not suited for large amounts of salt. The bigger the dog, the more it can handle, and the smaller, the less.
For example, a 10lbs dog should have less than 30 mg of salt daily. In contrast, a 75lbs dog should have no more than 227 mg of salt daily.
So, even 1 rice krispie treat contains over three times the amount of salt a small dog should have in a day.
Excess salt intake can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and high blood pressure in dogs.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If A Dog Eats Rice Krispie Treats?
In most cases, dogs who eat rice krispie treats will be just fine. This depends on how much they ate and how big the dog is.
However, most experience some digestive issues, and you may see symptoms like:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal Pain
- Panting
- Restlessness
- Dehydration
- Constipation
Are Rice Krispie Treats Unhealthy for Dogs?
Yes, rice krispie treats are unhealthy for dogs. They are high in sugar and salt, which can be dangerous for dogs. Too much sugar can lead to diabetes, while too much salt can cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and high blood pressure.
Can Dogs Eat Marshmallows?
No, dogs should not eat marshmallows.
Although not all marshmallows are harmful to dogs, they are certainly not healthy.
Marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. As a result, they have virtually no nutritional value or health advantages.
In fact, marshmallows are one of the worst things you can feed your dog because of the high sugar content.
Can I Use Marshmallows For Rice Krispies For Dogs?
No, you should not use marshmallows for rice krispies for dogs.
Marshmallows are made from sugar, corn syrup, gelatin, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar. As a result, they have virtually no nutritional value or health advantages.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Rice Krispie Treats should not be fed to dogs. They are high in sugar, fat, and sodium and can cause various health problems if given too often. It’s best to air on the side of caution and avoid giving your dog rice Krispie treats altogether.
If you want to give your dog a treat, choose something healthier, like carrots or apples.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Jelly? Is Jelly Safe For Dogs? (We Asked A Vet)