Crackers are one of the snack items that most of us enjoy. They are incredibly versatile, and go well with just about anything; from tea, coffee, cheese and even desserts. Crackers are a delight.
We are all aware that these snacks are not necessarily the healthiest options. However, they are not necessarily that bad either. And because we love to eat them, our dogs are also big fans of crackers.
So a question a lot of us dog lovers have is, “Can Dogs Eat Crackers?” In this article, we will tell you whether crackers are safe for dogs and whether you should share them with your doggos.
Can Dogs Eat Crackers?
The short answer on whether dogs can eat crackers is maybe. Crackers are an okay food for dogs and there one of those foods that it depends on what type of crackers you give your dog. But there are also some other concerns.
In fact, they can also be a harmful food. And we will tell you why later in this article.
Crackers are not necessarily bad food for dogs; they just offer little nutritional value.
They are pretty much just fillers or extra calories for dogs who require a high-energy diet.
A majority of the time, crackers are only bad for dogs if dogs eat too many of them. Eating a just a few crackers every now and then should be okay.
When Are Crackers Bad for Dogs?
It is important to note there are a lot of types of crackers out there, and each contains different ingredients. Some of these ingredients may be either toxic or harmful to dogs.
If there is one thing for certain, all types of crackers are high in carbohydrates. And carbohydrates are not necessarily a good nutrient for dogs as it can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
More on Nutritional Value of Crackers
Plain crackers are perhaps the safest type to consume since they have no seasoning other than salt. However, it is still best to feed it to them only in small amounts.
Salt is a dangerous ingredient for dogs and can lead to many conditions, most dangerously salt poisoning.
Some crackers are high in sugar and carbs. This can lead to conditions that are dangerous to our dogs such as diabetes and obesity.
What Types of Crackers are Best for Dogs?
Some crackers such as the ones made by Triscuits are high in fiber and are made of whole wheat. Crackers that are made of wheat are also bad for dogs allergic to wheat and/or have gluten-intolerance.
Crackers that have butter, or butter crackers are alright in small amounts. Butter crackers are high in fat and salt, which means they are high in calories. Foods high in fats can lead to obesity and other conditions.
Pretzel crackers should also be avoided as they contain high levels of salt.
In conclusion, crackers, especially plain crackers, are not too bad for dogs if they are given in small amounts. However, they are not beneficial and can even be a problem if given in large amounts.
So, if your dog gets a cracker every now and then, there’s not much to worry about. However, it’s best to find other snacks for your dog to eat.
Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs
This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”
But what about graham crackers? Do they fall into the same category as the above? Find out in: Can Dogs Eat Graham Crackers?
