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Can Dogs eat Graham crackers?
That’s quite a peculiar question to ask Google, don’t you think?
Anyways, you’re here now and luckily for you, you’re going to find a detailed answer to your question so read on.
It is very crucial to note that a dog’s diet is very much different to us, the pet parents and it is very important to have good grounding knowledge on your dog’s nutritional needs, all the while being able to identify the do’s and don’ts with regards to your pup’s dietary health. Dogs have a sensitive gut system and are largely selective on the food content they allow in them.
Are Graham Crackers Safe For Your Dog?
Yes, Graham Crackers are safe for your dog’s consumption but keep in mind that all things should be done in moderation as unhealthy amounts of these kinds of snacks can indeed prove unhealthy for your dog. They are allowed to eat Graham crackers only in little amounts.
These sweet tooth crackers are made up of essential vitamins and minerals which are very good for your dogs and eliminate the possibility of the appearance of ailments that comes along with the deficiency of these necessary body materials.
It is also noteworthy that present in Graham crackers is a sufficient amount of sugar, honey, and cinnamon which when taken in excess can cause your dog to become overweight.
As is common in sweet treats, ingesting large amounts will most likely cause your dog to have an increase in its weight, also prompting a number of other negative health impacts. It is important that you pay attention to their diet as regards sweets. More especially if you have an aging dog (as they are much more vulnerable) they can easily run down a steep slope of any minor health decline.
Always remember that it is advisable to purchase foods and treats that are specially made for dogs. This is a better choice than giving them human food. A lot of the food we consume is very high in sugar and caloris and giving this to our dogs can have terrible side effects
Related: Can Dogs Eat Brussel Sprouts?
Nutrtitional Value of Graham Crackers
Here is the nutritional value of the graham crackers
With reference to the Honey Maid’s Graham Crackers, they possess low-fat content but have a sufficient amount of sugar.
Per serving of Graham cracker (3.5g) contains:
- Calories: 16.25 grams
- Total Fat: 0.375 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 20 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Total Sugars: 1 gram
- Protein: 0.25 grams
Is Sugar Good For Dogs?
Sugars are a good source of carbohydrates and dogs don’t require large amounts of sugars, or any sweet stuff for that matter including honey as well.
With calorie-heavy foods like sugars and honey which are key ingredients of Graham Crackers, there’s a possibility of your dog developing diabetes and obesity.
Increased weight gain from excessive consumption of these snacks can give room to other problems, like joint pains, heart issues, and diabetes.
A sugary-based diet also gives rise to tooth decay, making your dog very uncomfortable, and frequent visits to the vet can be debilitating to your pockets.
So, the chief ingredient present in Graham crackers is allowed to be part of your dog’s nutritional needs. But the presence of sugar ingredients can be dangerous to your dog’s health in the long run when taken in excess.
Allergic Reactions to Graham Crackers
One other reason why you shouldn’t feed your dogs Graham crackers is as a result of the tendency of dogs to have allergies to the contents of these snacks. You should not give them anymore if you discover it triggers an allergic reaction. One of the main ingredients in Graham crackers is wheat which has been proven to be a common allergen to dogs.
If a dog that’s allergic to wheat consume Graham crackers, they may present with the following symptoms:
- Nausea
- Stomach pains
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itchiness and a lot of scratching
Related: Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
Benefits of Graham Crackers For Dogs?
Do Graham Crackers contain anything at all that is good for your dogs? Well, yes it does have some benefits.
The flour used in making Graham crackers is usually very rich. They contain essential vitamins and minerals including iron, folate, and vitamins B1, Riboflavin, and Niacin as well. All of which are micronutrients important for good development and healthy living in dogs.
And just like in humans, these nutrients are needed in minute quantities by our dogs and the absence of them can lead to deficiencies that can present themselves in anemia, fatigue, heart anomalies, and nervous system breakdown.
Still keep in mind that your dog should not introduce fully eating Graham crackers as their source of vitamins and minerals as the long-term effects outweigh the benefits. A little amount on occasion can help provide them with the necessary minerals and vitamins they’d need.
The Non Sunny Side Of Eating Graham Crackers
Graham crackers contain sweeteners like honey, molasses, dextroses, sugar, and cinnamon.
We have already established the fact that sugars are not healthy for your dogs. They are a rich source of carbs which is needed in small amounts and when taken excessively can lead to a lot of health issues.
Is Cinnamon harmful as well?
Not really or in the least, it won’t be bad for your dogs if they are consumed in minute amounts but eating too much cinnamon can have its own negative effects and can prompt tooth decay-causing irritations in the mouth of your doggo.
Giving Your Dog Graham Crackers
If you must give your dog Graham crackers go for the less flavored, less sweetened varieties. Also, it is important to note that servings of dog food alongside snacks is not a good idea as loading your dogs up with carbs multiple moments at a time can lead to being overweight.
Try as much as possible to resist their beautiful eyes and turn down their request for sweet foods as it is for their own good and the protection of their health and well-being.
If for any reason your pooch took himself out on a treat and had a Graham cracker without your knowledge, do not panic. Having a little will not pose any imminent threats. But if you notice an allergic reaction on monitoring your dog moments after eating these snacks, take them to the vet as soon as possible.
Related: Are Dogs Allowed In Home Depot?
Alternative Foods For Your Dogs
They are much healthier options on the table for your dog snacking. Avoid feeding them ones that could be a potential attack on their health. Other alternatives to Graham Crackers include
- eggs,
- cheese,
- apples,
- and chicken.
These foods have high nutritional value and contain the necessary materials required to keep your dog healthy.
Related: Are Dogs Allowed in Target?
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If My Dog Eats Too Many Graham Crackers?
Eating too many Graham Crackers can predispose your dog to varying health issues like Obesity and Diabetes and Tooth decay. You should really try to keep the amount of graham crackers you give your dogs to a minimum, or better yet give your dogs healthier snack alternatives
Final Thoughts
In summary, Dogs can eat Graham crackers but should only be given in small amounts.
Graham crackers offer some nutritional benefits, for example they are rich in minerals and vitamins spanning from Iron to Vitamin B1, B2 and B3 which are healthy for your dog.
However,
Graham crackers also contain alot of sugar and other additives which are unhealthy for your dog. The disadvantages in this case out weighs the benefits and it’s better to give this your dog this snack in very little amounts.
Related: Are Dogs Allowed in Walmart?