Many of us grew up eating cereal in front of the television while watching cartoons. Of the many cereal choices on the market, one of the most popular is Fruit Loops. These colorful loops are certainly tasty but not very healthy, for humans or dogs. However, they are not toxic to dogs and there’s no reason to worry if your dog has eaten some.
If you do want to slip your dog some of your favorite cereal, only give them a few Fruit Loops and definitely not a full bowl. It should also never be given as a replacement for your dog’s kibble or regular dog food, nor be given on a regular basis. There are reasons for this, so let’s discuss it further.
Are Fruit Loops Nutritious?
Fruit Loops aren’t all bad, as they do contain various vitamins and minerals. They also contain some dietary fiber. However, and more importantly, they are loaded with artificial colorings, sugar, and trans-fats.
Although they may offer a tiny bit of nutrition, the bad definitely outweighs the good, and this breakfast choice cannot be labeled as nutritious for your dog. In fact, it is considered an unhealthy snack option because nearly half of the total content of the box of Fruit Loops is sugar, which is alarming.
Why Should Dogs Only Have Small Amounts of Fruit Loops?
As we’ve mentioned above, Fruit Loops are high in sugar. When a dog eats food products with high levels of sugar regularly, it can cause stomach upsets and contribute to the development of serious issues such as obesity and diabetes. These health issues won’t occur if your dog has a small amount of sugar every now and then, which is why it’s important to keep your Fruit Loop servings small and very occasional.
If your dog got into a box of Fruit Loops and devoured it, they may develop symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, gas, bloating, and sometimes even bloody diarrhea. If these signs are severe, or not subsiding on their own, you should take your dog to your vet.
Fruit Loops are also made up of refined grains. Although grain is an excellent ingredient that is often found in dog food, refined grain is highly processed and doesn’t offer much nutritional value. It is a starchy carbohydrate that can lead to weight gain.
Are There Better Cereal Options for My Dog?
Your dog should be fed food that has been specially formulated for them to meet their nutritional needs and they shouldn’t live off “human food.” Dogs don’t need cereal to start their day and are happy to eat the same dog food for breakfast and dinner.
There are plenty of healthy treats to share with your pooch, other than cereals like Fruit Loops. Before giving your dog any treat, make sure it is free from any toxic ingredients such as chocolate or xylitol. For a healthier snack alternative, stick to giving your dog safe fruits and vegetables that are unseasoned.
Conclusion
Fruit Loops are tasty and colorful, but they’re not a healthy snack option for your dog. The biggest concern around Fruit Loops is their high sugar content. Too much sugar too often can affect your dog’s health negatively, as well as your own. Instead of giving your dog Fruit Loops as a snack, stick to safe fruits and vegetables.
See Also:
- Can Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes? Vet-Reviewed Nutritional Facts & FAQ
- Why Do Dogs Like Squeaky Toys? 4 Common Reasons
Featured Image Credit: WOKANDAPIX, Pixabay
