While Frosted Flakes are a popular breakfast food for both children and adults, they’re not so great for dogs. Frosted Flakes don’t add any nutritional value to a dog’s diet, and the added sugar can lead to health complications if a dog eats them regularly.
Fortunately, there are many breakfast foods that are much safer for dogs to eat. So, you and your dog can still enjoy eating breakfast together. We have some answers to frequently asked questions about Frosted Flakes, and soon you’ll know everything there’s to know about enjoying safe breakfasts with your dog.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes?
The main ingredients in Frosted Flakes are milled corn, sugar, and malt flavor. While most corn products are safe for dogs to eat, it’s concerning that sugar is the second ingredient. While sugar isn’t toxic for dogs, added sugars don’t provide any nutritional value and aren’t necessary for a dog’s diet.
These sugars can cause your dog an upset stomach and cause further health complications if consumed in large amounts. They’ll cause spikes in your dog’s blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous if your dog suffers from diabetes, and contribute to dental problems and obesity in the long run. Eating too much sugar can also put dogs at risk of getting diabetes. Some dogs may even get pancreatitis if their diet contains too much sugar.
Frosted Flakes lists several beneficial vitamins and minerals in its ingredient list. It contains iron, niacinamide (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12. However, considering how the main ingredients aren’t that healthy for dogs, you can find much better sources of these vitamins and minerals from other foods.
What Should I Do if My Dog Eats Frosted Flakes?
You shouldn’t worry excessively if your dog ate a bite of Frosted Flakes that someone spilled on the floor. A few bites of cereal won’t cause harm to your dog unless they are diabetic or have any intolerance or digestive problems. If your dog does eat a significant amount of Frosted Flakes, they can end up with an upset stomach. Your dog may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs with upset stomachs can also lose their appetite and pace around a lot.
It’s essential to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an upset stomach. Your veterinarian may recommend having your dog fast from their normal food and eating easily digestible commercial or home-prepared foods, like boiled chicken, sweet potato, cooked rice or pumpkin. If your dog is lethargic, won’t eat, or has severe vomiting or diarrhea, a fever, or bloody diarrhea, visit your veterinarian right away.
Are There Breakfast Foods That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Fortunately, your dog can eat plenty of safer, more wholesome breakfast foods than Frosted Flakes. Here are some natural foods that are both nutritious and tasty for dogs.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a relatively common ingredient used in dog food, so it’s likely that your dog is already accustomed to its taste. Not only is oatmeal an excellent source of fiber, it’s also packed with different vitamins and minerals. The main precaution you need to take is to stay away from any extra ingredients, such as raisins, sweeteners, or sugar.
Fruit
Dogs can enjoy small pieces of many different kinds of fruit as occasional treats. Some fruits that are safe for dogs to eat include apple flesh, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Dogs should avoid eating grapes, raisins, cherry pits, apple cores, and avocados because they’re toxic to them.
Eggs
Many dogs will enjoy eating fully-cooked eggs. Dogs can eat both egg whites and egg yolks safely. Eggs are also a great source of protein, fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. When preparing eggs, make sure to cook them thoroughly and without butter or oil. They should also be left unseasoned.
Summary
Dogs should avoid eating Frosted Flakes because they don’t really benefit their health. Your dog most likely won’t get sick if they sneak a bite of cereal pieces that fall to the floor. However, they shouldn’t develop a habit of eating Frosted Flakes. Your dog should be fed a high-quality, complete and balanced diet to get all the nutrients they need. If you want to occasionally share some breakfast food with your dog, there are plenty of other nutritious options they can eat, and most dogs will probably prefer natural foods over highly processed cereals. So, feel free to ditch the processed cereals and feed your dog healthier and more wholesome options, and you just might end up doing the same for yourself.
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Featured Image Credit: Yoyochow23, Shutterstock
