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Goldfish crackers have been many people’s favorite salty snacks for decades, with their unique and reliable taste. They come in many different flavors, colors, and seasonings, though they always have their recognizable salty coating. But how healthy is this snack for our pups?
Unfortunately, Goldfish crackers are not recommended treats for dogs because of their high sodium levels and other harmful ingredients. Certain formulas also have spices like onion powder, which can cause stomach problems in canines.
Read on to learn why you should avoid giving Goldfish crackers to your dog and how to make a healthy replacement snack that your pup will love just as much.
What Are Goldfish Crackers Made Of?
Goldfish crackers are an all-time favorite among children and adults, famous for many decades now because of their reliable and recognizable taste. While most people adore the salty flavor of golden crackers, they likely don’t know all the ingredients that go into making them and how healthy or unhealthy they are.
- Enriched Wheat Flour
- Vegetable Oil (Canola, Soybean, and/or Sunflower Oils)
- Salt
- Skim Milk Powder
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Ammonium Bicarbonate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Spices (Onion Powder) and Monocalcium Phosphate
As you can see from the ingredient list, Goldfish crackers have several ingredients that are not entirely healthy for our pets. They have a high salt content, around 150 mg in a 20-g serving. They’ve also got a certain amount of sugar content and flavor enhancers. Dogs shouldn’t consume any oils and seasonings, and goldfish crackers have plenty of those, including onion powder, which is considered toxic to canines.
Are Goldfish Crackers Safe for Dogs?
While you may not notice any immediate side effects in your dog after they eat a few Goldfish crackers, you may see issues appearing later. Since these crackers have high levels of sodium, fat, oils, and spices like onion powder, they are not healthy dog treats.
However, if you catch your pup munching on a few Goldfish crackers by accident, you don’t need to worry. Eating one or two of these crackers every once in a while won’t harm your dog significantly, but there are many alternative options for Goldfish crackers that are actually healthy for your dog.
If your dog has eaten more than a couple and you’re wondering what to do next, we recommend contacting a veterinarian for some advice.
If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!
An Alternative to Goldfish Crackers
You can make healthy and low-fat crackers for your pup using ingredients like pumpkin and chicken and baking them in the oven. These crackers would be entirely safe and even beneficial to your dog’s health. You can also make crackers from carrots mixed with pumpkin purée.
Dog-Safe Snacks and Treats
There are plenty of dog-safe treats and snacks that you can offer your dog daily without worry. Many human food options are excellent for our pups and can be fantastic treats to round out their diet. Treats should only make up 10% or less of their diet, though, so make sure they are healthy options.
The most popular vegetables and fruits that can be used as dog treats that our furry pets will adore include cooked carrots, broccoli, green beans, pumpkin, and apples. Other fruits that are safe, delicious, and healthy for your dogs to consume as snacks are:
- Watermelon
- Butternut squash
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Kiwi
Preparing Snacks and Treats for Dogs
While certain human foods are healthy for dogs to consume, the preparation method is the most crucial part and can significantly influence the safety of a particular food. Offering lean chicken or turkey to your pup as a treat can be an excellent way to motivate them during training if they adore the taste of poultry. However, preparing the chicken correctly is essential, and you can’t use oils, salts, or seasonings. The same care must go into preparing pumpkin, rice, or vegetables. While pumpkin is considered a healthy food for dogs, cooking it thoroughly and removing the seeds and rind is crucial.
Conclusion
Everybody enjoys Goldfish crackers and even our pups adore this snack, but it is not the healthiest option. Goldfish crackers are filled with several harmful ingredients for dogs, from high sodium levels to spices like onion powder. While your dog will likely be fine after snacking on a couple of these crackers, they should not be purposely fed to them.
If you want to treat your pup to a healthy version of Goldfish crackers, you can opt for options like homemade crackers made from healthy dog-safe ingredients and baked in the oven. Your pup will adore these treats, while you can safely offer them without worrying about harming their health.
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Featured Image Credit: alexkich, Shutterstock
