Can my dog eat Rice Krispie Treats?
5 Alarming Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Rice Krispies
You can have them as a bowl of cereal for breakfast, or turn them into other tasty treats.
Since your dog’s seeing you enjoying them, they’ll want some, too.
So can dogs eat Rice Krispies?
They’re mostly made out of rice, right?
Follow along to find out:
- 5 reasons why dogs can’t eat Rice Krispies.
- 4 Rice Krispies ingredients that are bad for dogs.
- What to do if your dog eats large portions of Rice Krispies.
- And a lot more…
Table of contents
- Can dogs eat Rice Krispies?
- 4 Rice Krispies Ingredients that are not safe for dogs
- #1: Malt flavor
- #2: Sugar
- #3: Chocolate
- #4: Salt
- #1: Celiac disease
- #2: Obesity
- #3: Diabetes
- #4: Chocolate poisoning
- #5: Sodium-ion poisoning
- #1: Rice dog treats
- #2: Homemade rice treats
Can dogs eat Rice Krispies?
Dogs can’t eat Rice Krispies because it has a high sugar content that’s not recommended for your dog. It also contains gluten from the malt flavoring, which your dog could be allergic to. Cocoa Rice Krispies also contain chocolate that is poisonous to your dog.
4 Rice Krispies Ingredients that are not safe for dogs
#1: Malt flavor
Malt flavor is commonly used in pet and human food to give it a sweet and nutty flavor.
It contains beneficial vitamins and minerals like:
- Zinc.
- Protein.
- Calcium.
- Vitamin B.
- Potassium.
- Magnesium.
But malt flavor also contains a protein called gluten.
Gluten is sometimes added to dog food to boost its protein and carbohydrate content. It also gives the food a chewy texture and helps bind the ingredients together.
But some dogs are sensitive to gluten. It’s one of the most common allergens in dogs.
One sign your dog is allergic to gluten is when you notice them not gaining any weight, even though you feed them a healthy amount of food.
That’s because if your dog is allergic to gluten, it irritates their small intestines, causing it to thin out its interior lining, limiting its ability to absorb nutrients.
Aside from not gaining weight, here are other symptoms to look out for to know if your dog is allergic to gluten:
- Bloating.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Dry skin.
- Itchiness.
- Hair loss.
- Constipation.
- Mucus-laden stools.
Tip: if you suspect your dog is allergic to gluten, consult their veterinarian on how to completely remove it from their diet.
#2: Sugar
The most common reason everyone enjoys Rice Krispies cereal is how sweet they are.
According to their official nutrition facts, a single serving of the original Rice Krispies contains 0.07 oz (2g) of added sugar.
While the chocolate Rice Krispies contain 0.42 oz (12g) added sugar.
Lastly, the frosted Rice Krispies contain added sugar 0.52 oz (15g).
But the sweetness of Rice Krispies is the main reason why they’re bad for your dog.
Sugar may be considered a carbohydrate, which dogs need in their daily diet.
But they don’t need it in the form of granulated sugars. Dogs need carbohydrates, which their bodies break down into sugar to use for fuel.
Constantly giving your dogs sugary treats can upset the microorganism balance in their tummy, resulting in diarrhea and vomiting.
It also increases their risk of developing health complications like:
- Cavities.
- Diabetes.
- Weight gain.
#3: Chocolate
If you’re a dog parent, then you probably already know that chocolate is toxic to your dog.
Chocolate comes from the roasted seed of Theobroma cacao. It contains the chemical methylxanthine, which is composed of theobromine and caffeine.
Dogs digest methylxanthine slower compared to humans, so if they ingest large amounts of chocolate, it can cause several health problems like:
- Coma.
- Seizures.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Bloating.
- Hyperactivity.
- Restlessness.
- Increased thirst.
- Rapid breathing.
- Increased urination.
- Rigid limbs/muscles.
Warning: If your pet has recently ingested large doses of chocolate, bring them to their vet immediately.
#4: Salt
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Salt?”
“It seems unlikely that Rice Krispies contain salt when it’s sweet?”
It may be sweet but according to the official Rice Krispies nutrition facts, a single serving of the original Rice Krispies contain 0.0031 oz (90g) of sodium,
The chocolate Rice Krispies contain 0.0049 oz (140 mg) sodium.
While the frosted Rice Krispies contain 0.0044 oz (125 mg) sodium.
According to BANR, an average of 33 lb (14.9 kg) adult dogs are recommended to only have 0.007 oz (200 mg) of sodium daily.
So if you look at the salt content of Rice Krispies, a single serving of the chocolate and frosted cereals almost reaches your dog’s daily salt intake.
5 reasons why dogs can’t eat Rice Krispies
#1: Celiac disease
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition where your dog’s body can’t tolerate gluten.
As mentioned before, gluten damages the small intestine lining, making it hard to soak up vitamins and minerals like:
- Iron.
- Zinc.
- Iodine.
- Copper.
- Calcium.
- Magnesium.
- Vitamins B and C.
Although any dog breed can have celiac’s disease, the most common ones to have them are:
- Irish Setters.
- Samoyeds.
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers.
To know if your dog has celiac disease, here are symptoms to look out for:
- Seizures.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dermatitis.
- Poor coat condition.
There is currently no cure for celiac disease, but the effects can be avoided by putting your dog on a gluten-free diet.
Warning: If your dog displays some of these symptoms, call their veterinarian to get a proper diagnosis, and to consult a proper diet plan to eliminate gluten in their diet.
#2: Obesity
Constantly feeding your dog high-calorie treats, like Rice Krispies, can cause weight gain, if uncontrolled, it could then turn to obesity.
According to a study, 22-40% of dogs are reportedly obese globally.
Obesity is caused by several factors including:
- Age.
- Breed.
- Gender.
- Feeding.
- Lifestyle.
- Neutering.
But one cause that you can control is your dog’s feeding habits. Giving your dog proper meal frequencies, and nutritious foods can help prevent obesity.
But some dog parents tend to overlook this, and choose to feed their dog whatever they like instead, which includes unhealthy human junk foods.
The dangerous thing about obesity is that it can also cause further health complications including:
- Cancer.
- Diabetes.
- Hypertension.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Heart disease.
- Urinary bladder stones.
Tip: Ask your dog’s veterinarian for a healthy diet plan to prevent or reduce obesity.
#3: Diabetes
If your dog is obese, a health complication associated with it is diabetes.
According to VCA, diabetes in dogs is a condition where their pancreas is unable to regulate blood sugar.
Besides obesity, diabetes can also be caused by several factors including:
- Age.
- Gender.
- Genetics.
- Cushing’s disease.
- Steroid medication.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Chronic or repeated pancreatitis.
There are 2 types of diabetes, one where their body can’t turn sugar into glucose for fuel, and another where high sugar levels build up in their bloodstream.
The first type causes their body to break down protein and fats as an alternative fuel since their body can’t get it from glucose.
The other one causes an excess of sugar buildup in their blood, damaging multiple organs like:
- Eyes.
- Heart.
- Nerves.
- Kidneys.
- Blood vessels.
To know if your dog has diabetes, here are 4 major symptoms to look out for:
- Weight loss.
- Increased thirst.
- Increased urination.
- Increased appetite.
If left uncontrolled, diabetes can lead to dangerous effects like:
- Seizures.
- Cataracts.
- Ketoacidosis.
- Enlarged liver.
- Kidney failure.
- Urinary tract infections.
To learn more about diabetes, you can watch this video:
Instead of giving your dog a sugary rice cereal for breakfast, why not spoil them with a savory rice dog treat?
They’re usually made with brown rice, which is a healthier alternative to white rice.
You can even pick flavors like chicken or turkey.
As long as you choose the good-quality ones, you won’t have to worry about it poisoning or giving your dog diabetes.
#2: Homemade rice treats
If you want an easy and budget-friendly Rice Krispies alternative for your dog, then why not make them yourself?
You can either use white, wild, or brown rice, mix in some ground chicken breasts, and oven-bake them.
Yes, it’s that easy!
What’s great about homemade treats is you know exactly what ingredients you’ve mixed in so you wouldn’t have to worry about hidden toxic ingredients.
The only downside to them is that they spoil faster compared to store-bought ones, as they don’t contain any preservatives.
If you’re not feeding the treats to your dog, make sure to store them in the freezer in an airtight container and they will last for about 3 months.
Just make sure to defrost the treats before giving them to your dog, and be ready to become their favorite person.
Related posts:
- 5 Real Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Wheat Thins
- Can Dogs Eat Pepperoni? 7 Shocking Health Risks + 3 Tips
- 7 Alarming Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Frosted Flakes
- 37 Human Foods Chihuahuas Can And Can’t Eat (#2 Is Great)
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies
This dessert bar will have you thinking of colorful leaves, cooler temperatures, and everything else that makes fall a favorite season for so many people.
Whether you are a pumpkin spice fanatic or a casual enjoyer of all-things-autumn , these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispies will surely hit the spot.
Better yet, it’s a breeze to make Rice Krispie Treats! There’s no baking required, and making a pan of gooey, Rice Krispie deliciousness will take you less than 20 minutes .
Not a fan of pumpkin puree? These Rice Krispie Treats use pumpkin pie spice , not pumpkin puree, to get their mouthwatering flavor.
Hints of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg blend together with buttery, marshmallowy goodness to form the perfect treat to ring in the changing seasons.
What will I need to make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats?
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are simple to make and only have FIVE ingredients ! To make these delicious dessert bars, you’ll need
- Butter — this perfect complement to all things sweet gives depth of flavor to your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
- Marshmallows — the backbone of your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats, these sweet and sticky morsels hold your dessert together and give it it’s signature texture and flavor
- Vanilla — amps up the flavor of any dessert
- Pumpkin Pie Spice — don’t have any on hand? Chances are, you have all separate ingredients you need to make your own! Check out our recipe for Homemade Pumpkin Spice.
- Rice Krispies cereal — name brand or store brand, it doesn’t matter. Pick your favorite and you’re ready to go!
How to make Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats:
Once you have your ingredients, you’re ready to make your delicious Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats. These treats are great because they take so little time to make and require no baking .
You will need to melt the butter on the stovetop; then it’s just a matter of stirring in the remaining ingredients one at a time until everything is well-blended. It’s truly that simple! Check out the detailed recipe below for more detailed step-by-step instructions.
Are these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats gluten-free?
While this recipe is not currently gluten-free, you can easily make a few changes that will ensure your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are. Rice Krispies cereal (by Kelloggs) contains malt, which may contain gluten.
However, there are crispy rice cereal options available through other brands that are gluten-free. Simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free crispy rice cereal, and you can also enjoy Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats! Most marshmallows are already gluten-free, but be sure to check the label to be certain.
Are these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats vegan?
This recipe contains butter and is therefore not vegan; however, these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats can easily be veganized . For Vegan Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats, just swap the butter and marshmallows for your favorite vegan versions and prepare as directed!
Do these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats contain nuts?
Another awesome attribute of these mouthwatering Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats is that they are nut-free!
These dessert bars are also egg and wheat free , though not dairy or gluten free unless appropriate substitutions are made. As always, check the labels of the ingredients you are using to prepare you dessert.
How to store Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats:
Be sure to store your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh and delicious until they’re gone!
How long will my Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats last?
If you have the self-control necessary to not devour them all in a day, your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats should last up to two days in an airtight container or bag at room temperature.
Can Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats be frozen?
Yes! You can freeze your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats! Layer your treats with waxed or parchment paper and store in an airtight container or freezer bag.
You can store them in the freezer for up to 6 weeks . To thaw, set out your frozen Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
Can dogs eat Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats?
It’s not advisable to give your dog these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats. While the crispy rice cereal is fine for your dogs to eat (rice is often an ingredient used to fill out dog food), the marshmallows are high in sugar and are not healthy for your pup.
And while your dog will probably be fine if he or she eats some butter, it’s not recommended that you feed it to your dog on purpose. So the short answer? No!
Check out these additional Autumn inspired recipes:
Are you interested in upping your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats game? Grab some Tootsie Roll minis and orange food coloring and turn your Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats into little pumpkins!
Instead of pressing your Rice Krispie Treats into bars, wait for the cereal to cool enough to touch and form the treats into pumpkin-shaped balls. Top with a softened Tootsie Roll-stem and enjoy a festive looking AND -tasting treat! Check out this recipe for Rice Krispie Pumpkins for more information .
You can’t beat the ease of preparation and deliciousness of Rice Krispie Treats, and these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats are an even more delightful take on a signature fall flavor.
These dessert bars take less than 20 minutes to prepare and pack tons of spicy flavor into one simultaneously gooey and crispy treat. They’re very tasty and will make an excellent addition to your fall treat repertoire!
Yield: 12 Bars
Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispie Treats
Can Dogs Have Rice Krispies | Everything You Need To Know
You are enjoying your rice crispies, and suddenly you feel a paw and a sniffing wet nose near you. It’s your Dog jumping over, asking you to share some treats with him as well. This is when a question pops into your head “Can dogs eat rice crispies?” Rice crispies are very popular and versatile snacks existing since the 1920s.
They are crunchy and delicious additions to your breakfast or midnight binge eating. Rice crispies are essentially made for human consumption, therefore, its suitability for dogs is quite skeptical. Though rice is a staple for dogs, many ingredients, such as sugar and flavoring agents, can harm the Dog’s health.
We need a thorough understanding of rice crispies to crack this dilemma. This article will break down rice crispies into their ingredients, formulation, and safe edible properties. Let’s get started and see if rice crispies are pawsible food for dogs or not.
What Are Rice Krispies?
Rice Krispies are scrumptious breakfast cereal cakes made primarily from rice, sugar, salt, marshmallow, and barley malt flavors. They come in medium-thick rectangular shapes of rice, sugar, and marshmallow mixture. The marshmallow gives rice crispies a rich flavor and sticky texture, so you can get a crispy yet chewy feel in your mouth.
You can also find a chocolate flavor of them from some brands. Rice crispies are mostly eaten in form of breakfast cereals. They can be used to make other desserts, pudding, or trifle recipes as well.
The full list of Rice Krispie ingredients is as follows:
- Rice cereal (roasted)
- Sugar
- Corn Syrup
- Fructose
- Marshmallow
- Soybean or palm oil
- Dextrose
- Gelatin
If you are someone following a vegan lifestyle you may avoid eating Rice krispies since it contains some non-vegan ingredients such as Vitamin D3 which is derived from animal sources.
Can Dogs Eat Rice Crispies?
Barley Malt, a major flavoring ingredient of rice Krispies makes this sweet snack inclusive of Gluten. Excess Gluten can trigger celiac diseases or your dog may experience discomfort if gluten-intolerant.
In this case, allowing your Dog to consume even a little amount of Gluten can lead to more hair fall, poor coat, unhealthy weight loss, digestive issues like diarrhea, inflammation, and causal signs of sickness like laziness and unwillingness to engage.
2. Sugar
Rice Krispies contain a lot of sugar. The sweetness of rice krispies comes from four core ingredients- Fructose, corn syrup, corn syrup solids, and sugar. The sugary content makes the rice krispies sticky and glued together.
When dogs eat these rice krispies, the sugar can coat their teeth and cause dental damage like tooth decay and cavities. It can also lead to high sugar levels, diarrhea, and weight gain.
Similar to Rice Krispies, there are other human treats which are high in sugar making them unsuitable for dogs such as Sour Patch Kids and Twizzlers. Being a pet parent, remember to limit your Dog’s sugar intake and brush their teeth if they consumed rice krispies to get rid of any sticky sugar leftovers.
3. Salt
The sodium tolerance threshold of dogs is less than that of humans. Dogs cannot bear too much salt intake. One single serving of rice krispies contains 90 – 140 mg of sodium, which is very close to a dog’s daily sodium limit of 200 mg.
Too much salt can increase the level of sodium and give rise to a fatal health issue called sodium-ion poisoning in dogs. This situation can worsen if your Dog drinks less water after a salty meal.
What Happens If A Dog Eats A Rice Krispie?
Little bits and crumbs of Rice Krispie treats won’t do any harm to your Dog. Rice is completely safe for feline consumption. But regular and high consumption of Rice Krispies will give birth to a variety of health issues in dogs. If your Dog has eaten an entire rice Krispy rectangle, then watch out for these symptoms.
- Check for bloating. Bloating is the first sign of consuming excess sugar and fiber. Inspect your Dog’s tummy and feel it with your hands. Give your Dog some fresh water to ease bloating.
- Next will appear some serious issues like diarrhea and vomiting. If your Dog has ingested too many Rice Krispie treats, the Gluten will start acting on its metabolism. Talk to your vet, and do not give your Dog any food for some hours.
- Ingesting too much sugar can also result in obesity and lethargy. You will find your Dog laying around without much activity or playfulness.
- Lastly, check for your Dog’s teeth. Sugar sticks to the canine teeth and forms decay and cavities. Brush your Dog’s teeth immediately.
What Happens When Dogs Eat Marshmallows Rice Krispy Treats?
Marshmallow for dogs is a big no-no. It should be strictly kept away from dogs. Some rice crispies contain marshmallow cream, which can prove to be fatal for dogs. Marshmallows can neither pass easily through dog esophagus like humans nor get fully digested. Marshmallow is high in calories and sugar, spiking dogs’ sugar levels and promoting obesity. It may also cause gastrointestinal problems.
Xylitol is a popular sweetener used in marshmallows which is extremely toxic for dogs. Any little exposure to this food material is enough to cause seizures, liver damage in your Dog, or in some cases, even death.
In case you find that your Dog has consumed too much rice krispie treats with marshmallow cream, immediately take him to the nearest vet. Vets will ensure your Dog vomits out marshmallows to avoid the escalation of an upset digestive system.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Rice Krispy Treats?
If your Dog eats Rice Krispy treats, you should first give him a bowl of fresh water. This helps to relieve upset stomach, bloating, and the effects of excess sodium. Brush your Dog’s teeth to remove any sugar that would be sticking and feeding on his teeth. This will avoid tooth issues.
If your Dog shows symptoms of sodium-ion poisoning, celiac disease, or diabetes, take him to your vet for medical assistance. If your Dog has consumed more marshmallow cream rice Krispies, don’t go to a vet or animal hospital late. Marshmallows are toxic for dogs, and it’s crucial to induce vomiting for it to come out.
Conclusion
Rice Krispies are usually safe for dogs when given in small quantities occasionally. The important thing to remember is that rice krispies cannot replace whole meals for dogs. The carbs and calories of rice krispies don’t serve any positive diet utility for dogs.
It is better to feed your dog with homemade dog food recipes which are ideally nutritious as well as tasty for your pup. For someone, following a strict vegan lifestyle, you might want everyone around you follow a similar lifestyle. However, when it comes to your pup its quite controversial whether a dog can be completely vegan.
All human foods do not fit dogs, so avoid feeding them anything without health assurance. Don’t take any signs lightly; consult a vet before any further health complications.
Tully Zander
My life literally revolves around optimum health and sustainable living by being a devotional vegan. My mission is to create a community of like minded vegans to go forth in creating a better and brighter world for humans, animals and the planet. Just like Gandhi once said: “The greatness of a nation and it’s moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” – Gandhi
