Can Dogs Eat Froot Loops? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ
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Froot loops are a favorite childhood breakfast that some adults still find joy in eating. If you are one of those adults, as well as a dog owner that shares your leftovers with your companion, you may be wondering if Froot Loops are healthy enough for your dog to eat too. Or perhaps your child didn’t finish breakfast this morning, and your dog took the opportunity to eat the last few pieces that were left behind, and it has raised some questions.
Froot loops are safe for dogs if they only consume a few, but they are not healthy. Froot loops, like many cereals, are made with refined grains, which are empty calories. They are also jam-packed with sugar and preservatives, which can cause health issues.
Can Dogs Eat Froot Loops
Dogs can eat Froot Loops, but it is not the best treat for your dog. They are high in calories which are not recommended for a dog’s diet. Calories can elevate blood glucose levels in dogs1, which is never good, especially for a dog with diabetes.
Dogs can eat Fruit Loops on occasion in small quantities. If your dog has gobbled your leftovers, there is probably no need for concern, but if you plan on giving your dog a bowl of Froot Loops to enjoy with you, you should reconsider.
Are Froot Loops Healthy?
Froot loops contain sugar, corn, food coloring, hydrogenated oil, and wheat flour. They are not considered the healthiest breakfast cereal for humans, never mind our pets. While they are not entirely bad or toxic for dogs, they are not a healthy choice.
Sugar is one of the primary ingredients. The sugar may cause an increase in blood sugar levels, and too much sugar can cause weight gain and obesity, dental issues, and can lead to diabetes. Food coloring and other chemicals found in Froot Loops are unhealthy and can be unsafe in large quantities. Furthermore, the corn may be difficult for your dog to digest.
The label on a box of Froot Loops includes hydrogenated vegetable oil, but trans-fat is not found, which may indicate that it is not as unhealthy as it may seem. This could be because manufacturers don’t have to label trans-fat on their labels if there are less than 0.5 grams.
Too much trans fat is bad for cardiovascular health and can cause damage to the blood vessels and cells. It is considered one of the most dangerous types of fat because it can increase the number of unhealthy triglycerides while reducing HDL, which is good cholesterol.
Froot Loops are not the healthiest choice for humans; this also applies to our dogs. It is a safer choice not to feed your dog Froot Loops.
Tips for a Healthy Diet
Typically speaking, dogs should not consume human food. Most foods that are good for us are also good for our dogs, and the opposite is also true. Lean meats and vegetables are acceptable, but grains and other sugary, highly processed leftovers are best left out of your dog’s bowl. Junk food that is bad for us is also bad for our dogs. Even some foods that are healthy for humans are not necessarily safe for our dogs, such as grapes or macadamia nuts.
Dogs should eat unseasoned, boneless, lean meats and specific plain fruits and vegetables. High-quality, unprocessed foods low in fat, salt, and sugar are the best choices. Treats should be served occasionally in small portions, not exceeding 10% of your dog’s daily diet.
To keep your dog in optimal health, talk to your veterinarian about the best diet suited for the dog, and stick to it. If your dog licks your plate or consumes a few of your leftovers without your knowledge, they will most likely be fine, especially if they are well-nourished with a quality diet. However, avoid scraping all your leftovers into their bowl, especially if you have eaten all the good parts, and don’t allow your dog to eat from your plate.
Conclusion
While Froot Loops aren’t necessarily bad for your dog, they are not healthy. Feeding them Froot Loops as a part of their daily diet is an unhealthy practice, but a loop or two from your bowl on occasion shouldn’t do any harm. Look out for your dog’s health by avoiding processed, sugary grains like Froot Loops.
Featured Image Credit: wavebreakmedia, Shutterstock
