Can Dogs Eat Frosted Mini-Wheats? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ
By Misty Layne
Updated on
It’s difficult to resist those puppy dog eyes when your pup begs for a bite of your food during meal times. And while sometimes it’s fine to give your dog a taste or two of whatever you’re having, this isn’t always the case. Some foods are just unhealthy or even toxic for our canine companions, so you should never give your pet some of your food until you know it’s safe.
Take cereal, for example. What if you’re enjoying a bowl of Frosted Mini-Wheats—can dogs eat those?
It turns out this cereal isn’t the best for our pups, and here’s why!
Can Dogs Eat Frosted Mini-Wheats? The Facts
It certainly shouldn’t hurt your dog if it has a Frosted Mini Wheat or two; this cereal isn’t toxic for canines. However, it also isn’t healthy for them (and there is a small risk of your dog being allergic to it). Why are Frosted Mini-Wheats so unhealthy? Let’s take a closer look.
High Sugar
If you’re unfamiliar with Frosted Mini-Wheats, it is shredded wheat covered in sugar (and sometimes flavorings, such as strawberry or chocolate). And that sugar is probably the biggest reason your dog shouldn’t eat this cereal.
Frosted Mini-Wheats have 12g of sugar 1 per serving, which is a lot! And sugar is bad for our dogs 2. It isn’t toxic, but as with humans, too much sugar can lead to weight gain, contributing to a wide range of issues such as joint problems, and heart and respiratory disease. Excess sugar can also put your pup at higher risk of diabetes and can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Possible Food Allergies
This won’t be an issue for many dogs as grain allergies only account for less than 1 % of all food allergies. Frosted Mini-Wheats are made from (you guessed it) wheat, so if your dog has a gluten allergy then it may cause skin signs and gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea and vomiting. Coeliac disease has been found in Irish Setters but it is rare 3.
Tough to Chew
Let’s face it; shredded wheat has a tough texture that can be difficult to chew. Some dogs may have an issue chewing this cereal and may even hurt their gums. Of course, not all pups will have a problem chowing down on this cereal, but it is a possibility.
Also, a possibility? Due to the size of Frosted Mini-Wheats, they could be a choking hazard for some.
No Nutritional Value
And finally, Frosted Mini-Wheats offer no nutritional value to your pet. This means you’re simply giving your pup empty calories (and empty calories add up over time, leading to obesity and obesity-related health issues).
FAQ About Dogs & Cereals
If you’re wondering whether your pet can eat cereal at all or if plain shredded wheat is a better choice, here’s what you should know. Keep in mind, though, that the best food to give your dog to keep it healthy and happy is quality dog food specifically designed to meet its nutritional requirements!
Can Dogs Eat Plain Shredded Wheat?
Plain shredded wheat will be healthier due to having less sugar, but it still runs the risk of causing issues in dogs with food allergies or intolerances. It can be a choking hazard, and it still doesn’t contain much nutritional value.
If My Dog Eats Frosted Mini-Wheats, How Do I Know If There Are Issues?
If your pet gets into the cereal and eats enough to cause problems, you’ll most likely see gastrointestinal issues, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and possible discomfort or bloating.
What Other Cereals Aren’t Good for Dogs?
Any that are super sugary or contain chocolate, nuts, or raisins will be unhealthy and, in the case of raisins, nuts, and chocolate, unsafe for your pet to eat.
Are There Any Cereals Dogs Can Eat?
There are a few kinds of cereal that are safer for our pets to consume in small amounts because they don’t have as much sugar (and don’t contain things like nuts or raisins). A few of these include Rice Krispies, plain Cheerios, Corn Flakes, and Bran Flakes.
Final Thoughts
Though it’s tempting to share our food with our four-legged friends, it’s not always healthy. In the case of Frosted Mini-Wheats, the cereal offers no nutritional value, plus it is way too sugary for our dogs. It can also cause issues in those with gluten intolerance, as well as pose the risk of being too rough to chew.
If you want to give your pet some cereal, there are much better options out there. Remember, though, that any cereal should be given in moderation, as it won’t offer much nutritional value. But overall, stick to quality dog food designed to give your pup all the nutrients it needs!