Can Dogs Eat Hot Pockets? Vet Reviewed Facts & Health Concerns
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As pet parents, we love providing our furry friends with treats. However, not everything that’s good for us is good for our canine friends. If you’re looking for a snack for you and your dog, you might be tempted to pull out that box of Hot Pockets you’ve kept in the freezer, pop them in the microwave, toss them on a plate, and share them with your pup. However, dogs shouldn’t eat Hot Pockets because though they aren’t that bad for us, there are ingredients in them that can be toxic.
It’s best to avoid feeding your dog any flavor of Hot Pockets for various reasons. We’ll talk about why they are bad for your dog and even give you some healthier alternatives in the article below.
Can Dogs Eat Hot Pockets?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat Hot Pockets. Some ingredients in Hot Pockets could be toxic to your pet, such as onions and garlic. Plus, seasonings and spices in Hot Pockets can upset your pet’s digestive system, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Hot Pockets also contain quite a few artificial preservatives that could cause stomach issues. The main concern when feeding your dog Hot Pockets is the sodium content. Since they are loaded with salt, they are dangerous for dogs in large quantities. If your dog ingests too much salt, they can become dehydrated and suffer from electrolyte imbalances and other health issues.
On top of all that, Hot Pockets can contain a lot of extra fats and oils that not only can upset your dog’s stomach, they can also pack on the pounds. Extra weight gain in dogs can increase the chances for certain diseases like diabetes, arthritis and eating high-fat foods can lead to pancreatitis.
Are Hot Pockets Safe for My Dogs?
While eating a Hot Pocket won’t immediately hurt your dog, it can over time or if they eat too much at once. Eating a tiny piece should be safe for your dog, but it’s best to serve healthy, commercial treats instead.
When deciding whether to feed your dog a piece of your Hot Pocket, it’s essential to look at the label before you do. Garlic and onions are common ingredients found in Hot Pockets, which are toxic to your canine pal.
Also, in recent years, Nestlè recalled some of their Hot Pockets due to contamination. The recalled Hot Pockets were contaminated with glass and plastic, which could be a choking and digestive hazard for you and your pet. So, not only are Hot Pockets bad for your pet because of the ingredients, they could be dangerous due to contamination as well.
What Are the Health Risks of Feeding My Dog Hot Pockets?
As previously mentioned, Hot Pockets have been recalled for being contaminated. They also contain garlic, onions, spices, seasonings, and artificial preservatives that are unhealthy or toxic for your canine pal. Even given in small amounts over time, these ingredients can cause dehydration, kidney problems, anemia, and digestive issues.
The salty dough and the cheese of the Hot Pockets are also unhealthy for your dog and can lead to vomiting and diarrhea because they are hard for the dog to digest. Of course, you’ll also have the long-term issue of weight gain and the potential issues that can come with that.
What Are Some Alternatives to Hot Pockets to Feed My Dog?
While it might not be a good idea to feed your dog Hot Pockets, there are other human foods you can feed your dog in moderation that won’t hurt or poison them.
- Cooked lean meats such as chicken or turkey served without seasonings or cooked in oil
- Cooked vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, and sweet potatoes
- Commercial dog treats, which are the healthiest options
Even though these foods are okay to feed your dog, it’s still best to serve them occasionally as a treat instead of as a regular part of their daily diet.
What Should I Do If My Dog Accidently Eats a Hot Pocket?
If your dog only eats a bit of a Hot Pocket, you need to keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t get sick. However, if your dog eats an entire Hot Pocket, no matter which flavor it is, it’s best to contact your vet, especially if you notice troubling signs. If your dog has excessive diarrhea or is vomiting, take them to a vet and bring the Hot Pocket package with you. Your vet can examine the ingredients to help with the diagnosis.
Final Thoughts
While dogs can eat a small piece of your Hot Pocket, it’s best to avoid serving them. Not only has Nestlè recalled certain boxes of Hot Pockets in the past for contamination, but they are full of ingredients such as garlic, onions, spices, and artificial preservatives that can cause your dog to become sick. You can feed your canine pal other human foods and canine treats that are better for them.
Featured Image Credit: MSPhotographic, Shutterstock
