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Can Dogs Eat Pirate’s Booty? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Rachel Giordano

By Rachel Giordano

Can Dogs Eat Pirate’s Booty

Vet approved

Dr. Amanda Charles Photo

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By

Dr. Amanda Charles

Veterinarian, BVSc GPCert (Derm) MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Pirate’s Booty makes for a relatively healthy snack option for humans. This brand has been filling stores with its delicious cheesy, crunchy snacks since 1987, and they are gluten-free, baked, and contain no artificial flavors or colors. Given this treat is a healthy option for humans, what about dogs? Can dogs eat Pirates Booty? Put simply, dogs can have a little Pirate’s Booty, but only in moderation as a treat.

Let’s explore more about the ingredients in Pirate’s Booty and how often you can share this delicious snack with your canine kiddo.

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What Ingredients Are in Pirate’s Booty?

These delicious puffed rice and corn snacks have a crunchy texture that any dog would love, and most ingredients used are safe for dogs, but the product does contain salt, which isn’t an ideal ingredient for dogs. While salt is not a main ingredient in this product, it is present and could pose a health problem for your dog if given too much and too often.

Robert Ehrlich, the founder of Pirate’s Booty, developed the recipe for these snacks and set out to produce a healthy treat for humans to enjoy guilt-free. Let’s take a peek at the ingredients from the most prevalent to the least, as listed on the packaging:

  • Cornmeal
  • Rice Flour
  • Sunflower Oil and /or Expeller-Pressed Canola Oil
  • Cheddar Cheese (cultured milk, salt, enzymes)
  • Whey
  • Buttermilk
  • Salt
  • Natural Flavor
  • Sea Salt
  • Citric Acid
  • Lactic Acid
  • Organic Black Pepper

As you can see, most of these ingredients are not harmful to your dog and are not toxic, but in addition to salt, it contains organic black pepper, whey, and buttermilk, which could aggravate a food allergy or cause tummy upset in some dogs.

This product also contains cheese, and some dogs cannot digest dairy very well, which can result in a tummy upset. If your dog is allergic to whey or buttermilk, cannot tolerate black pepper, or cannot digest dairy, it’s best to skip this snack as a treat for your dog.

man buying pet food
Image Credit: LADO, Shutterstock

How Much Pirate’s Booty Can I Give My Dog?

Any treat should only make up 10% of your dog’s daily diet, and moderation is key. But how much is considered moderation regarding Pirate’s Booty? You can give your dog a couple on occasion. Be sure to monitor afterward to ensure your dog doesn’t have an adverse reaction, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice these signs, stop giving Pirate’s Booty to your dog.

What Are Healthier Snacks to Give My Dog?

We all know that while you’re munching away on Pirate’s Booty, your dog will be watching on with envy. In case your dog cannot eat this snack, or even if he can eat Pirate’s Booty with no problems, it’s better to have healthier snacks on-hand for him to enjoy, such as treats specifically formulated for dogs. Here are some other, better treat options for canines:

  • Apples (avoid the stem and seeds, as they are toxic to dogs)
  • Peanut Butter (ensure no xylitol is in the ingredients)
  • Blueberries
  • Carrots
  • Air-popped popcorn (no butter or seasonings)
  • Strawberries
  • Watermelon (no rind or seeds)
Dog Eating Carrots
Image Credit: Bhitakbongse Lee, Shutterstock

Tips for a Healthy Diet for Your Pooch

For optimal health and nutrition, always feed your doggie a high-quality, complete and balanced dog food that is age-appropriate. Avoid fatty treats and foods with spices and seasonings, and limit snacks and treats to account for no more than 10% of your dog’s daily diet. You can always consult your veterinarian for suggestions on what type of food is best for your particular dog.

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Final Thoughts

Pirate’s Booty is a fairly healthy snack option for humans, and it can be given safely to your dog as an occasional treat in moderation from time to time. However, while Pirate’s Booty contains no toxic ingredients, some dogs may struggle with some of the ingredients if they have a food allergy or are lactose intolerant. There are healthier treat options out there and Pirate’s Booty offers no nutritional value to your dog. Use your own discretion, as you know your doggie the best. Always feed a high-quality, complete and balanced dog food, and don’t overdo it on treats to keep your canine pal fit, healthy, and happy.

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