Can dogs have goldfish crackers?
Dogs literally can go on cloud nine when they are served delicious food. Food and dogs are best friends, it is the pet parent who needs to be extra cautious. Buying tasty treats and snacks for dogs can make them obey all your orders. On this note, let’s talk about goldfish crackers, are they safe to eat or not? Is it the right snack for your dog?
Now, let’s ask it straight, can dogs eat goldfish crackers? The answer is No. The crackers are extremely harmful because it carries salt and onion powder, which is not good for a dog’s health when fed in large quantities. This type of snack can only given just for the taste like one or two bites, that’s it.
In this blog, PetsWander will help you to learn about why goldfish crackers are not healthy for dogs, their ingredients, dos/don’ts, and better alternatives to pick.
Why are goldfish crackers not safe for dogs?
Additives and preservatives
The salty snack contains many types of additives and preservatives. For example, autolyzed yeast and annatto extract are harmful for a dog’s health. These ingredients can affect dogs with allergic reactions and other harmful side effects.
High salt content
Goldfish crackers have the high salt ingredient which is extremely harmful for dogs. This may cause your dog salt poisoning. The symptoms you may find are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and seizures. In many cases, this is fatal as well.
Unhealthy fat oils
This is important for you to know, that the mouth-watering snack contains ingredients like canola and soya bean oil. Feeding snacks or food containing these oils can cause obesity and health issues.
Cheese and Lactose Intolerance
Foods containing Lactose are indigestive for some dogs. It means finding sugar in milk and dairy products can cause health issues. The cheese it involves can upset the stomach including gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Also, read: Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
Have a quick look at the goldfish crackers snack
Ingredients:
- Annatto extract ( color addition)
- Paprika
- Wheat flour
- Cheddar cheese
- Salt
- Yeast
- Sugar
- Spices
- Baking soda
- Autolyzed yeast
The potential risks to your dog when feeding goldfish crackers
Digestive issues: The goldfish crackers are high in calories and fats, which can contribute to weight gain and obesity in dogs.
Salt poisoning: Excessive salt can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and yes allergies.
Pancreatitis: leads to high-fat content, which can cause inflammation in the pancreas, which leads to very serious pain.
Make sure any type of goldfish crackers or similar snacks should not be in your dog’s diet. And, if you find any symptoms even feeding in moderation, then you must rush to the pet’s clinic.
How to feed goldfish crackers to dogs?
Well, if you want your dog to have a taste of everything, then being very careful is a golden rule. Let’s read the pointers below:
In moderation: You must know that due to high-fat ingredients and salts feeding goldfish crackers just for the taste is fine. The quantity should not be more than a handful amount, you can say 5 to 8 cubes, and that too depending on the size.
Mix in between the two: you can also try crushing the pieces of goldfish crackers and mixing them with shredded carrots, oats, etc.
Are there any alternatives to goldfish crackers to feed your dog?
Special dog treats
You can always go to the pet shop and pick the delicious dog treat. Those treats are healthy and must be having nutritional value with flavors and textures.
Edible items
You can feed your dog with leafy vegetables and diced fruits. Feeding your pet with delicious edibles will keep your dog healthy and growing.
Homemade treats
Dogs can eat anything but yes in a balanced way. You can prepare snacks for your pet like oats, mixing water in curd or shakes with no sugar.
Go for other options
You can pick snacks or treats that have low-sodium portions and do not have ingredients like garlic or onion powder.
Conclusion
Feeding your dog with treats containing too much sugar, salt or added preservatives is harmful. You can always consult the doctor before feeding any fruit or snacks to your furry love. The health and growth of your dog are in your hands totally, and that is why staying extra cautious is mandatory to give your pet a healthy living.
