Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat? The Truth About This Breakfast Food

Whether you’re eating it for breakfast or as a snack, you might be thinking about sharing your bowl of cream of wheat with your dog. While cream of wheat isn’t poisonous to dogs, it’s best to avoid giving it to them or to give it to them in very small amounts. This is because dogs have a hard time digesting grains like wheat, especially when they’re eaten in large quantities, and because the milk, sugar, and other ingredients in cream of wheat can lead to a variety of digestive issues.

To help you decide whether or not it’s OK to give your dog a little bit of cream of wheat every now and then, we’ve looked into the latest research from veterinary nutritionists and other pet experts. Their advice will help us determine whether or not cream of wheat has any nutritional value for dogs, whether or not it’s safe to give it to them, and if there are any risks associated with feeding it to them. Armed with this information, you’ll be able to decide whether or not to let your dog eat this popular breakfast food.

Is Cream of Wheat Safe for Dogs?

While plain, unsweetened cream of wheat is safe for most dogs to eat in small amounts, there are some risks and precautions to keep in mind. Dogs that are allergic to wheat should not eat cream of wheat, as it can cause allergic reactions and digestive problems. Even for dogs that don't have a wheat allergy, cream of wheat should not be a part of their regular diet because it doesn't contain the nutrients that dogs need.

It's important to make sure that you don't add any other ingredients like milk, sugar, chocolate, or artificial sweeteners when you feed cream of wheat to your dog. These ingredients can be poisonous and cause other health problems. You should also make sure that you don't give your dog too much cream of wheat at once because it contains a lot of carbohydrates, which dogs can have trouble digesting in large amounts.

As always, it's best to talk to your vet before you make any changes to your dog's diet. They can assess your dog's specific needs and let you know if it's OK to give your dog cream of wheat as an occasional treat. With the help of your vet and the right precautions, you can make sure that your dog stays safe and healthy.

How Much Cream of Wheat Can Dogs Have?

The Cream of Wheat Facebook post suggests that dogs should have 1-2 tablespoons of cream of wheat for every 20 pounds of body weight, and no more than 2-3 times a week. DogAware.com even breaks down the nutritional content of different types of cream of wheat, making it easier to determine the right serving size for your dog.

As with any new food, it's best to start with a small amount and see how your dog reacts. If you notice any digestive problems, like vomiting or diarrhea, after your dog eats cream of wheat, it's best to avoid feeding it to them in the future. In addition, Rover.com warns that cream of wheat is high in carbohydrates, so it should be fed to dogs in moderation and as an occasional treat. It's also important to avoid adding sugar, salt, or other seasonings that can be harmful to dogs.

In short, it's best to think of cream of wheat as a special treat for dogs. While it's safe for dogs to eat in moderation, it's not a substitute for a nutritionally balanced dog food. If you're not sure how much cream of wheat your dog can have, or whether it's a good idea to feed it to them at all, talk to your vet.

Nutritional Value and Potential Benefits of Cream of Wheat for Dogs

As mentioned in the Rover.com article, the primary ingredient in cream of wheat is enriched wheat farina, which contains approximately 109 calories and no sugar or salt. The DogAware.com resource lists the nutritional content of different types of cream of wheat, including protein, carbohydrates, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

Although cream of wheat is not a complete and balanced dog food, it may have some nutritional benefits when fed in moderation. According to the American Kennel Club, wheat-based grains like those found in cream of wheat can be a good source of protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients for dogs. In addition, the bland, easily digestible nature of cream of wheat may be useful for dogs that are recuperating from digestive problems, as several veterinary professionals have pointed out.

That said, it's important to talk to a vet before adding cream of wheat or any other new food to a dog's regular diet. Although it may have some nutritional benefits, cream of wheat should not be used as a substitute for a dog's regular, complete and balanced commercial dog food. When fed in moderation and with input from a vet, cream of wheat can be a safe, occasional treat for many dogs.

Dogs with Wheat Allergies: What Can I Feed My Dog Instead of Cream of Wheat?

Dogs with wheat allergies need to steer clear of cream of wheat and other wheat-based products, which can cause an allergic reaction. As the American Kennel Club notes, wheat allergies in dogs are the equivalent of celiac disease in people, meaning the dog's immune system responds to wheat proteins in an adverse way.

For dogs that are allergic to wheat, FOTP suggests looking for other grain-free options that are made with gluten-free grains like rice, oats, or quinoa. Meanwhile, the Honest Paws article points out that dogs that are allergic to wheat can eat other gluten-containing grains like barley and rye, as long as they don't contain wheat.

It's important to work with a vet to determine if a dog is allergic to wheat and to come up with a diet plan that's free of grains. As Honest Paws notes, dog owners should make sure to read labels carefully and avoid any products that contain wheat or wheat gluten for dogs that are sensitive to wheat.

Conclusion: Everything in Moderation and Balance When It Comes to Cream of Wheat

Although cream of wheat can be a safe treat for dogs, it should be given in moderation and with some important caveats. While plain, unsweetened cream of wheat is safe for dogs, it’s important to avoid adding any ingredients like sugar, milk, or artificial sweeteners, which can be toxic to dogs. It’s also important to control the portion size since cream of wheat is high in carbs and doesn’t contain the nutrients dogs need in their regular diet.

If you’re thinking of making any major changes to your dog’s diet, especially if they have a wheat allergy or other dietary issues, it’s important to talk to a vet first. This will help ensure that you’re keeping your dog safe and healthy. In the end, it’s important to think of cream of wheat as a treat and not a substitute for a healthy, balanced, nutritionally complete dog food.