Can Dogs Have Rice Krispie Treats? Here's What Vets Say

If you like to spoil your dog with human treats every now and then, you may be wondering if it's safe to share your Rice Krispie Treats with your furry friend. While not exactly poisonous, Rice Krispie Treats are full of sugar, butter, and marshmallows, which makes them a bad choice that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis in dogs if they eat too much.

This article takes a closer look at the veterinary insight provided by professionals to find out which ingredients in Rice Krispie Treats are bad for dogs and how much of each ingredient is dangerous. It also covers some healthier alternatives that are safe for dogs and can still help you spoil your pet without putting their health at risk. With this information, you'll be better equipped to decide whether or not to give your dog this popular treat.

Why Are Rice Krispie Treats Bad for Dogs?

In addition to the marshmallows, which are a main ingredient in Rice Krispie Treats, the treats are also high in sugar and calories, which can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs. According to the American Kennel Club, even marshmallows that don’t contain the toxic sweetener xylitol can cause gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite, in dogs if they are eaten in large quantities.

Rice Krispie Treats are also high in other sugars, including corn syrup, which Animal Gator notes can lead to weight gain and dental problems. Meanwhile, according to William Toreto writing for Medium, one Rice Krispie Treat contains about 30 grams of sugar, which is almost as much as two and a half McDonald’s Quarter Pounders.

If your dog eats multiple marshmallows or a large amount of Rice Krispie Treats, it’s important to contact your vet right away, as ongoing gastrointestinal issues could lead to pancreatitis and other health problems. It’s also important to make sure you don’t feed your dog sugary treats in the future to help protect their long-term health.

Watch for Symptoms of Overconsumption

If a dog eats too many Rice Krispie Treats, it can cause digestive issues. According to Dogster, this can include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. In more serious cases, pancreatitis can occur due to the high levels of sugar and fat in the treats. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention, according to Medium.

In addition, if a dog is eating Rice Krispie Treats on a regular basis, it can lead to long-term issues like weight gain and diabetes. If a dog experiences any of the above symptoms after eating Rice Krispie Treats, it’s best to consult a vet to get their advice on how to proceed.

What to Give Dogs Instead of Rice Krispie Treats

Instead of giving dogs Rice Krispie Treats, pet parents can opt for healthier, dog-friendly treat choices. According to The Honest Kitchen, homemade treats that include ingredients such as pumpkin, peanut butter, whole-wheat flour, and natural sweeteners like honey are a good option. Not only can these treats be tailored to a dog's specific needs, such as supporting digestion, skin, and coat health, they can also be made with organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients.

In addition, commercial dog treats that are made with limited, high-quality ingredients, including meat, vegetables, and whole grains, are a healthy alternative, according to The Recipe Critic. Meanwhile, fresh fruits and vegetables, such as carrots, blueberries, and cucumbers, can be given to dogs as low-calorie, healthy treats, according to 24 Hour Dog Daycare.

No matter the treat, it's important to make sure that dogs are given treats in moderation and that their daily caloric intake is adjusted to account for the calories they consume from treats. This will help ensure that dogs maintain a healthy weight and that their overall health and well-being are supported.

How to Find Healthy Dog Treats

When shopping for dog treats, it's important to check the ingredient list and avoid anything with harmful additives or fillers. As noted by The Honest Kitchen, pet parents should opt for treats that are made with real, whole-food ingredients like meat, fruits, veggies, and whole grains.

The DogFoodAdvisor suggests staying away from treats that contain artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors, as well as xylitol, grapes, and macadamia nuts, which are all toxic to dogs. Instead, choose treats that have added health benefits, like aiding in digestion, improving skin and coat health, or providing essential nutrients.

For instance, The Honest Kitchen's Parmesan Pecks are made with superfoods like barley, flaxseed, and cranberries, and their Bone Broth Bites are made with turkey bone broth and nutrient-dense veggies. You can also make your own treats with healthy ingredients like peanut butter, sweet potatoes, and carrots, as recommended by 24 Hour Dog Daycare.

By being mindful of the ingredients in the dog treats they buy, pet parents can make sure they're giving their pups healthy, safe snacks that contribute to their overall health and happiness.

Conclusion: It's Best to Limit Rice Krispie Treats

While Rice Krispie Treats aren't toxic to dogs, they aren't the best choice for a dog treat due to their high sugar, fat, and sodium content. The main ingredients in Rice Krispie Treats that are bad for dogs are marshmallows, butter, and added sugars. Eating too many of these treats can lead to obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis, and other health problems in dogs.

According to Rover.com, Rice Krispies by themselves are OK for dogs in small amounts as an occasional treat, but they shouldn't be used as a meal replacement. Dogster explains that while the sugar and sodium levels in a single serving aren't high, dogs should only be given a taste of Rice Krispies, not a full serving.

Mr Dog Food points out that the other ingredients in Rice Krispie Treats, including marshmallows, butter, and flavorings, make them an unhealthy choice that should be given in small amounts or avoided altogether. The high calorie, sugar, and fat content can lead to long-term issues like obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis.

While a small taste of a Rice Krispie Treat may not have an immediate impact, eating Rice Krispie Treats regularly can have a negative effect on a dog's health. Pet parents should look for healthier, dog-safe treats to satisfy their pup's sweet tooth instead.