Can Dogs Eat Weetabix
Does your dog come running as soon as it hears you take out a bowl from the cabinet, or is Fido right by your feet as soon as your cereal begins to pour into the bowl at breakfast time? You are likely tempted to give your dog a few pieces– or maybe your dog ate your cereal while your back was turned, and you want to be sure that they won’t be sick because of that.
So, is Weetabix safe for dogs to eat? Generally, yes, but you do not want to give your dog too much, and you also should avoid giving your dog any cereal if they have a grain allergy. This should be a special treat only.
What Is Weetabix?
Weetabix is a breakfast cereal that originally came from the UK. There are a few different variations, but the most common come in the form of biscuits that are about the size of a person’s palm. It is made with 100% whole grain, and also contains many different vitamins and nutrients. Generally, Weetabix is considered to be one of the healthier breakfast cereals that is out on the market. Health wise, Weetabix is fairly comparable to breakfast oats or oatmeal!
Also Read – Can Dogs Eat Oatmeal Raisin Cookies?
Can Dogs Eat Weetabix?
Yes, dogs can eat Weetabix, but you should avoid feeding them too much of this breakfast cereal. Only do so in moderation, and never use Weetabix as a meal replacement. The cereal will not be able to successfully replace your dog’s regular diet and give them all of the vitamins and nutrients that they need. You should also be sure that your dog does not have a grain allergy, or even a grain sensitivity, because Weetabix is primarily made of whole grains.
Risks of Feeding Your Dog Weetabix
As mentioned above, feeding your dog Weetabix is okay and typically safe to do. However, all of that goes out the window if your pet has allergies or if you end up going overboard and feeding your dog too much of breakfast cereal. Take a look below to learn about some of the potential risks you could incur.
Also Read – Can Dogs Eat Eggos?
Grain Allergies
First and foremost is grain allergies! Obviously, if your pet has a grain allergy, feeding them a cereal that is made of 100% whole grain is not a good idea. Grain allergies or sensitivities can manifest in many different ways. Some symptoms are milder, while others range from dry skin, itchiness, redness, swelling, and even vomiting.
Bloating and Gas
As Weetabix contains a lot of fiber, it can cause bloating and gas if your pet eats too much of it. This can cause much discomfort in your pet and may even need medical attention, depending in its severity. It may also be difficult to determine why your pet is uncomfortable, as gas is not always easy to spot.
Digestive Issues
Another common issue that your pet may experience if eating too much unfamiliar food is digestive issues. These include vomiting, loose stool, diarrhea, and constipation. Since Weetabix has grain as its main ingredient, it contains high amounts of fiber, which will usually lead to constipation and trouble passing stools.
Feeding Your Dog Weetabix
If you do decide to feed your dog Weetabix, you should think of it as a special treat only, and feed your pet accordingly. Give them a few pieces of the cereal, and serve it dry, rather than in milk, as the dairy is not good for your pet. You should also be sure that your pet does not have any sort of grain allergy that could be triggered by eating Weetabix. Last, but not least, do not use the cereal as a meal supplement for your dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much Weetabix can I give my dog?
Weetabix can be fed to your dog as a treat every once in a while, but it should not be something that you are giving your dog too often, and should not be used as a meal substitute, either. A few pieces of the Weetabix cereal is fine, but you should not try to give your dog too much more than that. Additionally, if your dog has a grain allergy, you should avoid the Weetabix altogether.
What breakfast cereals can dogs eat?
There are several breakfast cereals that dogs can eat, though you should only give them a couple pieces as a treat. Stay away from cereals with a lot of sugar or artificial flavorings as well, as these can be unsafe for your pet to consume. Some of the breakfast cereals that are safe for dogs include Cheerios, Rice Krispies, and Corn Flakes. Of course, if your dog has a grain allergy, most cereals are going to exacerbate that and should be avoided.
What can you give a dog for breakfast?
Naturally, one of the best and safest things that you can give a dog for breakfast is its regular diet of wet or dry dog food. However, if you do find yourself in a pinch without dog food in the morning, you could feed your pet boiled rice and chicken, which is safe and easy on the tummy. Another option is 2-3 eggs, scrambled, with vegetables or a cooked grain– or both. Be sure that you are not including salt, pepper, or other seasonings that could make your dog sick. In this case, plain and simple is always better.
Can dogs eat quick oats?
Generally, it is recommended that dog owners stay away from quick oats or instant oatmeal, and relegate that to human only consumption. This is because it is highly processed and will not give your dog many of the health benefits that make regular oatmeal a good choice. Essentially, it loses most of its nutritional value for your pet! However, normal oatmeal is something that your dog can eat, and your vet may even recommend it. It can be a great choice, especially, for dogs that are grain sensitive or have a grain allergy.