Though not toxic, Graham crackers have components like salt, fats, carbohydrates, and sugar that can affect your dog adversely.
Signs to look out for include vomiting, diarrhea, itchy skin, and seizures in extreme situations.
Here’s what you need to know to ensure that your pet remains safe, other options for treats, and what to look out for should your dog eat Graham Crackers.
Nutritional value of Graham Crackers
Graham Crackers are a snack made from Graham flour which comes from whole grain wheat flour and is commonly flavored with cinnamon or honey.
They are widely used to make s’mores.
Every 100g of Graham crackers contains 423 calories, 31g sugar, 77g carbohydrates, 477mg sodium, 135mg potassium, and 7g protein.
They also have iron, vitamin B6, calcium, and magnesium.
The ingredients in the crackers are what make them unsafe for dogs.
The high calories in the Graham Crackers can lead to obesity.
Dogs have bad reactions to white flour products which contain gluten.
A common reaction to gluten intolerance is foot chewing.
The high salt content in the crackers can lead to sodium poisoning, which is fatal.
The proteins, vitamins, and minerals in Graham Crackers are insufficient for your pet and can quickly be sought from other healthier options.
Graham Crackers ingredients that may be harmful to your dog
Most dogs are not allergic to wheat and its products.
However, frequent exposure increases your fur buddy’s risk of being allergic.
Gluten intolerance causes reactions like;
Weight loss
Loss of fur
Rashes
Flaky skin
Itchy skin
Ear infection
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Gas
Mucousy stool
Foot chewing
Bloating
Graham Crackers contain carbohydrates
While carbohydrates are suitable for your pup, those found in Graham Crackers are mainly sugar and white flour.
These bad carbs can cause diabetes and obesity in your dog.
It is best to get healthy carbs from more nutritious foods like oats and sweet potatoes.
Graham Crackers contain sugar
Graham Crackers are not the ideal treat for your dog as a sweet snack.
Xylitol is an artificial sugar commonly used as a sweetener.
Xylitol is toxic and harmful to dogs and can cause liver failure.
Too much sugar can cause your dog obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis, which is fatal.
Other side effects include;
Low energy levels
Decreased muscle tone
Low immunity
Digestive distress
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Inflammation
Dental decay
Graham Crackers contain salt
Graham crackers contain salt.
Too much salt in a dog’s diet can lead to sodium poisoning, resulting in death.
Signs to look out for are;
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Tremors
High fever
seizures
Graham crackers contain palm oil
Some Graham Crackers may contain palm oil.
Palm oil isn’t toxic to dogs but can cause gastrointestinal issues to your dog.
Palm oil can also lead to pancreatitis, which can cause death.
Palm oil can act as a laxative, causing digestive distress to your fur buddy.
Other effects are;
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Dehydration
Stomach upset
Digestive blockage (when consumed heavily)
Liver failure
Safer alternatives to Graham Crackers for your dog
It is tempting to give in to your dog’s whining and offer that treat.
Instead of worrying if your dog is safe, provide your pup treats from healthy meats, fruits, and vegetables.
Some more nutritious alternatives are;
Vegetables: Kale, cucumber, celery, beets, broccoli, carrots, green beans, and spinach are some great vegetables that are good for your furry friend. These vegetables are also an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
Fruits: apples, bananas, melons, pineapple, papayas, pears, and strawberries are some great fruits to offer your fur buddy. Fruits are a great source of vitamins and minerals. Avoid grapes as dogs are deathly allergic.
Meat: Fish, lean pork, chicken, and beef are great meat choices to feed your canine. Fish options like salmon, shrimp, or tuna are excellent sources of vitamins, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, which boost your dog’s immune system.
Ensure it is well cooked to remove the risk of salmonella and other harmful bacteria.
Debone the fish to remove the risk of choking.
Lean pork is also great for your pup.
Prepare it without any seasoning.
Also, avoid other pork products like bacon and ham due to their high sodium content.
Chicken and other meat types like duck and turkey are excellent substitutes and a nutritious choice for your dog.
Boiled chicken is also good for your dog’s gut and soothes the stomach.
Remove the bones to ensure the bones dont splinter and harm your dog’s gums and digestive system.
Beef is another nutritious option.
However, cook the meat to avoid infections from harmful bacteria.
Frequently asked questions
Do dogs love Graham Crackers?
Graham Crackers are a tasty snack, and dogs love them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they should eat them due to the health risks involved.
The ingredients in the crackers can cause your dog ailments, some of which can be fatal.
Can your dog eat s’mores?
No, it would be best if you didn’t feed your pooch s’mores.
Marshmallows have no health benefits and contain artificial sugars and other additives that aren’t good for your dog.
Chocolate contains theobromine which is poisonous to dogs.
What are the signs to look out for if your dog has ingested Graham Crackers?
Keep an eye out for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, gas, itchiness, rashes, and foot chewing.
Identifying these symptoms in good time could save your pet from fatal conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, and liver failure.
If you notice these symptoms, reduce food servings and instead give your pet ice cubes, bone broth, and pureed pumpkin to alleviate any stomach discomfort.
If the symptoms persist, visit a vet.
Can Graham Crackers kill your dog?
Graham Crackers can’t kill your dog.
However, the components in the crackers can harm your dog by causing fatal ailments like liver failure and pancreatitis.
Final thoughts
There you have it.
Not all foods and snacks that you love are suitable for your pet.
The risk involved in feeding your dog Graham Crackers does not equate to the results that could occur.
It is best to stick to healthier food that can be served as regular meals or treats, and you will have a healthy, adoring fur buddy.
Do dogs love Graham Crackers?
Graham Crackers are a tasty snack, and dogs love them, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they should eat them due to the health risks involved. The ingredients in the crackers can cause your dog ailments, some of which can be fatal.
Can your dog eat s’mores?
No, it would be best if you didn’t feed your pooch s’mores. Marshmallows have no health benefits and contain artificial sugars and other additives that aren’t good for your dog. Chocolate contains theobromine which is poisonous to dogs.
What are the signs to look out for if your dog has ingested Graham Crackers?
Keep an eye out for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, gas, itchiness, rashes, and foot chewing. Identifying these symptoms in good time could save your pet from fatal conditions like diabetes, pancreatitis, and liver failure.
Can Graham Crackers kill your dog?
Graham Crackers can’t kill your dog. However, the components in the crackers can harm your dog by causing fatal ailments like liver failure and pancreatitis.
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