While Frosted Flakes are a popular breakfast food for both children and adults, they’re not so great for dogs. Frosted Flakes don’t add any nutritional value to a dog’s diet, and the added sugar can lead to health complications if a dog continues to eat them.
Fortunately, there are many breakfast foods that are much safer for dogs to eat. So, you and your dog can still enjoy eating breakfast together. We have some answers to frequently asked questions about Frosted Flakes, and soon you’ll know everything there’s to know about enjoying safe breakfasts with your dog.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Frosted Flakes?
The main ingredients in Frosted Flakes are milled corn, sugar, and malt flavor. While most corn products are safe for dogs to eat, it’s concerning that sugar is the second ingredient. While sugar isn’t toxic for dogs, it can give them an upset stomach and cause further health complications. Added sugars aren’t necessary for a dog’s diet. They’ll cause unnecessary weight gain, which can eventually lead to obesity. Eating too much sugar can also put dogs at risk of getting diabetes. Some dogs may even get pancreatitis if their diet contains too much sugar.
Malt flavor is also an ambiguous ingredient, as it doesn’t clarify if the flavoring is derived from natural ingredients. While Frosted Flakes doesn’t seem to have any artificial colors, it’s still unclear what was used to make the malt flavor.
Frosted Flakes lists several beneficial vitamins and minerals in its ingredient list. It contains iron, niacinamide, vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamin B1, folic acid, vitamin D3, and vitamin B12. However, considering how the main ingredients aren’t that healthy for dogs, you can find much better sources of these vitamins and minerals from other foods.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Frosted Flakes?
Every once in a while, your dog can get a bite of Frosted Flakes if you spill some on the floor. You’ll most likely not have to worry, as a few bits of cereal won’t cause harm to your dog. If your dog does eat a significant amount of Frosted Flakes, they can end up with an upset stomach. Your dog may experience vomiting and diarrhea. Dogs with upset stomachs can also lose their appetite and pace around a lot.
It’s best to consult your veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an upset stomach. Your veterinarian may recommend having your dog fast from food and eating easily digestible foods, like cooked rice or pumpkin. If your dog has severe vomiting, a fever, or bloody diarrhea, visit your veterinarian right away.
Are There Breakfast Foods That Are Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Fortunately, your dog can eat plenty of safer, more wholesome breakfast foods than Frosted Flakes. Here are some natural foods that are both nutritious and tasty for dogs.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal is a relatively common ingredient used in dog food, so it’s likely that your dog is already accustomed to its taste. Not only is oatmeal an excellent source of fiber, it’s also packed with different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. In some cases, oatmeal may help reduce cholesterol levels.
Fruit
Dogs can enjoy small pieces of many different kinds of fruit as occasional treats. Some fruits that are safe for dogs to eat include apples, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, cantaloupe, and watermelon. Dogs should avoid eating cherries, grapes, and avocados because they’re toxic to them.
Eggs
Many dogs will enjoy eating fully cooked eggs. Dogs can eat both egg whites and egg yolks safely. Eggs are also a great source of protein, essential fatty acids, vitamin A, and vitamin B12. When preparing eggs, make sure to cook them thoroughly and without butter or oil. They should also be left unseasoned.
Conclusion
Dogs should avoid eating Frosted Flakes because they don’t really benefit their health. Your dog most likely won’t get sick if it sneaks a bite of cereal pieces that fall to the floor. However, they shouldn’t develop a habit of eating Frosted Flakes. There are plenty of other nutritious breakfast foods they can eat, and most dogs will probably prefer natural foods over highly processed cereals. So, feel free to ditch the processed cereals and feed your dog healthier and more wholesome options, and you just might end up doing the same for yourself.
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Featured Image Credit: Yoyochow23, Shutterstock
