Fortune cookies are sugary and crunchy cookies that come with a piece of paper inside, a “fortune” in the form of a vague prophecy or aphorism. Originally from Japan, fortune cookies have gained worldwide popularity after World War II and have become a favorite among many.
Fortune cookies taste good, which is why you’re probably thinking of sharing some with your dogs. But should you? Are fortune cookies safe for your furry friends? Will they have fun eating them as much as you do?
Unfortunately, your dogs should never be given fortune cookies. This treat is unhealthy for your dogs because of the following ingredients:
Sugar
Sugar isn’t toxic to dogs, but feeding them sugary treats too often can increase their risk of diabetes and obesity. Fortune cookies have high sugar content, and your dogs’ bodies might have difficulty tolerating or digesting them.
Sugar has short- and long-term effects on your dog’s health. Some of the most common short-term side effects of eating too much sugar in dogs include:
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Stomach inflammation
Dogs who eat too much sugar too often can suffer from the following long-term:
- Diabetes
- Hormonal imbalance
- Obesity
- Tooth decay
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla extra contains about 35% alcohol and is one of the most important ingredients in making fortune cookies. Adding fortune cookies to your dogs’ diets might lead to alcohol poisoning, especially to puppies and small-breed dogs. Alcohol ingestion can also cause:
- Breathing issues
- Coma
- Dehydration
- Disorientation
- Ingestion
- Sudden Death
Salt
Dogs need salt or sodium in their diets, but feeding them too much can cause many health problems. Fortune cookies contain salt, which can induce sodium poisoning in dogs. When this happens, your furry friends will experience:
- Diarrhea
- Muscle spasms
- Seizures
- Vomiting
Flour
Another ingredient common in fortune cookies is flour. Flour is generally safe for dogs. However, problems can arise if your pets have a severe gluten allergy. Feeding fortune cookies to dogs with a gluten allergy can cause the following:
- Celiac disease
- Ear infection
- Irritated skin
- Stomach disorder
Xylitol
Instead of using sugar, many fortune cookies sold today use artificial sweeteners, such as xylitol. This ingredient is harmless to humans but not to dogs. Xylitol is actually toxic to dogs and can cause the following even when taken in small amounts:
- Lack of coordination
- Laziness
- Severe vomiting
When left untreated, the symptoms of xylitol poisoning can worsen in dogs and trigger the following:
- Death
- Liver failure
- Rapid blood sugar drop
- Seizures
Instant Tea Powder
Many fortune cookies are now made with instant tea powder to add more flavors. Along with other sources of caffeine, instant tea powder is highly toxic to canines. Ingesting large quantities of tea-infused fortune cookies might cause the following to your furry friends:
- Elevated heartbeat
- Hypertension
- Restlessness
- Unconsciousness
Do Fortune Cookies Provide Health Benefits To Your Dogs?
Fortune cookies contain simple carbohydrates and fats from sugar. Other than that, there’s nothing nutritious about them. Your dogs can actually get carbohydrates from healthier sources other than fortune cookies.
What Should You Do If Your Dogs Accidentally Ate Fortune Cookies?
The answer to this question depends on the number of fortune cookies your dogs ate and the ingredients they contain. If your dogs ate only one or two pieces of fortune cookies, there’s no need to panic. Most of the ingredients in fortune cookies are safe in small quantities.
It’s also important to check the ingredients of the fortune cookies. If they contain toxic ingredients, such as xylitol or instant tea powder, it’s best if you take your dogs to the vet immediately. Act fast to prevent any of these ingredients from causing severe damage to your dogs’ bodies.
What Are Some Dog-Friendly Alternatives To Fortune Cookies?
Instead of feeding your furry friends some fortune cookies, opt to give them the following:
- Dog biscuits: Dog biscuits are an excellent source of healthy supplements and added nutrition for your dogs. They can also relieve boredom and reduce destructive behavior in dogs.
- Peanut butter: You can also feed your dogs sugar-free or unsalted peanut butter as this provides fiber, protein, and other healthy fats. Peanut butter is also packed with folic acid that supports healthy cell growth in canines.
- Bananas: Bananas contain potassium that aids in the functioning of the electrical charges of your dogs’ hearts, muscles, and nerves. This fruit also has fiber and vitamins B6 and C.
Work With A Vet
If you have questions about your dogs’ diet — what foods are healthy and unhealthy for them — always consult a vet. The internet contains a lot of information about pet nutrition but keep in mind that not everything you see online is accurate or suited for your dogs.
By talking to a vet, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re feeding the right food in the right amount and frequency to your dogs.