Picture this: you’re happily munching a graham cracker, and you accidentally glance down. Your dog is looking up at you with big, pleading eyes. You know they’re just begging for a piece of your snack, but is it okay to give your buddy graham crackers?
The answer is no. While graham crackers are technically safe for dogs, they’re unhealthy and not a good snack option for your pup.
What are graham crackers?
Graham crackers are a type of sweetened cracker made with graham flour. Today’s graham crackers are usually made with honey, molasses, or sugar and are flavored with cinnamon or other spices.
While graham crackers were originally created as a health food, they’re now considered more of a dessert or snack.
Are graham crackers safe for dogs?
Graham crackers don’t contain any ingredients that are toxic to dogs, but they’re still unhealthy for them. Here’s why:
Graham crackers are high in sugar.
Most commercially-produced graham crackers are high in sugar, honey, molasses, and other types of sweeteners. That’s why they’re so good! However, all that sugar isn’t good for your dog.
Excess sugar can lead to weight gain and obesity in dogs, as well as diabetes. It can also cause digestive problems like diarrhea and gas.
Graham crackers have artificial flavors.
Many graham crackers also contain artificial flavors and colors. While these might not be harmful in small amounts, it’s still best to keep them away from your dog’s diet.
Graham crackers are packed with empty calories.
All that flour, sugar, and oil in graham crackers make them high in calories but low in nutrients. Dogs don’t need empty calories in their diet, and they can actually lead to weight gain.
Graham crackers have too much salt for dogs.
A single graham cracker can contain more than 20mg of salt. That’s perfectly fine for humans, but it’s too much for dogs. Specifically, it’s more than the recommended amount of salt for a 50-pound dog.
Too much salt can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It’s especially dangerous for puppies, senior dogs, and those with health problems.
Some dogs are allergic to wheat in graham crackers.
While not all dogs are allergic to wheat, some can be. Unfortunately, graham crackers are usually made of wheat flour. If your dog is allergic to wheat, they could have a reaction after eating graham crackers. Watch out for signs of an allergic reaction like itchiness, redness, vomiting, or diarrhea, then make sure to call your vet to request an allergy test.
As you can see, there are quite a few reasons why you shouldn’t give your dog graham crackers. While they’re not toxic, they’re high in sugar, salt, and calories, and they could cause an allergic reaction in some dogs.
What kind of crackers can dogs eat?
Aside from graham crackers, other crackers are unhealthy for dogs. For instance, saltines are high in salt, while Ritz crackers are packed with unhealthy fats.
Filled crackers like cheese crackers have artificial flavorings and oil, and crackers with chocolate are obviously off-limits.
In short, keep the crackers to yourself and give your dog a healthy alternative instead.
How many graham crackers can I give my dog?
If you really want to give your dog a graham cracker, we recommend just giving him one or two bites so they can try it. As much as possible, give your dog a plain one. Avoid crackers with chocolate or other flavored crackers.
As a rule of thumb, don’t give your dog more than 10% of the whole pack.
Can dogs have cinnamon crackers?
Cinnamon crackers are a no-go for dogs. In addition to the sugar and artificial flavors, the bit of cinnamon can irritate their mouth and tongue.
Will graham crackers give dogs diarrhea?
It depends on how many they eat. One or two crackers won’t cause any problems, but if your dog eats a whole sleeve, you’ll probably have to clean up some diarrhea later.
My dog ate graham crackers: what should I do?
Did your dog manage to sneak a few graham crackers? Don’t worry, they’re not going to get sick from it. However, we recommend keeping an eye on them for any signs of digestive upset.
If your dog seems to be having diarrhea or vomiting, call your vet right away. Otherwise, chalk it up to a lesson learned, and remember to keep the crackers out of reach next time!
Healthy & Crunchy Snacks for Dogs
Just because dogs shouldn’t have graham crackers doesn’t mean they should miss out on all the crunchy yumminess. Here are some healthier alternatives to graham crackers that your dog will love:
Dog biscuits: Dog biscuits come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors, so you’re sure to find one your pup will love. Look for biscuits that are made with whole grains and have limited ingredients.
Fruits & vegetables: Dogs love crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and cucumbers. Just make sure to remove the seeds, stems, and leaves, as they can be harmful to dogs.
Homemade dog crackers: You can also make your own healthy dog crackers at home. Use dog-friendly ingredients like whole wheat flour, peanut butter, and rolled oats.
Dental chews: Dental chews are great for dogs’ teeth and gums, and they’re usually pretty crunchy. Choose ones that are made with natural ingredients and don’t have any sugar or artificial flavors.
Dehydrated liver: Dehydrated liver is a healthy, crunchy treat that most dogs love. You can find it at pet stores or online. Don’t give them too much, or they might get an upset stomach.
Wrapping It Up
Graham crackers might be tasty, but it’s not good for dog snack time. They’re high in sugar and calories, and they could cause an allergic reaction for poor pups with wheat allergies.
If you want to give your dog a crunchy snack, choose something healthier like fruits, vegetables, or homemade dog crackers. Finally, always remember to keep the snacks out of reach so your pet can’t get their paws on them.