Can Puppies Eat Crackers? Pros, Cons, and Recommended Brands

It’s understandable to want to give your puppy snacks such as crackers that you enjoy. But can puppies eat crackers? People adore crackers. Their crispness, flavor, and crunchiness can cause you to consume a whole packet in a single sitting. Since puppies are man’s best friend, it is possible that your dog will be around while you enjoy your cracker, and you may wind up giving them a nibble.

Can dogs eat crackers?

Crackers have no nutritional value for dogs, yet their moderate consumption is not a reason for concern. The effect of a cracker on a furry companion is contingent on the cracker’s components and type. A few crackers are innocuous, but consuming too many can harm the puppies’ health.

Your pet’s diet must contain a particular combination of vitamins and minerals for optimal health. If you give your dog low-nutritional-value snacks such as crackers, they may not consume enough food, which is detrimental to their overall health.

This guide will explain what to look for when purchasing crackers for your puppy, which crackers are best, and why veterinarians advise against feeding your dog crackers.

Can A Dog Consume Crackers?

While crackers have no nutritional value for canines, regulated consumption does not cause alarm. A cracker’s impact on a furry buddy is subject to the ingredients and type of cracker. Although a few crackers are harmless, eating too many can harm their health.

Excessive consumption of crackers can induce weight gain, diarrhea, irritation, seizures, and dental problems.

Their diet must contain a specific combination of vitamins and minerals to ensure your pet is in tip-top condition. If you treat your dog to low-nutritional-value treats such as crackers, they may not consume enough of their regular food, adversely affecting their general health.

When your goodest boy eats both the cracker and regular dog food, the fat and calories in the dog food and the crackers’ empty calories may make the dog gain weight.

This problem is mainly seen in small dogs, as a few additional pounds substantially impact their total body mass.

Because they are relatively dry, solid, and crunchy, crackers appear to be the ideal treat for your puppies. Use crackers as a special treat rather than their regular snack.

Purchasing Tips Regarding Crackers

Even though it’s no secret that crackers have no nutritional value, it’s still customary to want to treat your pet to this snack because it tastes good. Consider the following before choosing crackers for your dog:

Ensure the crackers are plain

The best dog crackers are plain varieties devoid of seasonings and other toxic ingredients. The plain crackers ensure that your dog does not take any harmful ingredients.

Verify the crackers are sugar-free

Examine the cracker’s ingredients to ensure that the treats are low in sugar. Stay away from crackers that include dog-toxic artificial sweeteners such as xylitol.

Xylitol is especially harmful to dogs. The chemical can cause low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia), liver failure,  seizures, and, worst case scenario, death.

Ensure that they are not salted

Look for unsalted types or consult the nutritional label to ensure the crackers have a low concentration. In dogs, an excess of salt can result in vomiting, diarrhea, muscle spasms, incoordination, and seizures.

Look out for seeds

all crackers are not created equal, and some include a variety of seeds. Incorporating seeds into a dog’s diet can be helpful. Due to its high fiber and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, flaxseed is regularly incorporated into commercial dog meals to increase the benefits of meals to canines.

Why Canines Shouldn’t Consume Crackers

Most crackers contain elements that are harmful to dogs which can cause vomiting, and diarrhea, among many problems. Some of these ingredients include:

Sodium

Since dogs can only absorb the salt in their dog food, excessive sodium is detrimental to their health. Significant salt levels in crackers may lead to health problems such as dehydration and frequent urination. Sodium concentration can also result in sodium ion toxicity, diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and low blood pressure.

 Symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Carbohydrates

Since dogs are carnivores, their nutritional requirements for carbohydrates are reasonably low. Protein and fat provide all of their dietary needs.

Due to crackers’ high carbohydrate content, most are high in calories. Consuming too many crackers could lead to obesity or weight gain.

Fats

Some crackers, such as cheese crackers, are high in fats and oils that are detrimental to your dog’s health since they can cause pancreatitis in dogs. 

Yet, some breeds, notably little Schnauzers, are more susceptible to pancreatitis than others. When this breed takes a little ounce of fat, they immediately show signs of pancreatitis.

Additional Seasonings

While some crackers contain garlic, turmeric, and aloe vera, which are safe for dogs, many crackers contain toxic ingredients for your pet, such as chives and onion powder. These toxic compounds may induce stomach discomfort or severe health concerns.

It is doubtful that little doses may cause anything more severe than gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, or diarrhea. Yet, excessive amounts may result from hallucinations, a quicker heartbeat, confusion, dehydration, dry mouth, high blood pressure, abdominal pain, and even convulsions.

Sugars

Due to the sugar content, crackers are a tasty snack for humans, but they are toxic to dogs. The exact effects of excessive sugar on humans are also observed in dogs. It may cause your dog to gain weight and develop dental problems. Diabetes may also be a potential consequence. 

Some sweet crackers, such as Graham crackers, may contain the potentially toxic artificial sweetener xylitol.

Safe Crackers For Your Pups

Remember that Crackers are primarily manufactured as a treat for humans; not for your furry companion. That said, some are safe for consumption in small amounts. These include:

Prawn Crackers

Dogs can safely consume Prawn Crackers because they have less fat, salt, and calories than other Crackers. However, it is essential to avoid giving your dog excessive Prawn Crackers since they may want more nibbles since they are crispy.

Unsalted Crackers

One or two unsalted crackers are safe for dogs, but it is essential to examine the caloric content of each cracker. Human crackers are often prepared from wheat flour and are considered to contain solely empty calories. 

Due to the high sugar, fats, and calories in these crackers, which contain no nutrients, dogs will gain weight or become obese.

If the Crackers are high in sugar, your dog may develop a dependence on them.

Sourdough Crackers

Due to their non-hazardous nature, dogs may take sourdough crackers in moderation, consuming one or two occasions as a special treat.

Whole wheat flour, sourdough, sea salt, butter, and coarse salt are combined to produce Sourdough Crackers.

You need to keep an eye on the amount you give your dog because sourdough crackers include high amounts of sodium, carbohydrates, saturated fat, and calories. Your canine pals should not be fed Sourdough Crackers regularly or daily.

Baby Crackers

Dogs may eat up to one or two baby Crackers. Baby crackers are, as the name suggests, food designed specifically for infants. Given the crackers’ low sodium level and easily absorbed nutrients, they are generally safe for dogs to take.