So, can dogs eat pretzels? Pretzels are always a popular guilty pleasure snack, whether they are small, hard, and salted or large, soft, baked, and flavored like they do in America.
But of course, our dogs will always be interested in what we are trying to eat and enjoy.
More than that, our faithful pets have a cute way of trying to look hungry and innocent so they can get a bite of what we’re eating. So, you might be wondering if dogs can eat pretzels. Let’s learn more about this.
Can Dogs Have Pretzels?
So, can dog eat pretzels? In a nutshell, dogs can eat pretzels, but they probably shouldn’t.
What seems like a harmless snack to the people who own dogs has almost no nutritional value for the dogs themselves, though it tastes good and has an interesting texture.
Dogs are not like people, at least not when it comes to how their digestive systems work. We let dogs into our homes and families so often that it’s easy to forget that they can’t eat, digest, or enjoy as many things as possible.
The good news is that pretzels are not dangerous to dogs unless they are made with garlic, onions, or nutmeg or have a chocolate coating on them. Most of the time, the simpler the pretzel, the better it is for your dog. However, this doesn’t add any real nutritional value; it just reduces the health risks.
The Other Side of Pretzels?
So, now you know, can dog eat pretzel? Many of the risks of giving your dog pretzels, whether they are big, soft-baked pretzels or small, hard-baked pretzels that come in snack bags, come from the flavors they are often combined with.
After all, these are snacks that are made for people to eat and enjoy, so there’s usually not much reason to give one to your dog.
Also, many of the things that go into making pretzels can be bad for your dog’s health or even poisonous. But salt is the main reason people don’t want to always give their dogs pretzels. The amount of salt a dog can handle depends on its size, breed, age, and even how much salty food it has eaten in the past. Some dogs will throw up if they eat anything salty, while others will happily eat anything and, at least at first, won’t hurt them.
Related: CAN DOGS EAT PLUMS?
How Many Pretzels Can a Dog Eat Daily?
So, can dogs eat pretzel sticks? Assuming we’re talking about smaller, hard-baked pretzels that are easier to throw out like little treats, it’s best not to give more than one a day to your pet if you do this every day, and even less if you have a puppy or a small breed of dog.
You shouldn’t give your dog pretzels all the time, even if you bake them at home, and pay extra attention to the ingredients. After all, these snacks also have a lot of carbs, which can build up in your dog’s body and make him sick in the same way that salt can.
Dogs aren’t very good at breaking down carbs, so they often turn a lot of them into fat, which can cause them to gain weight over time. As you might expect, a dog’s weight gain is often the first step toward even bigger health problems, like diabetes.
If your dog has been eating pretzels, be sure to have a lot of fresh water on hand, especially if this is the first time he or she has tried them. When your pet tries new foods, it can be frustrating or at least strange, so you want to make sure they have everything they need to get used to it.
What If Your Dog Eats Pretzels
Now, you know, does dogs eat pretzels? There are lots of ways for your dog to eat pretzels without your permission or knowledge. It could be because a big bag of snacks fell on the kitchen floor or because a well-meaning family member gave your dog a big soft-baked treat at the family picnic.
This is an emergency, or at least could be, if those pretzels are flavored with onions and garlic or if they are the more unusual chocolate kind. In these situations, you should talk to your vet to find out what to do.
FAQs: Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?
What Happens If A Dog Eats A Pretzel?
According to experts, the high sodium level in pretzels can cause health problems such as excessive thirst, urination, and dehydration. “It can also induce heart problems and kidney failure in dogs.” On top of that, excessive pretzel consumption on the part of your pet can cause salt poisoning.
Can Dogs Eat Pretzels With No Salt?
Pretzels are safe for dogs to consume in moderation, but they must be unsalted and simple. Please don’t give your pets any Pretzels that have a salt or sugar coating. Dogs can get salt poisoning from eating too much salt, and they can get fat from eating too much sugar.
Why Do Pretzels Make My Dog Throw Up?
Ingesting excessive amounts of salt, whether from the shaker or from snacks like potato chips, pretzels, popcorn, and other similar foods, can be harmful to your dog’s health. As a result, the kidneys may be damaged by sodium ions or salt intoxication. Extreme dehydration, a need to urinate frequently, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms.
Parvaiz Yousuf is a senior SEO writer and editor with an experience of over 6 years, who also doubles up as a researcher. With an MSc zoology degree under his belt and possessing complete Search Engine Optimization (SEO) knowledge, he works as a science journalist for a US-based website and Asian Scientist (A Singapore-based magazine). He also works as Director of Wetland Research Centre, Wildlife Conservation Fund YPJK since 2018. Besides, he has several publications to his name on cancer biology and biochemistry in some reputed journals such as Nature & International Journal of Molecular Sciences, & magazines such as Science Reporter, BUCEROS BNHS, and has an abiding interest in ornithology. He also worked as a Research Associate for JK Policy Institute.