I’m an Oreo addict who loves to eat the cookies with milk or right out of the package. When I drop a morsel or two on the floor, my dog swoops in and devours it before I can pick it up.
After all, it’s likely that the same thing has led you here. You probably already know that chocolate is harmful to dogs, but do you know if dogs can eat Oreos?
Let’s dive deep into this inquiry to find out why it’s not a good plan.
Can Dogs Eat Oreos?
No. Your dog is probably fine even if she ate a single Oreo. Unfortunately, canines shouldn’t eat Oreos.
Dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate because it’s poisonous to them, but an Oreo probably doesn’t contain enough baking chocolate to warrant immediate concern.
However, you shouldn’t give your dog anything with even a trace amount of a poisonous ingredient.
In addition, dogs shouldn’t eat Oreos because they are high in sugar. Sugar is a useless source of energy and has been linked to health problems like diabetes and weight gain.
Are Oreos Bad for Dogs?
One or two Oreo cookies probably won’t hurt a dog. But giving your dog an unhealthy treat like Oreos on a regular basis can cause obesity, tooth decay, and other serious health issues.
Are you aware that Oreo cookies and animal crackers share a lot of the same ingredients?
Animal crackers have a lot of theobromine in them, which is bad for dogs if they eat too many of them. Animal crackers, much like Oreos, are loaded with sugar and fat.
Ingredients are the key to everything. To find out why Oreos are so bad for dogs, let’s take a look at the ingredients.
Chocolate
Theobromine, an ingredient in chocolate, is highly toxic to our dogs. Baking chocolate and cocoa powder contain the most theobromine of any common food.
Oreos contain theobromine, but much less than other forms of chocolate or cocoa, and are therefore safer to eat. Oreos might taste good to a dog, but they shouldn’t be given to him because of the high levels of sugar and fat they contain.
If a dog eats an Oreo, it could choke or get an upset stomach.
Because chocolate is frequently combined with sugar, fat, alcohol, xylitol, and caffeine, the other ingredients in Oreos may also be harmful.
Your dog probably won’t die if it eats one Oreo cookie.
But if your dog eats a lot of Oreos, they may have gotten sick from eating too much chocolate and you should take them to the vet. Check out this chocolate toxicity calculator if you need some clarification.
Sugar
The amount of sugar in just one Oreo cookie is shocking: 0.17 oz.
The effects of sugar on your dog’s health are similar to those on human beings. Too much sugar can cause cavities, weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and even sleepiness and drowsiness.
Fat
In one cookie, there is as much as 0.07 oz of fat, which is dangerously high for dogs.
Overweight and obese dogs are more likely to suffer from health issues like heart disease. An unhealthy diet high in fat can harm your dog even if he or she is at a healthy weight. Obesity, which is exacerbated by fat’s caloric density and role in the development of many canine diseases, is a major health problem.
Salt
About 45 milligrams of salt can be found in a single Oreo. To put this in perspective, the recommended daily allowance for sodium for a medium-sized dog is 100 milligrams.
Dehydration, kidney disease, and heart disease are just some of the issues that can arise from a dog consuming too much salt. Salt poisoning can be fatal for your dog if they eat too much of it.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is a popular vegetable oil used in many manufactured foods. The high levels of saturated fat in it make it potentially dangerous for dogs to consume.
Palm oil can be used as a laxative. Large doses of it can result in stomach upset, diarrhea, and cramping. The high calorie content contributes to weight gain.
Flour
It is flour that is used in the creation of Oreos. Despite the fact that dogs can safely eat flour, ingesting too much of it can lead to stomach issues.
Flour can cause gastrointestinal distress in canines, including vomiting, diarrhoea, and even constipation if fed in excess. Similarly, eating a lot of flour can make you put on weight.
Dogs with gluten intolerance should avoid eating anything made with flour.
Packaging
Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the Oreo cookie packaging. Oreo cookies and their packaging can cause choking or intestinal blockage in your dog. Both of these situations could necessitate veterinary care for the dog.
Having a dog that is vomiting but not defecating indicates an intestinal blockage.
Different Types of Oreos
Oreos come in a wide variety, but not all of them are dog-friendly. Dogs shouldn’t eat any kind of Oreo, including Oreo ice cream.
Examining the various flavors of Oreos, we can establish whether or not they are (un)safe for canine consumption.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Oreos?
Golden Oreos are not safe for canine consumption.
If you want to give your dog a treat, Golden Oreos are a better option because they don’t contain chocolate. The high levels of sugar, palm oil, and high fructose corn syrup make them unsuitable for consumption.
When given to dogs, sugar can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and even diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Lemon Oreos?
Dogs shouldn’t eat lemon Oreos for obvious reasons.
Citrus acid and annatto extract, both of which are found in Lemon Oreos, are toxic to canines. While citric acid can irritate the digestive tract and slow the central nervous system, annatto extract, used as a food coloring, has been linked to epileptic seizures.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Oreos?
Canines shouldn’t eat Strawberry Oreos, unfortunately.
Unfortunately for your dog, strawberry Oreos were a limited-edition flavor and are toxic to them. Even though they don’t contain chocolate, they still may be dangerous for dogs because of the sugar and oils they contain. Overfeeding a dog on sugary or fatty foods can lead to weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Spice Oreos?
It’s true that dogs shouldn’t eat Pumpkin Spice Oreos.
Both the palm oil and the high fructose corn syrup in them are toxic to canines. High-fructose corn syrup is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes, while palm oil has been linked to gastrointestinal distress like diarrhea, cramping, and nausea.
Pumpkin Spice Oreos are flavored with paprika oleoresin and colored with Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40 Lake, and Blue 2 Lake, all of which are artificial. Dogs can experience skin irritation and hives from paprika oleoresin, while seizures and allergic reactions can be triggered by artificial dyes.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Oreos?
Peanut Butter Oreos are not dog food.
Intense amounts of sugar and oils can be found in Peanut Butter Oreos. Oils can cause pancreatitis, and sugar causes obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in dogs.
The peanut butter itself is fine for dogs to eat. However, xylitol, an additive to some peanut butters, is toxic to dogs. Small amounts of xylitol consumed by a dog can result in vomiting, seizures, liver disease, and even death.
Can Dogs Eat Oreo Ice Cream?
Oreo ice cream is not dog-friendly, unfortunately.
Oreo ice cream contains milk and sugar, both of which are harmful to dogs. Milk’s lactose content makes it unhealthy for dogs’ digestive systems and often leads to gas and bloating. Sugar is bad for dogs because it can cause weight gain, cardiovascular problems, and diabetes.
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Oreos?
You should find out how many, when, and what kind of Oreos your dog ate if you suspect they had any. If your dog ate a single regular-sized Oreo cookie, they should be fine.
However, if your dog ate a large quantity of Oreos, they may have ingested too much chocolate and need to go to the vet.
You should also take your dog to the vet if it ate any other kind of Oreo. Dogs should still avoid feeding any flavor of Oreo because it may contain ingredients that are harmful to them.
Oreo cookies are most dangerous due to the presence of chocolate, which can cause death if consumed in large quantities.
Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity
Toxic effects of chocolate are not limited to human beings. If a dog consumes a large quantity of chocolate, no matter where it comes from, it could develop chocolate toxicity. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning that can be recognized early on include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Extreme dry mouth and urination
- Restlessness
- Rapid heartbeat
Some of the negative effects are mild at first, but they become much worse later on. Confusion, heart failure, convulsions, and eventually coma are all possible outcomes.
Steps To Take
If you think your dog has eaten Oreos, you should do the following:
First, get your hands on a swatch of the packaging.
Second, unless your veterinarian tells you to, you shouldn’t try to make your pet throw up.
The third step is to pinpoint when the ingestion occurred.
Fourth, give your dog plenty of clean water to drink.
Fifth, if you suspect that your dog has consumed an unsafe amount of Oreos, you should get in touch with a local animal hospital straight away.
Keep an eye out for the warning signs we discussed up top. Lethargy, meanwhile, is a worrying sign that could point to a wide variety of serious problems below the surface.
Treatment
You should keep an eye on your dog if it ate even just one Oreo. If your dog is showing signs of chocolate poisoning or if a significant number of Oreos are missing from the package, you should visit the vet immediately.
Keep an eye out for signs of illness in small dogs that may have eaten some Oreos. If the dog has not vomited within 2 hours, the veterinarian may recommend inducing vomiting.
Oreos are extremely toxic to dogs, and if yours ate a bunch, you’d probably have to take them to the vet. An antidote for chocolate poisoning has not yet been developed. Dog will be given fluids and watched for progress. The dog may need intravenous fluids if it is not eating.
Take your dog to the vet if you suspect they ingested any sort of packaging. In the event of a bowel obstruction, the dog may exhibit signs like lethargy, drowsiness, and vomiting. Surgery and/or veterinary hospitalization may be necessary for the dog in this case.
After Treatment
After the dog has vomited or defecated out the chocolate, supportive care is the mainstay of treatment. If the dog is healthy, they will be released from the hospital within 48 hours.
The veterinarian will provide you with after-care instructions, such as the type and amount of food to feed the animal. After your dog has been treated for chocolate toxicity, keep an eye on them. In the event that your dog’s symptoms worsen or return, you should return him to the vet immediately.
The act of taking your dog for a walk can also help. Theobromine is eliminated in the dog’s urine, so regular walks are recommended.
To avoid any further incidents, make sure to keep all chocolate items out of your dog’s reach. Keep an eye on what your dog is eating and how much of it to ensure its safety; chocolate is just one of many potential hazards.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Oreos
Keeping Oreos and other chocolate treats out of your dog’s reach is the most effective way to prevent your dog from eating them. They should be stored in a place your pet can’t get to, such as a cupboard or pantry.
Remember to tell your guests that the dog should not be given any treats. Keep an eye on your dog whenever you’re near a dish of food, especially if it’s something he or she likes.
Dogs have a habit of finishing off people’s leftovers. If they consume something toxic, this can be fatal. If you want to keep your dog safe, you must teach it not to eat table scraps.
Creating a cue word or signal to tell your dog to stop eating the leftovers is one method of preventing him from doing so. Say the cue word and clear the table when you’re finished eating. This will teach your dog the hard and fast rule that they are not permitted to eat the stale food.
To further your training, try using the command, “leave it” with your dog. It’s important that your dog listen to this command or it may end up eating the food you’ve left out.
Alternatives to Oreos
There are numerous options to Oreos if you’re searching for a dog treat that is lower in calories and fat. Examples of some viable choices are:
- Lean meat
- Apples, blueberries, and other fruits
- Foodstuffs like carrots
- Dog treats
These treats are better for your dog’s health and your wallet. These treats are a healthier alternative to human desserts like Oreos, and they can help you save money.
Oh, Oh, Oreo No
Although they are a popular treat among humans, dogs should not eat Oreos. Chocolate toxicity, which the cookies may cause, can have a wide spectrum of symptoms from unpleasant to potentially fatal.
Obviously, we want the best for our pets, but at what expense? Dog owners have the responsibility of ensuring their pets’ security.
This includes protecting them from potentially harmful foods. Not only does this include chocolate, but also potentially harmful foods like grapes and raisins.
So remember Fido the next time you reach for an Oreo. Should you take a chance on them?