As dog owners, we’re always looking for fun new treats and snacks to reward our pups If you’ve noticed sausage-flavored Cheerios on the shelves, you may be wondering – can dogs eat Cheerios sausage flavor? Are these cereal treats safe and healthy for dogs?
In this article, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Cheerios sausage snacks for dogs. We’ll cover nutrition facts, benefits, risks, and how to feed them responsibly. Let’s jump in!
An Overview of Sausage-Flavored Dog Treats
General Mills has expanded their line of dog-friendly Cheerios to include several savory, meaty flavors like bacon, beef, and sausage. These are made and marketed specifically for dogs
The sausage-flavored variety features the classic Cheerios O-shape, but with an artificial smoked sausage taste. They are made with oats, wheat flour, meat flavoring, salt, and sugar.
Other popular sausage dog treats include:
- Real sliced sausage or hot dogs
- Sausage-flavored biscuits or jerky
- Sausage-stuffed bones or toys
- Sausage-flavored training treats
Dogs go crazy for the smell and flavor of sausage. But are these meaty treats actually good for them? Let’s explore the potential pros and cons.
Potential Benefits of Sausage Treats
There are some advantages to giving your dog sausage-flavored snacks in moderation:
1. Most Dogs Love the Taste
The savory, smoky, rich flavor of sausage is very palatable and appetizing to most dogs. The smell alone gets them excited and eager to chow down.
2. Can Be an Effective Training Reward
Small pieces of sausage or sausage-flavored treats can be a high-value reward during training sessions. This can help reinforce desired behaviors very effectively.
3. Adds Variety to Their Routine
Adding some new and different tastes and textures to your dog’s usual diet or treats can provide mental stimulation and enrichment.
4. Fills Up Dogs Quickly
A small amount of sausage slices or sausage-flavored biscuits pack a punch and can help fill up your dog fast. Useful for dogs who need help losing weight.
5. Convenient Protein Boost
Real sausage can provide a boost of meaty protein and fat. This can be beneficial for very active dogs with higher energy needs.
Potential Risks of Sausage Treats for Dogs
However, there are also some potential downsides to consider before feeding your dog sausage treats:
1. High in Fat
Depending on the type, sausage can be very high in saturated fat. Too much can lead to weight gain or pancreatitis in dogs.
2. May Contain Onions, Garlic
Many sausages contain onion and garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs. Check ingredients carefully.
3. Can Be High in Salt
Excessive sodium intake can lead to hypertension, kidney strain, and thirst.
4. Could Contain Artificial Ingredients
The artificial smoked meat flavoring in treats like Cheerios sausage flavor may cause digestive upset in some dogs.
5. Can Present a Choking Risk
If not properly sized or chewed, sausage pieces can become a choking hazard for dogs. Supervise treat time.
6. A Common Food Allergen
Some dogs are allergic to pork, beef or wheat. Discontinue use if you notice any symptoms.
7. Can Lead to Bad Behavior
Begging, whining and other nuisance behaviors may increase if dogs receive sausage frequently.
Feeding Guidelines for Sausage Treats
Now that we’ve covered the main pros and cons, here are some best practices for feeding sausage responsibly:
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Choose low-fat options: Pick reduced-fat, skinless sausages.
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Avoid toxic ingredients: Check labels for onion, garlic, artificial colors, etc.
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Go easy on salt: Opt for low-sodium sausage if possible.
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Watch portion sizes: Stick to small pieces. Treats should be <10% of diet.
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Supervise chewing: Cut up slices to prevent choking. Monitor treat time.
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Use sparingly: Sausage should only be an occasional treat, not a dietary staple.
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Discontinue if issues arise: Stop feeding if you notice any digestive upset, allergic reaction, or other side effects.
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Talk to your vet: They can help you choose appropriate treat options for your dog.
Healthier Sausage-Flavored Treat Alternatives
If you want to capture the sausage flavor without some of the risks, here are some safer alternatives:
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Dehydrated sausage strips – Lower in fat than actual sausage
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Sausage baby food – Pureed texture prevents choking
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Veggie sausage – Contains less fat than real meat varieties
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Air-dried sausage – Less processed than typical sausage
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Single-ingredient jerky – Avoid additives; choose beef, turkey, or chicken
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Freeze-dried raw – Contains more meat protein than biscuits
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DIY treats – Make your own with garlic-free ingredients
Any treat should only make up a small portion of your dog’s diet. Stick to healthy ingredients and proper portion sizes.
The Verdict on Sausage Treats
Can dogs eat cheerios sausage flavor and other sausage snacks? In most cases, yes – but only in strict moderation.
A few tiny pieces of real sausage or a couple sausage-flavored biscuits now and then are unlikely to cause harm. But they provide little nutritional value and the risks go up the more they are fed.
Look for lower-fat options with little to no seasonings, supervise chewing carefully, and contact your vet if you ever notice signs of an allergic reaction or illness. There are also many satisfying alternatives that capture sausage flavor without some of the negatives.
With smart precautions and self-control, an occasional sausage-inspired treat can be safely enjoyed and provide happiness to our pups. But as with any human food, they should not become dietary staples. Use proper judgment and your dog can savor a tasty sausage treat!
Can dogs have sausage?
FAQ
Can dogs have Cheerios sausages?
Can dogs eat sausage?
Are Cheerios safe for dogs to eat?
Can dogs have Jimmy Dean sausage?
Can dogs eat Cheerios?
If your dogs are on a diet, Cheerios are a safe snack to give them in moderation. In most cases, Cheerios are a safe snack for dogs. But don’t give them a big bowl of cereal with milk because dogs shouldn’t eat the same serving sizes as we do. Many dogs are lactose intolerant, and the milk could end up giving them digestive troubles.
How many cheerios make one serving?
Cheerios, in addition to being crunchy, contain up to 90% whole oats, helping to balance your diet. A practical and easy packaging that yields 4 servings. Therefore, it is important to associate consumption with a diet rich in nutrients.
Can dogs with pancreatitis eat Cheerios?
Some safer options might be cooked, unseasoned chicken, a bit of plain chicken broth, plain green beans, or even sticking with only a prescription diet. Definitely don’t give a dog with pancreatitis Cheerios with milk, as the milk can trigger pancreatitis alongside other stomach problems.
What happens if a dog eats too many Cheerios?
The worst thing that can happen if your dog eats too many plain Cheerios is that it will suffer from gas and stomach discomfort for a while. However, if your dog eats chocolate or any other type of flavored Cheerios, expect symptoms including agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and a host of other severe health problems.