Can Dogs Eat Weetbix: Yes or No?

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But can dogs eat Weetbix in Australia, or anywhere else for that matter? After all it’s a great source of fast and simple fibre for us humans. It’s a hassle-free uncooked breakfast that’s also a vehicle for milk and calcium, which surely dogs need in their diet?

So can dogs eat Weetbix in Australia’s homes? Although they may be able to take a tiny snack on it without too much harm, it will depend on your dog and his or her tummy. The added calories, salt and gluten found in Weetbix aren’t part of a balanced dog diet, especially if your dog is gluten intolerant.

Can dogs eat Weetbix in Australia?

No matter which state or territory you live in, you’re bound to find Weetbix in the supermarket aisle. The branded box contains a simple recipe that’s safe for humans and safe as an occasional snack for some dogs. (On a side note, Weetbix has designed this cute doggy bandana)

Although giving your dog the occasional taste of Weetbix may be safe, there’s no need to make it part of their diet. While it may not be harmful, the cereal isn’t designed to satisfy your dog’s nutritional needs.

Feeding your dog Weetbix according to their tum

We know it’s irresistible to share more than just your love. If you also share your food with your dog, you usually need to either take things in great moderation or just avoid them because it’s better to be safe than sorry….

What to watch for

Humans have evolved to enjoy a diet largely made of wheat and grains. Because the history of dogs and humans is closely linked, most dogs can eat wheat too. But just like humans are gluten and lactose intolerant, some dogs are too. This means some dogs won’t be able to eat Weetbix either.

This is why you should avoid adding any milk (or sugar) to your dog’s Weetbix and potentially go with the gluten-free version of the latter if you can’t resist sharing.

If you notice any tummy upsets after the cereal snack, it’s probably safer to stick to feeding designated dog treats. Like the healthy vet recommended ones in our National Pet Obesity Day article.

Sugar

Australian Weetbix has a fairly low sugar content (about 1/5th of a teaspoon for every two biscuits). However, if you don’t brush your dog’s teeth, this can still cause tooth decay. Read how to keep dog teeth sparkling and check out our Deluxe dog insurance plan for doggy dental cover.

Wheat

Most dogs can stomach wheat. But some are allergic or sensitive to the glucose that comes from wheat. Look out for any bouts of diarrhea this can cause. Glucose intolerance in dogs can cause inflammation of the small intestine, leading to tummy upsets, dehydration and skin reactions.

Usually this would only result from the regular eating of wheat, so if you notice any of these changes you may want to change up your dog’s diet, avoid cereals and chat to your vet.

Milk

We love cereal and milk, but dogs haven’t got quite the same stomach we do when it comes to dairy. While many dogs can have a few tablespoons with no problem, some are lactose intolerant.

If your pup shouldn’t have milk, you’ll notice within 12 hours whether they have any gastric upsets. Look out for vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Dogs and humans: Always share love, sometimes share food

While you might be tempted to share human foods with your dog, be sure you know which are safe and which aren’t. Foods that are wholesome to humans can be the very same things that can poison your pet.

For example, if sugar-free is your watch word, you might eat your Weetbix with xylitol. Dogs must NOT eat Weetbix with xylitol. Read why xylitol toxicity in dogs can be fatal for the full story.

What foods can or cannot be consumed by dogs?

Can dogs eat Watermelon? 🍉

Watermelon is safe for dogs to eat, according to the American Kennel Club. What are the benefits of watermelon for dogs? It’s packed with vitamins A, B6, and C, and potassium, so it’s a health food powerhouse. Plus, the fruit is 92 percent water, so it’s great for hydration on a hot day.

Also, it contains no fat or cholesterol, so you can feed it to your pup without feeling guilty. Just ditch the seeds first lest they collect and cause intestinal blockages.

Can dogs eat Capsicum?

As an occasional treat, dogs can enjoy eating bell peppers as they do other vegetables. It’s a healthy, low-calorie addition to your dog’s diet that’s packed with vitamins and nutrients that benefit the skin and coat.

Your dog’s digestive system will also benefit from bell peppers’ high fibre content. Red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers are all safe for dogs to eat, but red bell peppers have the most health benefits.

Can dogs eat Zucchini?

It’s perfectly safe for dogs to eat zucchini. The vegetable shouldn’t be given to your dog in excess, though. Approximately 20 calories are contained in a cup of raw zucchini. Since it’s low in fat and cholesterol, it’s an excellent reward for overweight dogs.

However, note that your doggo can choke on large pieces of zucchini. To avoid this, chop zucchini into small pieces or steam it for your pup who might have difficulty chewing. Your fur kid should not be given an entire zucchini!

Interested to know more about foods they can and can’t eat? Read our ‘Can Dogs Eat These Foods‘ article.

Want to provide the best care for your pet? Having a pet is a big responsibility, so here are some useful articles to help you out…

1. Should You Desex Your Cat?
2. Pet Essentials to Keep Your New Pet Happy
3. Pet Dental Insurance: What’s Covered and What’s Not?
4. Can Your Pup Get Sunburn? What You Need to Know
5. A Guide to Tick Paralysis in Dogs and Cats

Dog insurance for all kinds of mishaps

Discover a great way to safeguard your pet with FREE pet insurance for one or more months when you sign up with PD Insurance today. If your dog sneakily eats the whole box of Weetbix behind your back and needs an unscheduled vet visit, your pet care plan helps cover the costs.

That’s not all we cover – check out more of our dog insurance benefits and click below to find out more.