When we eat breakfast near our furry friends, it’s common to wonder if dogs can eat waffles, pancakes, and other tasty brunch items. With our dogs looking up at us with the cutest puppy dog eyes, it’s often impossible to say no. But if you just give your dog every human food they ask for, you might run into some potential health concerns. So, before you hand over your scraps to your canine companion, do your research to find out if waffles are safe for them to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Waffles?
The short answer is yes, dogs can eat plain waffles. Most waffles are made using flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, eggs, milk, and butter. None of those ingredients are toxic or dangerous to dogs, but they’re not necessarily healthy for them either. This means that while eating a waffle is not life-threatening for dogs, waffles also don’t provide any health benefits.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a traditional 100 gram container of Eggo waffles contains 6.1 grams of protein, 39.1 grams of carbs, and 8.7 grams of fat, 2.4 of which is fat that’s unhealthy for dogs. So, these portions certainly aren’t ideal for dogs, who thrive on high protein and minimal carbs. On top of that, it also includes amounts of cholesterol and sodium that are way too high for dogs.
So, if your dog sneaks a piece of your waffle while your back is turned, there’s no need to panic. However, waffles are not healthy treats for your dog, so they should be avoided if possible. Also, while waffles alone might not be dangerous, there are often additional ingredients added to waffles to make them taste better for humans. Some of those items might make this tasty breakfast food riskier for canines.
What Kinds of Waffles Are Safe for Dogs?
Plain waffles are really the safest kind of waffle you can give your dog. Adding anything beyond that could pose serious health risks, especially if you add butter, syrup, or chocolate chips. If your dog takes a bite of your chocolate chip waffle, you should contact your vet right away. Also, some syrups can contain xylitol, which is one of the most toxic human foods for dogs.
Some people prefer to put fruits like blueberries and bananas on their waffles though. These types of waffles seem like they’d be healthier for dogs too. After all, blueberries are a key source of fiber and antioxidants for dogs. However, blueberries on top of waffles only adds to the unhealthy ingredients of a waffle. Instead of serving your dog a fruit-covered waffle, give them the fruit by itself or a healthy dog treat that’s made with the fruit.
Do Waffles Have Any Health Benefits for Dogs?
Unfortunately, waffles don’t have any significant health benefits for dogs. Some might argue that ingredients like milk are a good source of calcium while eggs are a good source of protein, but they’re not the best. You can easily find better beneficial ingredients that won’t pose a risk for your dog. After all, dogs can often be allergic to common baking ingredients, and many dogs are lactose intolerant. So, you’re better off giving your dog treats that are made for dogs or plain fruits and vegetables.
Do Waffles Have Any Healthy Risks for Dogs?
Many of the ingredients found in waffles could cause serious health concerns for your dog in large quantities. If your dog consumes too much salt, they could suffer from dehydration and sodium poisoning. On the other hand, too much sugar could cause dental problems and could lead to diabetes. If your dog is allergic or sensitive to any of the other ingredients, they could easily get digestive problems or irritation.
Also, if your dog eats a waffle covered in extra ingredients, the risks are even higher. If they eat syrup that’s made with xylitol, they could suffer from extreme health conditions like low blood sugar, seizures, or liver failure. If they eat a waffle that’s covered in chocolate, then they could potentially suffer from an irregular heart rate, tremors, seizures, or weakness. So, if they eat any of these life-threatening ingredients, it’s crucial that you rush them to the vet as soon as you can.
Final Thoughts
While dogs can eat tasty breakfast foods like waffles, it doesn’t mean they should. A sugary waffle with maple syrup might be the perfect delicacy for you, but your dog’s body works differently. Most dogs cannot handle sweet foods as well as humans can. Plus, waffles don’t even provide any health benefits for your furry friend, so what’s the point of serving that food? Instead of risking your dog’s life by sharing your food, find a healthy, dog-friendly alternative instead. Your canine will thank you in the long run.
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