Can dogs eat Cheetos? Many pet owners who love to share food with their dogs have the same question. You probably even gave them a piece before doing your research.
But you shouldn’t offer this cheesy treat to your dog no matter how much they drool for it.
Discover why Cheetos are not recommended for dogs even though they are safe and non-toxic. We’ll also answer other questions on whether dogs can eat other Cheetos variants or not.
Cheetos Ingredients
The best way to know if dogs can eat Cheetos is by looking at its ingredients list. Cheetos is made of corn meal and sprinkled with cheese seasoning. The cheese flavoring contains yellow food coloring and MSG, making the snack irresistible but harmful to your dog.
It also contains vegetable oil, canola oil, maltodextrin, and whey protein concentrate.
Based on Cheetos’ website, 21 pieces of Cheetos Crunchy Cheese contain the following:
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: less than 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Protein: 2g
- Sugars: less than 1g
From these numbers, we already know the answer to whether dogs can eat Cheetos or not. At 160 calories without many vitamins and minerals, this snack won’t provide them with benefits.
Cheetos’ high fat and sodium content can lead to diabetes, obesity, kidney disease, and heart disease. It may also result in hypertension and stroke.
Puffed Cheetos have the same ingredients as Standard Cheetos but are just cooked differently. Flamin’ Hot Cheetos also have similar components with additional onion powder, garlic powder, and other artificial ingredients for spicy seasoning.
Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?
Your dog can eat a piece of Cheetos Crunchy Cheese or two without any detrimental effects on their health. If you accidentally leave your bag of Cheetos in your room and they munched on it, there is no reason to be alarmed. Ordinary Cheetos are not dangerous if eaten in moderate amounts.
If your dog overate Cheetos, they might experience temporary stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort. Take them to the vet immediately if these symptoms don’t stop.
Many dog owners still worry about the impact of monosodium glutamate (MSG) on their pooch. However, various studies have proven that MSG is safe for them.
Still, Cheetos is an unhealthy snack option for your dog. It’s high in calories yet has no nutritional benefit for your dog. Feeding them with this snack can lead to obesity or heart disease.
The likelihood of your dog developing these diseases from processed foods like Cheetos also depends on their breed. Smaller dog breeds like Chihuahuas and Yorkies cannot afford to gain more weight because of their small physique. They are more likely to be in trouble than a Husky or a Mastiff.
Can Dogs Eat Cheetos Puffs?
Like the ordinary Cheetos, Cheetos Puffs are no good for Fido. It can be enticing, but it’s mostly air due to the puffing process. This snack is rich in empty calories and salt, which can dehydrate your dog and thicken its blood.
Too much sodium can also lead to an upset stomach and loss of muscle control, so keep it out of their reach.
If your dog ate a few pieces of Cheetos Puffs, give them plenty of water to balance out the sodium ions in their body.
Can Dogs Eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are more likely to be a cause of concern because they contain toxic ingredients like onion and garlic powder. Spicy foods, in general, also cause discomfort to dogs.
Monitor your dog for a few weeks if they have consumed spicy Cheetos since garlic and onion poisoning symptoms can be delayed for a few days.
Can Dogs Eat Organic Cheetos?
Organic doesn’t always mean healthier, especially if the ingredients are used to manufacture a high-fat and high-sodium snack. Organic Simply Cheetos don’t have enough micronutrients to be considered healthy, so they are still off-limits to your dog.
Cheeto Alternatives
It’s tempting to let our dogs try every snack we have. After all, we share so many things with them. Our homes, hearts, families, and the bed! Here are some human snacks that won’t wreak havoc on your furry friend’s body.
Apples
Apples are a crunchy yet fruity snack you can share with your dog. It contains vitamins and minerals for your dog’s health and can also give them fresh breath. Make sure to get rid of the seeds and core to reduce the risk of choking.
Cheese
If your dog likes Cheetos because of the cheese flavoring, why not give them actual cheese instead? This high-value treat must be fed in small amounts to avoid weight gain and fat-related diseases. Any type of cheese is safe for dogs except blue cheese.
Carrots
Carrots are vitamin A and fiber and are low in calories. They also help remove the plaque on their teeth as they munch on it.
Cashews and Peanuts
Most nuts are bad for dogs, but cashews and peanuts are safe in small amounts. It has protein, antioxidants, magnesium, and calcium. Only give them 3 to 4 pieces of unsalted cashews or peanuts a day to avoid weight gain.
Coconut
Coconut can fight off bacteria and viruses with its lauric acid. It can also remove flea allergies, dry and itchy skin, and hot spots. Coconut milk, coconut oil, and other natural coconut snacks are also a thumbs up for your four-legged friend.
Wheat and Grains
Dogs need grains, especially wheat and corn. These staples contain healthy fatty acids, fiber, and protein. Only reduce grain intake if your dog is allergic to them.
Final Thoughts – Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat Cheetos?” it’s up to you whether or not your dog can have a piece of your delicious snack. Keep in mind that Cheetos may not instantly make your dog sick, but it can affect their health in the long run.
Never offer Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other spicy variants to your dog because they contain garlic and onion powder.
Do you give Cheetos and other junk foods to your dog? What healthy snack are you switching it for? Start replacing Cheetos with healthy dog treats and snacks before your dog becomes hooked on them.
![Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis, Anxiety, and Pain [2022]](https://www.barkzine.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/r-r-medicinals-Rb_XfhsQ-g0-unsplash.jpg "Best CBD Oil For Dogs With Arthritis, Anxiety, and Pain [2022]")
