Can dogs eat Oreo cookies? This is a common question for dog owners as Oreos are a popular human snack. While Oreos may look tasty, they can be harmful to dogs. In this blog post, weโll cover everything you need to know about dogs and Oreos – from the ingredients to health risks and what to do if your dog accidentally eats one. Keep reading to learn why Oreos and dogs don’t mix well.
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First, let’s look at what’s actually in an Oreo cookie. The main ingredients are wheat flour, sugar, palm and canola oils, cocoa, baking soda, salt, vanillin, and chocolate. None of these are foods that dogs naturally eat in the wild. The three biggest concerns for dogs are:
Sugar:ย Oreos contain lots of sugar, which can be dangerous for dogs as they cannot metabolize it like humans.
Fats:ย The palm and canola oils provide a lot of saturated fat, which dogs have difficulty digesting and cause digestive upsets.ย
Chocolate:ย Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs.
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The short answer is no; dogs should not eat Oreo cookies. While a small amount likely won’t cause lasting harm, Oreos have no nutritional value for dogs. Consuming more than a bite could cause digestive upset, diarrhea, vomiting or even serious health issues depending on the amount.
Since Oreos contain so much sugar and fat, eating more than two pieces causes obesity or pancreatitis. Chocolate is also a real risk for toxicity and overstimulation of the nervous system. Puppies may be at even greater risk of adverse effects from excess sugar, fat, and chocolate in their smaller bodies.
Overall, it’s much safer to keep Oreos and all human baked goods out of your dog’s reach. The minimal enjoyment of a cookie is not worth risking your dog’s health and wellbeing. If your dog accidentally eats an Oreo or two, read on for what to do next.
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If your dog manages to sneak an Oreo when you aren’t looking, the effects will depend on the size of your dog and how many cookies they ate. Small amounts may cause some stomach upset including vomiting and diarrhea. Larger amounts could lead to more serious issues like pancreatitis, seizures, irregular heart rhythms, hyperactivity and excessive thirst.
Reactions can onset within 15-30 minutes of ingestion. Keep a close eye on your dog during this timeframe. Look for these possible signs of Oreo toxicity:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Hyperactivity
- Panting
- Tremors
- Seizures
The chocolate in Oreos, particularly dark chocolate or double stuffed varieties, poses the biggest risk to dogs due to its caffeine and theobromine content. So contact your vet immediately if you notice any concerning symptoms after your dog eats Oreos.
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If you catch your dog eating Oreos, try to determine how many they ingested. For large ingestions, call your vet or the ASPCA poison control hotline right away for advice. They may advise you to induce vomiting or bring your dog in immediately.
For small ingestions, the best thing to do is monitor your dog closely for 2-3 hours for any signs of stomach upset, hyperactivity or other concerning symptoms. Withhold food during this time to allow their stomach to rest.
Plenty of fresh water can help flush out some of the sugar and fat from Oreos. You can also try feeding bland foods like boiled chicken and rice once symptoms subside to help calm the digestive tract.
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No, lemon Oreos are still not safe for dogs to eat. While the lemon flavor contains citric acid instead of cocoa, these cookies still have lots of sugar, fat, and other ingredients that are not ideal nutrition for dogs. Ingesting one or two may cause temporary stomach upset. However, the high amounts of sugar and fat can lead to obesity, pancreatitis and other health conditions over time with regular consumption. Keeping all Oreo varieties out of your dogโs reach is best.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Molasses Cookies?
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Like traditional and lemon Oreos, golden Oreos also pose a risk for dogs and should be avoided. While they do not contain chocolate, golden Oreos are still high in sugar and unhealthy fats. The golden cookies replace the cocoa with a vanilla-like extract for flavor. But they still contain wheat flour, oils, and lots of sugar which can upset your dog’s stomach and pose longer term health risks if they eat too many. Overall, keeping golden Oreos away from your dog is also safest.
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The creamy white frosting-like filling between Oreo cookies may seem like the tastiest part to dogs. But the cream contains partially hydrogenated oils, which are unhealthy trans fats. It also includes lots of sugar. Letting your dog lick cream out of Oreos could contribute to obesity. And overeating could lead to an inflamed pancreas and other digestive issues. So, it’s best to keep your dog from indulging in Oreo cream filling.
Also Read: Can Dogs Eat Lemon Cookies?
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Oreos may look like a tasty treat to share with your dog. But the high sugar, unhealthy fats, and potential for chocolate toxicity mean dogs are better off avoiding Oreos altogether. While an occasional lick of the cream or nibble of a cookie likely won’t cause lasting harm, make it a habit to keep all Oreos and human baked goods safely out of your dog’s reach. If your dog manages to eat a whole Oreo or several, monitor them closely and call your vet with any concerning symptoms. With a commitment to keeping people’s food out of the picture, your dog can continue living their healthiest, happiest life.
