I’m a hardcore fan of Oreos — just can’t resist dunking them in milk or eating them straight out of the package. Sometimes a bite or two will end up on the floor, and — faster than I can pick them up — my dog goes to town on them.
The same situation probably brought you here, after all. You might know that chocolate is bad for our furry friends, but can dogs eat Oreos?
Let’s dunk into this question and see why it is not a good idea.
Can Dogs Eat Oreos?
No, dogs should not eat Oreos. They’re packed with sugar and fat, which makes them bad for dogs’ health.
There’s also a lot of chocolate in the Oreo cookies, which contains theobromine and caffeine. These substances are extremely toxic to dogs and potentially fatal.
If dogs eat Oreo cookies, they may experience vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even chocolate poisoning. So, it’s best to keep them away from this type of food.
Are Oreos Bad for Dogs?
If dogs eat one or two Oreo cookies, they’ll probably be fine. But if your dog loves Oreos and eats them all the time, it could lead to weight gain, tooth decay, and severe health problems.
Did you know that Oreo cookies have similar ingredients to animal crackers? Animal crackers contain a high amount of theobromine and can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities. Like Oreos, animal crackers also contain a lot of sugar and fat.
It all boils down to ingredients. Let’s see what the common Oreo ingredients are and why they are bad for dogs.
Chocolate
Chocolate is bad for dogs because it contains theobromine that is extremely toxic to our canines. The highest levels of theobromine are in baking cocoa powder and baking chocolate.
While they do contain small amounts of theobromine, Oreos are not as toxic as baking chocolate or cocoa powder. However, it is still not recommended to feed your dog Oreos, as they contain a large amount of sugar and fat.
Oreos have the potential to harm dogs because they can choke on them or get upset stomachs from eating them. The other ingredients in Oreos could also be harmful because chocolate is often combined with sugar, fat, alcohol, xylitol, and caffeine.
If your dog eats one Oreo cookie, it is unlikely that they will suffer any serious harm. However, if your dog consumes a lot of Oreos, you should take them to the vet as they may have ingested too much chocolate. If you aren’t sure, check out this calculator for chocolate toxicity.
Sugar
Just one Oreo cookie contains an incredible 0.17 oz of sugar.
Sugar can affect your dog’s health in the same way it affects humans. Sugar has been linked with an increased risk of tooth decay, obesity and weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and lethargy.
Fat
One Oreo cookie is made up of as much as 0.07 oz fat, which can be dangerous to dogs.
Dogs that are overweight or obese run the risk of developing heart disease and other health problems. Even if your dog is at a normal weight, eating too much fat can still cause health issues. Fat is very high in calories and contributes to obesity, significantly increasing the risk of dogs’ many illnesses.
Salt
One Oreo cookie contains about 45 mg of salt. To put this in context, a medium-sized dog should have no more than 100 mg of sodium per day.
Excessive salt intake can cause health problems in dogs, including dehydration, kidney disease, and heart disease. If your dog consumes too much salt, they may develop salt poisoning, which can be fatal.
Palm Oil
Palm oil is a vegetable oil that is often used in processed foods. It is high in saturated fat and can be harmful to dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Palm oil has a laxative effect on the body. It can cause diarrhea, cramping, and nausea if consumed in large quantities. It also leads to weight gain because it is high in calories.
Flour
Oreos are made with flour. While flour is not toxic to dogs, but it can cause digestive problems if consumed in large quantities.
Dogs that eat a lot of flour may experience diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation. Flour is also high in calories and can lead to weight gain if consumed in large amounts.
Dogs with a gluten allergy should stay away from flour.
Packaging
The packaging that Oreos come in can be dangerous for dogs. If your dog ate Oreo cookies and the packaging, they may choke on it or get an intestinal blockage. In both cases, a dog may require medical attention.
If your dog is vomiting but there is no feces, it’s likely there is an intestinal blockage.
Different Types of Oreos
There are many different types of Oreos, and not all of them are safe for dogs. It is best to avoid giving your dog any type of Oreo or Oreo ice cream.
Let’s look at the different types of Oreos and determine how (un)safe they are for dogs to eat.
Can Dogs Eat Golden Oreos?
No, dogs should not eat Golden Oreos.
Golden Oreos do not contain chocolate and are somewhat safer for your dog to eat. However, they are still not recommended because they are high in sugar, palm oil, and high fructose corn syrup.
Sugar is harmful to dogs and can cause many health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
Can Dogs Eat Lemon Oreos?
Lemon Oreos are not safe for dogs to eat.
Lemon Oreos are made with citric acid and annatto extract, which are dangerous for dogs. Citric acid can cause irritation and CNS depression, while annatto extract, a food coloring, could induce seizures.
Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Oreos?
No, Strawberry Oreos aren’t recommended for dogs.
Strawberry Oreos were a limited-edition flavor, and they are not safe for your pooch. While they don’t have chocolate, they contain sugar and oils, which can be harmful to dogs. Sugar can cause obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in dogs, while oils can lead to pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Eat Pumpkin Spice Oreos?
No, Pumpkin Spice Oreos aren’t safe for dogs.
They contain palm oil and high fructose corn syrup, both of which are harmful to dogs. Palm oil can cause diarrhea, cramping, and nausea, while high fructose corn syrup can lead to weight gain and diabetes.
More importantly, Pumpkin Spice Oreos contain artificial flavoring paprika oleoresin and artificial dyes (Yellow 5 Lake, Red 40 Lake, Blue 2 Lake). Paprika oleoresin can cause skin irritation and hives in dogs, while artificial dyes could induce seizures and allergic reactions.
Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter Oreos?
No, dogs shouldn’t eat Peanut Butter Oreos.
Peanut Butter Oreos contain a lot of sugar and oils. Sugar can cause obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in dogs, while oils can lead to pancreatitis.
Peanut butter itself is safe for dogs. However, some peanut butters are flavored with xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. If a dog eats food with xylitol, that can cause vomiting, seizure, liver disease, and death when consumed even in small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Oreo Ice Cream?
No, Oreo ice cream isn’t safe for dogs.
Oreo ice cream is made with milk and sugar, which are both bad for your dog. Milk contains lactose which can cause bloating and digestive problems in dogs. Sugar is also harmful to dogs and can lead to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
What Should I Do if My Dog Ate Oreos?
If your dog ate Oreos, you should determine how much they ate, when, and what the ingredients are. In case your dog ate one regular Oreo cookie, they should be fine.
However, if your dog ate a lot of Oreos, you should take them to the vet because they may have ingested too much chocolate.
If your dog ate any other kind of Oreo, you should also take them to the vet. The ingredients in other Oreo flavors can still be harmful to dogs.
The biggest concern with Oreo cookies is chocolate toxicity because it can be fatal.
Symptoms of Chocolate Toxicity
Chocolate toxicity is a medical condition that can affect animals as well as people. Chocolate toxicity in dogs is a concern if the dog ingests an excessive amount of chocolate from any source. Early signs of chocolate toxicity include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Restlessness
- High heart rate
However, there are also more severe side effects that come later on. These may include muscle tremors, heart failure, seizures, and coma.
Steps To Take
There are several steps you should take if you suspect your dog ate Oreos:
Step 1 — Collect a sample of the packaging.
Step 2 — Do not induce vomiting on your own unless instructed by the vet.
Step 3 — Determine the time of ingestion.
Step 4 — Make sure your dog always has access to fresh water.
Step 5 — If your dog ate too many Oreo cookies, take them to a vet clinic immediately.
Make sure you watch out for the symptoms listed in the section above. Lethargy is also an alarming symptom and could indicate many underlying and severe issues.
Treatment
If your dog ate one Oreo, you should monitor them for side effects. Take your dog to the vet if they have symptoms of chocolate toxicity or if many Oreos are missing from the package.
For small dogs who may have eaten a few Oreos, you can wait and watch out for symptoms. In some cases, a vet will recommend inducing vomiting if the dog has not vomited within 2 hours of ingestion.
If your dog ate Oreos in copious amounts, they would likely require hospitalization. Sadly, there is still no antidote to chocolate poisoning. The dog will be given fluids and monitored for any changes. If the dog is not eating, they may require IV fluids.
If your dog ate packaging, bring them to the vet clinic. In case of gastrointestinal blockage, the dog may show symptoms such as abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, and lethargy. If this is the case, the dog might require surgery and hospitalization.
After Treatment
The treatment for chocolate toxicity is mainly supportive care after the dog has vomited or passed the chocolate out through feces. The dog will likely be discharged within 48 hours if they are doing well.
The vet will give you home instructions such as what kind of food to offer and how much. It is important to watch your dog after they have been treated for chocolate toxicity. If the symptoms worsen or reappear, take the dog back to the vet immediately.
Walking your dog also helps. Theobromine is excreted through urine, so if your dog is up for it, take them for regular walks.
Keep all chocolate products out of reach of your dog to prevent any further incidents. Chocolate is not the only thing that can be harmful to dogs, so always be aware of what they are eating and how much.
How to Prevent Your Dog From Eating Oreos
The best way to prevent your dog from eating Oreos is to keep the cookies and all chocolate products out of their reach. This includes keeping them in a pantry or cupboard that is inaccessible to your pet.
If you have guests over, be sure to remind them not to give any treats to the dog. Watch your dog when they are around food, especially if it is something they like to eat.
Dogs will often eat whatever is left on the table. This can be dangerous if they eat something harmful to them. It is vital to train your dog not to eat leftovers so you can keep them safe.
One way to train your dog not to eat leftovers is to create a cue word or signal. When you are done with your meal, say the cue word and put the food away. This way, your dog will know that they are not allowed to eat the leftovers. You can also train your dog by using a command such as “leave it.” When you give this command, the dog should leave the food alone.
Alternatives to Oreos
If you are looking for a dog treat that is lower in calories and fat, Oreos have many alternatives. Some good options include:
- Lean meat
- Fruits, e.g. apples and blueberries
- Vegetables, e.g. carrots
- Dog biscuits
These treats are not only healthier for your dog, but they are also more cost-effective. You will likely spend less money on these treats than you would on Oreos, and your dog will have a healthier snack as well.
Oh, Oh, Oreo No
Oreos may be a favorite snack for humans, but they can be harmful to dogs. The chocolate in the cookies can cause symptoms of chocolate toxicity, which can range from mild to life-threatening.
Of course, we want our pets to be happy, but at what cost? It is up to us as pet owners to keep our dogs safe. This means making sure they are not exposed to foods that are harmful to them. This includes chocolate, as well as other dangerous items like grapes and raisins.
So the next time you reach for an Oreo, think about your furry friend. Are they worth the risk?
