If your dog eats your breakfast, what happens? It’s not always a good idea to feed dogs human food because so much of what people consume is processed, heavy in salt, or contains ingredients that are poisonous to dogs, such onions, olives, or artificial sweeteners. There are some foods, nevertheless, that won’t harm dogs whether they are given them as treats or if your dog sneaks a couple of them off the counter. If allergies are not a problem, wheat and grains, especially Cream of Wheat cereal, are suitable for dogs.
Is wheat safe for dogs?
In general, dogs are safe around grains and wheat. Dog meals often contain wheat because it is widely accessible. When paired with animal protein like chicken, it’s a wonderful source of protein and calories. Although feeding grains and wheat to dogs won’t cause allergies, doing so may result in an allergic reaction if the dog already has sensitivities to other foods.
Although it is unknown how many dogs have food allergies in general, a wheat allergy is not very frequent in dogs. Beef, dairy, wheat, poultry, and eggs are the top five allergens for canines. If your dog consumes some Cream of Wheat, dairy consumption is only problematic if milk was used to make the porridge rather than water. Other than that, Cream of Wheat is dairy-free. It’s interesting to note that the meal most likely to cause allergic responses in dogs is beef, not wheat.
What is Cream of Wheat?
Because it has been around since 1893, the brand Cream of Wheat is well-known. It all began in Grand Forks, North Dakota, when a miller by the name of Tom Amido produced a porridge from premium wheat he had ground (known as “cream of wheat” because early wheat is the “cream of the crop”).
B&G Foods, the current owner of the business, has added sweeteners, fruit, and nuts to the Cream of Wheat product range to create new varieties. The only Cream of Wheat that is safe for dogs is the original variety because it only contains wheat and water, or milk if you like. Other varieties than the original have sugar and perhaps nuts.
What If My Dog Has a Wheat Allergy?
Dogs frequently experience some kind of dietary intolerance or allergy. Food allergies in dogs are most frequently caused by dairy, meat, poultry, chicken eggs, soy, or wheat gluten.5 Without carrying out an elimination diet under your veterinarian’s guidance, it can be difficult to determine the precise cause of a food allergy.
If it has been proven that your dog has a wheat allergy or sensitivity, you should never give them Cream of Wheat since it could cause a number of unpleasant symptoms that are typical of food allergies, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Digestive discomfort
- Itchiness
- Red, inflamed skin
Ingredients to Avoid in Cream of Wheat
Cream of Wheat is frequently combined with water and can be eaten simply, but most people prefer to add different flavors, fruits, or even sugar or artificial sweeteners to make it their own. When it comes to your dog, you should err on the side of caution in this situation because some of these components may result in gastrointestinal distress, an allergic reaction, or even poisoning.
Owners of dogs should be aware of which human meals are suitable for their canines and which are not. The following is a list of the most popular Cream of Wheat additions that should be avoided by puppies:
Milk
Water is most frequently added to milk Cream of Wheat, but milk can also be added. Many dogs have lactose intolerance, which prevents them from fully or partially digesting lactose. One of the main causes of food intolerance in dogs is lactose, a sugar present in milk and other dairy products.
When the small intestine does not produce enough lactase, a digestive enzyme required to effectively digest lactose, lactose intolerance results. Although lactose may be present naturally in the mother dog’s milk and puppies will generate extra lactase to break down the milk, as the puppy ages, this production will reduce and occasionally halt.
Extra Sugar
While it’s fine to let your dog nibble on some naturally occurring sugar-containing foods like fruit or vegetables, owners should steer clear of giving their dogs anything with added sugar, which is present in many human meals you can buy at the grocery store.
While excessive sugar consumption is bad and can cause obesity and a number of health problems, including diabetes and heart disease, it is not poisonous to your dog.
https://web.archive.org/web/20240304014337if_/https://www.youtube.com/embed/U15SPJDWvUs?feature=oembedNutrition Talk #8: MarC’s Ultimate Bowl of Cream Of Wheat!
Chocolate
Some Cream of Wheat types will already include chocolate flavoring. It is widely known that dogs cannot consume chocolate.2 Owners shouldn’t leave chocolate out unguarded or let their dogs to consume it. Though it is extremely rare, eating chocolate can cause varied degrees of disease. The side effects get worse as the quantity increases.
The major toxin in chocolate, theobromine, fluctuates in concentration according on the type of chocolate. Even while theobromine won’t be present in great quantities in the modest amount contained in Cream of Wheat, your dog shouldn’t be given it.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a substance that is frequently present in or added to a wide range of human products. Without all the sugar and carbohydrates, sweetness is produced using this artificial sweetener. Owners should exercise extra caution if xylitol is present in any foods or beverages in the home because it is extremely harmful to dogs.3 Keep xylitol-containing goods away from your dogs if you add them to your Cream of Wheat.
Low blood sugar is usually a symptom of xylitol toxicity and appears about 30 minutes after intake. Call your veterinarian right away if your dog ever accidentally consumes xylitol.
Why can’t dogs eat wheat?
Some dogs may have wheat allergies or sensitivities, leading to digestive issues or skin problems. Additionally, wheat contains gluten, which can be problematic for dogs with gluten intolerance or certain medical conditions. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian if you suspect your dog has an issue with wheat.
Does wheat affect dogs?
Wheat can affect dogs with allergies, sensitivities, or intolerances to gluten. Consuming wheat-based products may lead to digestive upset, skin irritations, or other adverse reactions in sensitive dogs. It’s important to observe your dog’s response to wheat and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns.
Talk to Your Veterinarian
It is strongly advised that you bring any nutritional concerns to your dog’s veterinarian’s attention. Never alter your dog’s diet in a significant way without first consulting them. They are in the best position to offer advice because they are the most knowledgeable about your dog’s medical background and current state of health.