Does your furry friend join you for breakfast in the morning to have the same cereal you consume? Do they ever look at you to give him Weetabix, too? Do you need help determining owners? in this article, I will expose all the hidden facts associated with feeding Weetabix to dogs and provide you with an alternative to this cereal.
Can dogs eat Weetabix?
The answer may be yes or no. The Weetabix contains no harmful ingredients that make dogs ill if taken in small quantities. So yes, you can treat plain Weetabix to dogs without any added sugar, topping, or flavour. On the other side, a big no because Weetabix is a kind of whole grain biscuit, and while they are not toxic to dogs, they doot meet their nutritional needs causing stomach issues and weight gain if fed every.
Is Weetabix good for dogs?
Weetabix is good for dogs only when given as a treat or in less quantity because it is a source of essential nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The high fibre aids food digestion, and vitamins & minerals help energy metabolism. All the nutrient values work similarly on dogs, too. The classification of Weetabix’s nutritional value includes the following:
- Energy (Calories): Calories are essential for maintaining a healthy weight and overall body functions.
- Carbohydrates: They help in supporting brain function, provide dietary fibre that aids in digestion, and regulate bowel movement.
- Protein: Protein is crucial for muscle growth and maintenance, immune function, hormone production, and enzyme activity.
- Fats: Dietary fats are necessary for several body processes, such as absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) and supplying energy.
- Vitamins and minerals: Common fortification includes:
- Iron: for oxygen transport in the blood.
- Vitamin B1: converts food into energy.
- Vitamin B2: for cellular function.
- Vitamin B3: for good function of enzymes.
- Vitamin B6: for brain development.
- Vitamin B9: for DNA synthesis and reducing fatigue in dogs.
- Vitamin B12: for red blood cell formation.
How many Weetabix can my dog eat?
The number of Weetabix for dogs depends on size, age, activity level, breed, and overall dietary needs. But it is always advised to consult a vet about the quantity of Weetabix they can have for dogs. I have a Labrador retriever of 22 kg, to whom I feed three biscuits once or twice a week. He loves the taste and never shows harsh symptoms after eating the morning cereal.
Dog’s size | Recommended Weetabix |
20-50 lbs | 1-1.5 biscuits |
50-100 lbs | 1.5-2 biscuits |
Over 100 lbs | 2-3 biscuits |
What factors to consider when feeding Weetabix to dogs?
Just like humans, dogs also love this crunchy treat, and according to my perception and experience of feeding Weetabix to dogs, they are safe for dogs, but watch these factors before feeding Weetabix to dogs.
- Weetabix is not a nutritionally balanced diet for dogs, so always feed in small quantities once a week.
- Weetabix comes in banana, chocolate, fruit & nuts, and chocolaty hazelnut flavours, but for dogs, please buy plain Weetabix with no added additives.
- Weetabix is primarily made from wheat, and if your dog is allergic to gluten or wheat, don’t give it to him, or you can jump to gluten-free cereal like weet-bix from online stores and Australian grocery stores in your territory.
- Weetabix contains high fibre content, so if you have a dog with stomach issues, I suggest not feeding him this morning cereal.
- Before introducing any new food, including Weetabix, consult your veterinarian. They can advise on appropriate portions and potential risks based on your dog’s needs and health conditions.
- If your dog is obese, then don’t feed him Weetabix because carbohydrates in it can make the dog more weighty.
- After introducing Weetabix to your dog’s diet, closely monitor their health and behaviour. Look for any signs of adverse reactions, digestive discomfort, and changes in appetite.
- While you feed Weetabix to dogs, always stick to portion control because these cereals are for humans, not for furry fellows.
Can puppies eat Weetabix?
No, I highly discouraged Weetabix for puppies. There are many arguments against feeding Weetabix to puppies, including growing and immature metabolism and digestive system and systems complex carbs and fat that we find in Weetabix create super problems in digestion. Moreover, Weetabix is a nutritionally imbalanced diet, while puppies need much more protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals than dogs. Dueand due to the complicated & dense texture of Weetabix, it might create airway blockage. If your puppy eats Weetabix after it turns into a powder form, it can lead to picky eating habits later in life. So, only feed Weetabix in smaller quantities.
Is Weetabix bad for dogs?
Weetabix is okay for dogs if given as an occasional treat but can be harmful if consumed daily. However, this tasty breakfast can be bad for dogs due to unhealthy ingredients in it like:
- Whole grain wheat: Weetabix contain 95% wheat, but can dogs eat wheat? if your dog has wheat allergy with symptoms of itching, hair loss, diarrhoea, ear infection, vomit, flatulence than Weetabix could be bad for your dog.
- Sugar: Sugar from natural sources like fruits is suitable for goods, but the added sugar in any food is bad so as this way Weetabix contains added sugar that’s over usage results in tooth decay, joint issues, mental fog, diabetes, weight gain, pancreatitis inflammation, and hyperactivity.
- Salt: Regular salt intake is vital for sodium needs and electrolyte balance in dogs, but its high content creates salt poisoning, heart diseases, kidney problems, and dehydration in them. The Weetabix might need to be fixed due to its salt content.
- Added milk: Weetabix is prepared when adding some milk, and if your dog has lactose intolerance, this cereal is bad for the dog’s health. If you want to offer a milk-like treat, consider specially formulated lactose-free dog milk or unsweetened plant-based milk like oat milk or almond milk, but only in tiny quantities and with your veterinarian’s approval.
What is Weetabix?
If you are in the UK, you must be aware of Weetabix. Although an Australian invention, it has been a famous brand in the UK since 1932. A breakfast cereal, usually rectangular with a palm size of 4″x2″, that is low in sugar and high in fibre. This Weetabix is not confined to breakfast only, but you can try making various recipes with it, like crushed Weetabix as a coating on chicken or fish and mixing it with yogurt. Weetabix has multiple product lines and flavours to cater to different tastes and preferences. It includes original Weetabix biscuits, Weetabix Minis, and flavoured varieties such as Chocolate Weetabix or Fruit & Fibre, but plain Weetabix can be used for dogs.
Can dogs eat Weetabix for constipation?
Weetabix can soothe constipation in dogs to very little, but it is not recommended to cure constipation with Weetabix. Does Weetabix not provide fibre? It contains a high amount of fibre that helps food digestion, regular bowel movement, weight maintenance, reduction of haemorrhoids, lower LDL cholesterol, and improved gut health, but all these benefits are for humans. As fibre in Weetabix is not natural, you should select natural fibre-providing foods to deal with constipation in dogs; these foods include:
- Pumpkin
- Apple
- Carrots
- Sweet potatoes
- Green beans
- Oats
- Beet
- Chickpeas
Weetabix for dogs glands
No, Weetabix does not help anal glands in dogs, a disease when dogs have full glands that are closed to the anus. It is general, and the vet says 12% of dogs have this issue once in their lives. A question arises of which food causes anal gland issues in dogs. I can say this anal gland disease is due to many factors, including insufficient fibre intake in a dog’s diet.
Can Weetabix provide much fibre to deal with dogs’ anal glands naturally? No, although the Weetabix contains fibre, it is not the natural fibre that helps reduce this problem in dogs. This problem can be solved by adding bones, a source of calcium in dogs’ diet, but again, not the marrow bones but beef necks, beef ribs, or hip bones once a week. This technique makes dogs’ stool harder, so when dogs put pressure on poo, it will also exert pressure on sacs to express gland naturally.
My dog ate too much Weetabix; what do I do?
You must watch him closely if he has consumed too much Weetabix and notice the symptoms. If the symptoms are typical, your dog will be better within 24 hours, but if he can’t, then concern the vet immediately.
Normal symptoms:
- Vomit
- Loose stool
- Upset stomach
- constipation
Severe symptoms:
- Severe diarrhoea
- Trembling
- Persistent vomiting
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain
What to do?
- Provide him with boiled water after some time.
- Not to feed Weetabix later.
- Please don’t give him solid food for 24 hours.
- Consult with your vet.
Can my dogs eat Weetabix with milk?
No, it is not recommended to give Weetabix with milk to dogs. Not give such treats like cereals with milk because:
- Many dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack the enzyme lactase needed to digest lactose, the sugar in milk. Feeding milk to lactose-intolerant dogs can lead to digestive upset, including diarrhoea, gas, and bloating.
- Dogs should eat mostly animal-based proteins, lipids, and other nutrients because they have different nutritional demands than humans. The balanced diet dogs need for optimum health is not offered by Weetabix with milk.
- Milk contains calories and fat, which can contribute to weight gain in dogs if given excessively.
- Some Weetabix varieties contain added sugar or sweeteners, which can contribute to dental problems in dogs over time.
How do you serve Weetabix to your gluten– or lactose–free dog?
The method includes:
- Opt for plain Weetabix without added sugars, flavourings, or artificial sweeteners.
- Break the Weetabix biscuit into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for your dog’s size.
- Offer Weetabix to your dog in small portions as an occasional treat. Avoid feeding large amounts at once.
- If your dog has difficulty chewing or swallowing dry Weetabix, consider moistening it with a small amount of water. (you can add Beaphar puppy milk or replace it with goat or cow milk)
- If you’re feeding Weetabix to your dog for the first time, introduce it gradually into their diet. Start with a small portion and monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset.
Note: Remember that Weetabix should not replace a balanced and species-appropriate diet for your dog. It should be offered as an occasional treat alongside their regular meals.
Quick answers
How many fat types are found in Weetabix?
Three fats found in Weetabix:
- Saturated fat: Weetabix has 0.6 g per 100g serving of this fat that provides energy and maintains hormones in dogs if taken in moderation.
- Monounsaturated fat: Weetabix has 0.5 g per 100g serving of this fat that promotes healthy skin and coat and controls dogs’ blood sugar.
- Polyunsaturated fat: Weetabix has 1.3 g per 100g serving of this fat, which is considered crucial for dogs in the form of omega-3 & 6 fatty acids that make brain development and growth.
Can Weetabix be toxic to dogs?
No, Weetabix is not toxic to dogs. It might not be suitable if your dog is undergoing some disease or you buy flavoured Weetabix. So, can I give my dog Weetabix crispy chocolate chips? As you know, chocolate is toxic for dogs, and feeding Weetabix with chocolate flavour might make it toxic.
Can dogs eat Weetabix in the morning?
No, dogs should not eat Weetabix every morning because high fibre, sugar, salt, and carbohydrate content, whether in high quantity or regularly, is not good for your dog’s health.
Can I give my dogs Weetabix with water?
Adding water into Weetabix is unnecessary, but you can do it to change the cereal texture, making it easier to consume. But adding water or not will never affect the case, as it is true that Weetabix is not a balanced food for dogs. My many fellows who mixed the Weetabix in to boil water and their dogs did well. All dogs are different from others.
Can dogs eat banana weetabix?
No, it is strongly discouraged to give banana weetabix to dogs because it contains high fibre, sugar, and flavour that can be dangerous to dog’s health. Otherwise, if the dog is grain-tolerant, feed him plain Weetabix.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Weetabix is meant for humans but can be given as a treat to dogs, but bear in mind that they don’t have any gluten or lactose allergies.
