This post will try to answer another common question related to our best friends: Why Are Pretzel Not Recommended for Dogs?
To be entirely fair, pretzels are not exactly bad for your dog. They are not the healthiest food you can feed your dog, but they are not toxic for them.
Let’s go ahead and see, though, why you shouldn’t give pretzels to your dog.
Pretzels are basically small pieces of bread. The problem is that they have a lot of salt, which is not suitable for our dogs.
Salt, in general, is a terrible thing to feed our dogs, regardless of its form.
Pretzels can have many other toppings, such as chocolate or sesame seeds. Needless to say, chocolate shouldn’t be given to dogs.
Before giving pretzels to your puppy, make sure to check the ingredient list. Even though he may like them, it doesn’t mean he should eat them.
Pretzels and Possible Health Issues
Dogs are susceptible to some substances, and salt is one of the most dangerous. What’s little known is that dogs can actually experience salt poisoning.
Salt poisoning is definitely not something anyone is looking forward to. Both dogs and humans can experience it, but dogs being smaller than us, are prone to this.
A too high salt level in your body can lead to complications.
Obviously, your dog is your responsibility. You need to make sure that everything he eats is perfectly safe. Some foods are incredibly toxic to them.
As I said, dogs have smaller systems. This means that they won’t be able to process a large quantity of salt, sugar, and many other substances that are safe for us.
Significant salt intake can lead your pup to sodium chloride poisoning. Unfortunately, this can be fatal.
How is Salt Poisoning Deadly?
When your dog has a large salt intake, it starts to absorb the water in his body. This eventually leads to dehydration.
Your pup’s kidneys and circulatory system are going to be the first affected.
Overeating salt has a lot of dangers associated with it.
Depending on the dog, the symptoms may differ, but they are many, and you will notice.
Sometimes dog owners may mistake the salt poisoning symptoms to indigestion.
Here are some of the most common symptoms of salt poisoning:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Excessive peeing
- Disorientation
- Swelling
- Uncontrollable thirst
- lethargy
If you see any of these symptoms in your dog, make sure to immediately call your vet!
Are Unsalted Pretzels Safe for My Dog?
As the salted ones shouldn’t be an option at all for dogs, it doesn’t mean that the sweet ones are good. In general, sweet pretzels are not recommended for your pup, either.
There are many potentially toxic ingredients pretzels can contain, such as raisins. Raisins should not be consumed by dogs, as they are highly toxic to them. Sweet pretzels usually contain Xylitol. This is an artificial sweetener that shouldn’t be consumed by dogs.
Before you share your pretzels with your dog, make sure to read the ingredients list thoroughly. Some of them are toxic to dogs, and you can’t risk it.
If you want, you can give your pup one or two sesame seeds pretzels. Sesame is not toxic and can be an occasional treat. Just remember that moderation is everything!
Pretzel And Dogs - Final Words
In general, dogs can eat dough-based products, but it needs to be done with moderation.
If your dog can safely eat something, it doesn’t mean that he should have it all the time!
Pretzels are not incredibly toxic, but they are definitely not healthy. You can feed your dog a pretzel or two from time to time, but if you can, altogether avoid it.