Pretzels are the perfect middle ground between a chip and a cracker. Twists, sticks, bites, peanut butter-filled, chocolate-covered, and caramel-dipped, pretzels come in tons of unique shapes and flavors.
They are a type of snack food made with wheat flour, water, sugar, salt, and yeast. The dough is twisted into the shape of a knot before being baked in an oven. They are typically lightly salted or seasoned with herbs and spices such as garlic powder or onion powder. Pretzels are popular among humans as a snack food, but can dogs eat them too?
We all love light snacks for munching and a guilty pleasure for most people. Similarly, dogs also love to have snacks, chips, or pretzels. If your dog finds a bag of pretzels, he will dive into those snacks.
While it may seem harmless to give your dog a piece of that salty snack, there are some things you need to know before doing so. In this post, we will answer all your questions about pretzels and dogs.
Whether it’s a soft-baked or hard pretzel, your dog should only eat small amounts of unsalted, unflavored pretzels occasionally. But only if you are 100% sure there are no flavours and salt in them.
Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?
When it comes to feeding your dogs, it’s very important to research the food you want to give them. Human foods are safe for dogs but not all are healthy for your furry friend one food you may wonder about is pretzels
Well, can dogs eat pretzels? The answer is NO but a YES if you prepare it specifically for your dog and avoid the dangerous ingredients that can harm your dog’s furry friends. 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
First, it’s important to note that pretzels are high in salt and carbohydrate and do not really provide much nutrients for your dog, this makes it a bad choice for your furry friend.
Also note that pretzels can lead to obesity, high blood pressure and kidney disease because aside from having high salt, it also contains sugar which is bad for your dog
That being said, there are things you need to keep in mind and it includes considering your dog’s size, dogs with health issues and small dogs should avoid pretzel totally as the high salt content can be particularly harmful to them
Many pretzels are coated in salt or other spices, which can be harmful to dogs in large amounts. Additionally, avoid giving your dog any pretzels that contain chocolate, raisins, or other ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
Finally, it’s important to remember that pretzels should only be given to dogs in moderation and should never be used as a main meal for them. If you’re looking for a healthier snack for your dog, consider options such as carrots, green beans, or plain popcorn.
In conclusion, If you do decide to give your dog a pretzel as a treat, make sure that it is plain and free from any harmful ingredients. And as always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about your dog’s diet.
Nutritional Value Of Pretzels
Pretzels are made from flour, salt, yeast, and water, and are typically baked until crispy. Here are some of the nutritional benefits of pretzels:
1. Low in fat: Pretzels are a low-fat snack, they are one of the best snacks when it comes to fat content. A 100-gram serving of hard pretzels, or about 16 pretzels depending on their size, has just three grams of total fat and no cholesterol. Which makes them a healthier alternative to other snack foods like potato chips or crackers.
2. Low in calories: pretzels are a very healthy snack (especially if you make your own). They are made with minimal ingredients, and are relatively low in calories, which means you can enjoy them without feeling guilty. A one-ounce serving of pretzels contains around 110 calories.
3. Good source of carbohydrates: Pretzels are made almost entirely from flour, and because of this, are composed almost primarily of carbohydrates. They can help to provide a quick burst of energy when you need it.
4. High in sodium: One downside to pretzels is that they are high in sodium.Too much sodium causes many problems for people. The problems typically start in the kidneys when they struggle to eliminate the excess sodium.A one-ounce serving of pretzels contains around 400 milligrams of sodium, which is about 17% of the daily recommended intake.
5. Low in fibre: Pretzels are not a good source of fiber, most pretzels are made from refined wheat flour, also called white flour. White flour is made from wheat with the outer portion of the grain removed. This also removes most of its fiber and nutrients. So. If you’re looking for a snack that is high in fiber, you may want to choose something else.
Overall, pretzels can be a healthy snack option when enjoyed in moderation. They are low in fat and calories, and can provide a quick source of energy. However, they are high in sodium and low in fiber, so it’s important to enjoy them in moderation.
Risk Of Feeding Pretzels To Dogs
Absolutely. While pretzels are popular snack food for humans, they are not recommended for dogs. Here are some of the risks associated with feeding pretzels to dogs:
1. Salt: Pretzels are typically high in salt, which can be harmful to dogs. A dog with salt toxicity will develop gastrointestinal problems such as vomiting and diarrhoea, and in the end stages, neurologic signs such as seizures, as well as death. Also, excessive salt can cause a dog’s cells to dehydrate rapidly. Severe dehydration can lead to visible lethargy
2. Digestive issues: Dogs have a different digestive system than humans, and no matter the kind of pretzels you get, they will be high in salts and sugars which can be problematic for a dog’s digestive system.
3. Choking hazard: Pretzels are a hard, crunchy food that can be difficult for dogs to chew and swallow. This can lead to choking, which can be life-threatening.
4. Obesity: Pretzels are also high in calories, which can contribute to obesity in dogs. A freshly made soft pretzel can have up to 400 calories and feeding high-calorie food with low protein content could lead to reduced muscle mass and fatty deposits. Obesity can lead to a range of health issues, including diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
5. Allergic reactions: Some dogs may be allergic to the ingredients in pretzels, which can lead to allergic reactions like itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
6. Tooth damage: The hard, crunchy texture of pretzels can also be damaging to dogs’ teeth. It can cause tooth fractures, gum damage, and other dental issues.
Overall, it’s best to avoid feeding pretzels to dogs. There are many other dog-friendly snacks that are safer and healthier, such as carrots, apples, and plain popcorn. If you’re unsure whether a particular food is safe for your dog, it’s always best to check with your veterinarian first.
Alternatives Of Prestzel For Dogs
There are many healthy and dog-friendly alternatives to pretzels that you can give to your furry friend. Here are some options:
1. Carrots: Carrots are a great snack for dogs because they are low in calories and high in fibre and vitamins. Carrot treats are perfect for puppies who may enjoy a change from grainy treats and rawhide. not only is this vegetable safe, but it also can serve as a healthy, low-calorie snack for your pup. They are also crunchy, which can help clean your dog’s teeth.
2. Apples: Apples are another healthy snack for dogs. Apples are a low-calorie treat that’s perfect for any dog needing to lose or maintain their weight. But since each apple has about 19 grams of sugar, a whole apple will likely be too much for your dog.
3. Green beans: Green beans are rich in dietary fibre and low in calories, so they can help dogs (and their pet parents!) feel full for longer. the green bean diet can be a great way to help overweight dogs reach a healthy weight.
4. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes for dogs are rich in many vitamins and minerals and they taste delicious, The amount of green beans that you feed your dog really depends on their size, breed and dietary requirements. They are high in fibre and vitamins and can be cooked and mashed or sliced and baked for a crunchy treat.
5. Plain popcorn: Plain, air-popped popcorn is a great snack for dogs. Popped corn kernels actually contain several minerals important to canine nutrition, like magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, and zinc, along with fibre and trace amounts of vitamins. It is low in calories and can be a fun and tasty treat.
6. Peanut butter: Peanut butter is a nutritionally well-rounded dog treat, providing nutrients and fibre as well as protein and healthy fats Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats for dogs. Just be sure to choose a brand that does not contain xylitol, which can be toxic to dogs.
7. Cheese: cheese is not toxic and is completely fine for most pups, many dogs love cheese, and it can be a good source of protein and calcium. Just be sure to choose low-fat options, as cheese is also high in calories.
8. Blueberries: blueberries are a great low-calorie treat for dogs. They also contain antioxidants, fibre and vitamins C and K. These nutrients support the immune system and contribute to overall health.
Read also: Can Dogs Eat Couscous? What You Should Know
Healthy Treats For Your Fog: Recipe
1. Peanut Butter & Carrot Homemade Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 large carrots, scrubbed clean and cut into chunks (no need to peel)
- 2 cups oats, (old fashioned, 1-minute oats, or instant)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter, c
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300F (150C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the carrots to a medium pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender, 5 – 10 minutes. Drain the carrots.
- Add the boiled carrots along with the oats and peanut butter to a food processor and mix well until the carrots and oats are broken down and a soft sticky dough forms. If your dough is too wet, add more oats. If your dough is too dry, add more peanut butter or carrots.
- Remove from the food processor and place the dough on a sheet of parchment paper. Place another sheet of parchment paper on top, use a rolling pin to roll the dough out to about ½ inch (1.3 cm) thick.
- Cut the dough into treats. I used this bone-shaped cookie cutter to cut out the treats but you could use any cookie cutter, or just cut them into squares with a knife or pizza cutter. Gather any dough scraps, and reroll to make more treats.
- Bake for 35 – 40 minutes, until the treats are dry and lightly browned on the bottoms, (they will still feel soft when first removed from the oven). The treats will get a bit firmer once they are cool. Let cool before giving one to your pup. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 1 week, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or I like to store them in my freezer which makes them firmer and makes them stay fresh for a long time.
2. Soft Peanut Butter Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 cup (255g) natural creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup (180ml) skim milk
- 1 large egg (or 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce)
- 1 large carrot, shredded (or 8-ish baby carrot)– around 2/3 cup shredded
- 2 and 1/4 cups (290g) whole wheat flour* (spoon & levelled)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup (28g) oats (either whole-rolled or quick oats are fin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, gently mix the peanut butter, milk, egg, and carrot together with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Add the flour and baking powder. You may need to turn the dough out onto a floured work surface and use your hands to work in the flour. Mix in the oats. The dough is extremely thick and heavy.
- Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out to 1/4″ thickness. Cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Arrange on the baking sheets. Bake for 15 minutes, or until very lightly browned on the bottom. Remove from the oven, and flip the treats to bake the other side for 10 more minutes. Want the treats to be a little more crunchy? Bake for 5 more minutes.
- Allow to cool completely before serving to your pup. Store at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Freezing Instructions: Since the pups can’t eat the whole batch in a week, I usually freeze them. Jude loves them right out of the freezer too! The treats freeze well up to 2 months.
- Flour: Unbleached all-purpose flour is safe for dogs, but whole wheat was more highly recommended by our vet because of its added health benefits. Again, please consult with your vet about any allergies your dog may have.
3. Pumpkin Carrot Treat
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup pure pumpkin purée (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup grated carro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C.
- Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix together with a rubber spatula or spoon until most of the flour is incorporated, then use a clean hand to work in the remaining flour until the dough is uniform.
- Lightly dust the counter with flour, then roll dough out to 1/8″ thick with a floured rolling pin.
- Cut treats out with a 2 inch cookie cutter and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 18 – 20 minutes, or a few minutes longer for crunchier treats.
- Cool completely before giving to your dog.
4. Apple Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups whole wheat flour
- ½ cup oats
- 1 TBSP brown sugar, optional if your dog doesn’t like sugar
- 1 apple, cored and grated (leave peel on)
- ½ cup carrots, peeled and grated
- 1 egg, beaten
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ – ½ cup water, note: the apples add moisture, so only add extra water if necessary
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 and grease a cookie sheet.
- Core and grate apples; peel and grate carrots (I used food processor).
- In one bowl, mix the flour, oats, and brown sugar. In separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the oil, water, and grated apples and carrots. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients bowl and mix completely.
- Carefully roll ‘dough’ out and cut out desired shape with a small cookie cutter.
- Bake for 40 – 45 minutes, or until apple juices are soaked and biscuits are firm.
- After biscuits cool, feel free to share with the pups in your life! Store in air-tight container.
- Serving size: makes 20-24 small dog biscuits.
5. Spinach, Carrot And Apple Treats
Ingredients
- ¼ cup finely shredded carrots
- ¼ cup puréed spinach
- ¼ cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ½ cup quick-cooking oats
- ¾ cup whole wheat flour
Directions
- Preheat the Dog Treat Maker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the carrots, spinach, apple sauce, and egg. Whisk until they are combined. Mix in the oats. Add the flour and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms.
- Lightly spray the Cooking Surface of the Dog Treat Maker with a small amount of non-aerosol cooking oil. Pinch off walnut-size pieces of the dough (18g, .7 ounce) and roll each into a 3 ½ inch long log. Using tongs or a spatula, carefully place a log of dough into each cavity of the Dog Treat Maker, making sure each cavity is filled with dough. Repeat, filling all 8 cavities of the Dog Treat Maker. Close the lid, pressing until it clicks shut.
- Bake the treats for 6 minutes. Using short tongs, turn the treats. Close the lid, pressing down firmly
- it is ok if it does not click shut. Bake the treats for an additional 6 minutes, or until dark brown and firm when pressed. Transfer treats to a wire rack and cools completely.
- Repeat to bake the remaining treats. Spraying cooking oil again is not needed
6. Carrot And Oatmeal Bonz Dog Treat
Ingredients
- 1 cup Oats
- ½ cup Peanut Butter
- ⅓ cup Shredded Carrots
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Grind the oatmeal into a fine flour-like substance in a food processor or Ninja.
- Add the peanut butter and carrots, and blend well. You may have to take it all out and stir it to get it to fully combine into a dough.
- Roll the dough out onto a clean, flat surface to ¼ inch thickness. You may have to lightly flour it to get it to roll better.
- Cut shapes into the dough, then place them onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
- Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Read Also: Can Dogs Eat Ricotta Cheese? Find Out
7. Gluten-Free Blueberry And Carrot Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 carrot (shredded)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp parsley
- 2 cups rice flour
- 1 tsp rosemary
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
- Add blueberries, shredded carrot, egg, and applesauce to the blender. Blend until pureed.
- In a large bowl, add rice flour, Perfect Form, baking powder, rosemary, parsley, and olive oil. Mix well.
- Add the contents of the blender to the dry ingredients in the bowl. Mix until a moist dough is formed.
- Roll out on the rice-floured surface and roll out to ½ inch thickness. Cut using a cookie cutter and place it on cookie sheets.
- Place in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool overnight. Store in an airtight container or bag.
8. Oat, Banana, Carrot, And Parsley Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats blended until flour-like consistency
- ½ cup fresh curly parsley, loosely packed and finely chopped **Use curly variety only, others may be toxic
- 1 large carrot finely grated
- 1 large ripe banana peeled & mashed
- 1 large egg beaten
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the oats in a blender and pulse until it becomes a flour-like consistency.
- Pour into a large bowl and add the fresh parsley, grated carrots, mashed banana, egg, and olive oil.
- Mix until well combined and knead until moistened.
- Turn dough onto a well-floured surface. Use your hands to flatten the dough and shape it into a circle 1/4 inch thick, using a bit of flour if needed.
- Use a small dog bone cutter to cut out treats.
- Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment an inch apart.
- Place into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- Allow them to cool on a rack completely before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
9. Grain-Free Carrot And Spinach Dog Treats
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup nut butter no add salt, sugar, or additives
- 2 eggs
- 3 cups almond four
- 1-2 Carrots peeled and shredded
- 1 cup baby spinach Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In an electric mixer, beat together pumpkin puree, nut butter, and eggs until well combined.
- Add in flour gradually, approximately a half cup at a time. Mix until incorporated.
- Add in spinach and carrots. Mix until incorporated.
- Knead dough into a ball. Either roll the dough out and use cookie cutters to create shapes, or use your hands to shape into small heart or flat, circular dog biscuits. (If rolling dough out to use cookie cutters, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 1 hour to make the dough stiffer/easier to roll out & cut. Dip cookie cutter in almond flour to prevent sticking. You can also use a knife to cut rolled dough into squares).
- Place treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until treats turn golden brown on the edges.
10. Dog-Shaped Bread Rolls
Ingredients:
- Dough (Use any dough you like. See below for reference)
- 135 grams Bread flour
- 15 grams Cake flour
- 2 to 3 grams Instant dry yeast
- 80 ml Milk
- 1 grams Salt
- 15 grams Sugar
- 10 grams Butter
- 25 grams Egg
- 280 grams Or your favourite dough that’s finished first rising
- 56 grams) (For one piece
Other:
- 5 Wiener sausages
- 1 Ketchup
- 1 Beaten egg for finishing
- 1 dash Store bought chocolate or seaweed
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix all ingredients except for butter. Then add butter and mix them well and bring it to one. Knead well.
- In an oven, bring the dough to rise for the first time. Use the proof mode of your oven until it’s double in size.
- Take out the dough and divide them into 5 pieces (for the face). Each dough should be 15 g. The rest of the dough (for body 41 g) is also divided into 5 pieces and round them. Rest them for 15 minutes.
- Take the dough for the body and roll it out to make a long stick that is 5-6 cm longer than the sausage. Put a bit of ketchup on and place the sausage.
- Wrap the sausage with dough from both ends. Close the right end by pressing out the air. On the left side make a cut with a knife in the middle to separate the ends and seal.
- Place the dough seam-side down. Bend the right edge and place it under the edge of the body to secure it. On the left side, put the legs together
- Take a small amount of dough from the face dough and round it to make a nose. Shape the remaining dough into a ball. Flatten it and make cuts on the left and right for the ears. Place it on the body.
- Place the dogs on a baking tray and let them rise a second time using the proof mode of your oven. Once it’s done, start preheating the oven immediately.
- Brush the tops of the dough with beaten eggs. Here, make the eyes if you are using seaweed. Bake it in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 12 minutes.
- If you are using chocolate to draw eyes, use cooled chocolate melted in a double boiler with a toothpick.
- There’s also cat bread – “Sleeping Curled Up Cat Bread”.
- Can Dogs Eat Red Rice
- Can Dogs Eat Ruffles? Find Out
- Can Dogs Eat Key Lime Pie? Find Out
- Can Dogs Have Pumpernickel Bread? What You Should Know
- Side Effects Of Antibiotics In Dogs: What You Should Know
Conclusion
In conclusion, It’s best to focus on safe foods for dogs, Especially the homemade recipe. Consult your Veterinarians or better still, study your dog’s diet and nutrition yourself. It can help them live longer.
We hope at this point you can now answer questions like “Can dogs eat pretzels?