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Can Dogs Eat Cheese Puffs? [Cheetos]

can dogs eat cheese puffs
(Last Updated On: December 15, 2022)

The question I get from many pet owners is “Can dogs eat cheese puffs?”. The simple answer is yes, but I would not recommend you feed cheese puffs to your dog.

Related Topic:What you need to know about diabetics in dogs

Many of us enjoy our snacks such as potato chips, Cheetos or pretzels. These snacks fall into the category of junk food because they have no nutritional value and are high in calories, saturated fats and MSG. 

safe for dogs to eat

Yes, dogs can eat cheese puffs (Cheetos) in moderation but not recommended.

Plain cheese puffs are safer than flavored cheese puffs. They may contain spices that are not safe for dogs. Limit to one or two at any given time to minimize the effects of saturated fats and excessive salts.

Let me go through some of the reasons why your pet should not eat cheese puffs.

What Ingredients are in Cheese Puffs?

cheese puff in a bowl

The ingredients in cheese puffs are not safe for dogs. Made from enriched corn meal, MSG and yellow number 6 covered in cheese seasonings.

Ingredients: (in no specific order)

  • Enriched corn meal
  • Vegetable oil
  • Canola oil
  • Cheese seasoning
  • Maltodextrin
  • Natural and artificial flavors
  • Whey protein concentrate
  • Yellow 6
  • MSG

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Nutritional Value of Cheese Puffs

The is no nutritional value in cheese puffs providing only empty calories. The main ingredient is enriched corn meal cooked and then covered in cheese seasoning made with MSG, yellow number 6 coloring. 

Even humans shouldn’t eat cheese puffs. Other foods such as oranges, popcorn, Cheerios, and red peppers are better options to this snack food.

What about Cheetos?

dog eating Cheetos

Cheetos brand of cheese puffs nutritional facts state that the serving size of 13 Cheetos has 160 calories, 1.5 grams of saturated fats, 270 mg of sodium. 

See Also: Can dogs eat whipping cream?

Only allow your dog to have a few once in a while. Don’t make it a habit.

Why Dogs Shouldn’t eat Cheese Puffs

Sassy begging for cheetos

Sassy begging for Cheetos

Cheetos cheese puffs are high in saturated fats, sodium (salt) which are dangerous for your pet. Saturated fats are one of the leading factors for heart disease, obesity, diabetes, arthritis and kidney disease.

Related Post: Can dogs eat jello?

Sodium is unhealthy for your dog

Dogs have a very low tolerance for salt. Consuming too much sodium (salt) can cause a stroke, high blood pressure and heart issues in dogs. If your dog eats too much salt in one sitting, however, the effects may be life-threatening.

Too much sodium (salt) can also cause hypernatremia which can cause:

  • Vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Behavioral changes
  • Clumsiness
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Excessive thirst

Is MSG safe for your Dog?

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) even in small amounts can triple your dog’s insulin levels making it very difficult to lose weight no matter how much exercise it gets. MSG is used to intensify flavors in foods and found in many human foods. 

MSG can cause your dog to develop any of these symptoms: headaches, asthmatic reactions, depression, mood changes and irritability, reproductive dysfunction, nervous disorders and an irregular heartbeat.

You might also like this:Can Dogs Eat Avocados?

Can Cheese Puffs cause obesity in dogs?

overweight dog

Dogs who suffer from obesity are far more likely to suffer from diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, many types of cancer, kidney problems, respiratory problems, insulin resistance, and a decreased life expectancy.

Related Topic:What you need to know about diabetics in dogs

A Better Alternative to cheese puffs

Instead of giving your dog cheese puffs as a snack, try something that will provide your pet nourishment. Stick to meat proteins or treats made specifically for dogs.

Ideally, you want to stick to treats that contain no soy, corn or artificial ingredients of any kind. Again, one or two is fine, just don’t make it a habit.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Cheese Puffs

While it’s not recommended to give your puppy cheese puffs, one or two once in a while should not be harmful as long as your dog is not allergic to any of the ingredients. 

Monitoring your pet’s diet and an active lifestyle will ensure your dog has a long happy life. Not to mention, that you will also need to stay active and healthy to keep up with your buddy. A benefit to both of you. Most dogs are happy to go on long walks twice a day to take care of business.

You should resist the urge to give cheese puffs to your dog with any regularity. As mentioned previously, cheese puffs contain quite a bit of added salt and saturated fats which are unhealthy for pets and humans alike.

I hope I’ve answered the question, “can dogs eat cheese puffs?” to your satisfaction. Please leave a comment or question below. I look forward to responding to your comments. Don’t forget to share the article with your friends and loved ones too.

can dogs eat cheese puffs

Liz

I'm a self-employed blogger, life-long pet parent, and lover of dogs. I have always loved animals, especially puppies. So when my family got our first dog 15 years ago, it was love at first sight. We named her Sassy because she was so small, cute, and had a sassy personality! Once we got her home, I wanted to know everything about caring for her, so I researched online. Eventually, this led me to create the PUPPYFAQS website, where I write about nutrition, health, and care of puppies and the latest news in the world of puppies. In my spare time, I volunteer at my local shelter, which is run by volunteers who are passionate about helping homeless dogs find their forever homes. If I'm not working or volunteering for dogs, you can find me spending time with my family, friends, and my puppy. I have been writing professionally online since 2009. In addition to PUPPYFAQS, I also write for several other pet-related publications.

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