Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?

As a caring dog owner, you may be wondering if it’s safe to give your dog a bite of some snacks we enjoy, like pretzels!

While offering pretzels to your dog may seem harmless and fun to do, it’s important to know that not all human foods are safe for our canine companions.

We will unpack the harmful ingredients to watch out for in this salty snack and outline some of the safe alternatives to offer your dog for their health and well-being.

Understanding Dog Nutrition

Before we answer whether dogs can eat pretzels, it’s crucial for pet parents to understand the dog’s dietary needs since this will help them make informed decisions on their diet.

Just like humans, dogs require a balanced diet composed of a mix of the major nutrients to keep them healthy.

Some of the essential nutrients needed by dogs include proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals, and water.

Even though dogs are omnivores, they tend to thrive on an animal protein diet. Dogs can also benefit from some plant-based foods which help supply the necessary phytonutrients and minerals.

Many vet nutritionists advise pet parents to put their dogs on a healthy animal protein diet with a nice mix of all the other nutrients.

Proteins are essential to canines since they are packed with the amino acids needed to build stronger muscles, repair tissues, and in the production of hormones and enzymes.

A low-carb diet is beneficial to supply dogs with the necessary energy they need to go through the day without adding too many calories.

Dog diets with healthy fats can help to support their skin and coat health in addition to providing energy.

Adding vitamins, especially from fruits and veggies, to your dog’s diet helps in various body functions including vision, immunity, and antioxidating properties.

Therefore, a well-balanced diet for dogs should consist of high-quality animal protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and a moderate amount of carbohydrates.

Potential risks of feeding inappropriate food to dogs

Feeding your dog an improper diet can harm their overall health and well-being.

Some of the health risks caused by a wrong food intake include toxicity, gastrointestinal issues, obesity, and nutritional imbalance.

Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?

Are pretzels safe for dogs?

Even though unseasoned pretzels may not necessarily be harmful to dogs, it is best to avoid giving pretzels to dogs in general.

Most pretzels are seasoned with salt, sugar, and other harmful additives, in addition to the excessive carbs which can be dangerous for dogs.

Ingredients in pretzels that may be harmful to dogs

In order to appreciate the potential dangers of feeding pretzels to dogs, we need to take a closer look at the ingredients profile of this snack.

1. Sodium

Both hard and soft pretzels are loaded with salt, which means they are high in sodium.

Excessive intake of sodium can lead to frequent thirst and urination in dogs and may cause kidney diseases in severe cases.

2. Spices and flavor

Pretzels are typically seasoned with garlic, onion powder, or mustard powder to enhance their flavor and aroma.

Some of these artificial seasoning and flavoring agents are toxic to dogs and may induce toxicity even when ingested in small amounts.

3. High carbs

Both hard and soft pretzels contain high amounts of carbohydrates, thanks to wheat, which can increase the blood sugar level in dogs and lead to excessive weight gain.

Dogs who eat high amounts of carbs every day are at a higher risk of becoming obese, and this opens up the possibility of chronic conditions in dogs.

4. Artificial sweeteners

Sweet pretzels are covered with xylitol, chocolate, or added sugar which makes them a bad food choice for dogs.

Excessive intake of artificial sugars can lead to dental problems and obesity in dogs. Chocolate on the other hand is toxic to dogs, and you should avoid it.

Health Risks of Feeding Pretzels to Dogs

Some of the potential risks of giving pretzels to dogs include the following:

1. Sodium and salt content

Due to the high salt content of pretzels, giving your dog this snack may induce salt toxicity which can be dangerous for dogs.

Dogs are more sensitive to salt than humans because their kidneys cannot eliminate sodium efficiently from the system.

Excessive salt in the dog’s blood (hypernatremia) can cause mild conditions such as dehydration and serious neurological conditions such as convulsions.

It is uncommon to find store-bought unsalted pretzels or those with less amount of salt, which makes this a possibly dangerous snack for dogs.

2. Choking hazards and digestive issues

Another significant health risk, which perhaps most pet parents overlook, is the risk of choking and possible digestive issues.

Hard pretzels are tough to chew and they can become lodged in the dog’s throat as they try to swallow, leading to choking.

The firm and dense texture of pretzels can irritate the dog’s digestive tract and cause gastrointestinal issues including bloating and vomiting.

Flavored pretzels seasoned with artificial sweeteners and pungent spices may also irritate your dog’s tummy and lead to digestive issues.

3. Allergies and sensitivities to certain ingredients

Pretzels are typically seasoned with different types of spices, flavors, and artificial sweeteners to enhance their flavors, but some of these ingredients can cause allergic reactions in dogs.

Some of the common allergens in dogs include wheat, soy, and artificial flavoring agents which can lead to skin irritation, and swelling, among other adverse reactions in dogs.

4 Signs of Pretzel Poisoning in Dogs

Knowing the common signs of pretzel poisoning in dogs will help you to tell whether your dog has ingested a toxic substance into their system.

These will help you solve the problems as quickly as possible and seek veterinary care for your ailing dog before it’s too late.

Some of the common signs of pretzel poisoning in dogs include;

1. Gastrointestinal distress

Excessive consumption of flavored pretzels can lead to stomach upset in dogs, and this may manifest in symptoms such as bloating, vomiting, or diarrhea.

2. Excessive thirst

If your dog is gobbling down water more than usual, then this could be a sign of salt toxicosis. The affected dog will try to drink more water in a bid to eliminate the excessive salt in the body.

Too much salt in the dog’s system may cause their muscles to lose lots of moisture, and this increases the dog’s thirst for drinking water.

3. Disorientation

If your dog consumes massive amounts of salted pretzels, they may experience disorientation and tremors due to sodium poisoning.

Neurological conditions in dogs can be a negative effect of repeated consumption of too much salt.

4. Lethargy

A dog may appear lethargic and less energetic after consuming a toxic substance, such as those found in pretzels.

If you notice any of these symptoms or suspect that your dog has ingested something harmful, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately for professional guidance and assistance.

Your vet may advise you to induce your pooch to vomit as a way of releasing the toxins from the body before they get absorbed into the system.

Intervening the situation in good time will certainly boost your dog’s recovery rate and decrease the chances of severe symptoms and illnesses.

Safe Alternatives to Pretzels for Dogs

Since pretzels are not the best snacking choice for your furry friend, you need to look into some of the safe and healthy alternatives to satisfy their daytime cravings.

Here are some of the safe food options you can include in your dog’s diet:

Homemade Dog Treats Recipes

One of the best ways of providing food to your dog is going into the kitchen and preparing some meals for them.

The major advantage of homemade dog treats is the fact that you have the choice of deciding the nutritional intake and adjusting the flavor to your dog’s liking.

Here are some of the simple homemade foods you can try for your dog instead of pretzels:

1. Lean meat

Since dogs thrive on an animal protein diet, we suggest providing them with a good serving of lean meat to satisfy their cravings. Make sure to avoid fatty cuts since they can increase your dog’s fat intake.

Some of the options you can try for your canine friend include chicken, turkey, lean ground beef, and steak.

As a golden rule, make sure to cook the meat properly and avoid giving raw or undercooked meat to your dog since they may cause bacterial infections.

It’s also recommended to cut the meat into sizeable easy-to-chew chunks or grounded for easy preparation and consumption.

Cook grounded lean meat for about 20 minutes on a pan, then let it cool down before serving it to your dog. 

2. Sweet potato treats

Dogs can eat sweet potatoes, as long as it is served in moderation as an occasional treat. To prepare sweet potato chews for your furry friend, you need to wash one large piece with clean water and peel it.

• You can then slice the peeled sweet potato into thin slices approximately ¼ inch.
• Place the sweet potato slices on a baking sheet and preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes.
• Bake the sweet potatoes for about 30 minutes until they cook well and become crispy.
• Allow the sweet potato chews to cool before serving them to your dog as a standalone treat or mixed with wet dog food.

Commercial dog treats designed for canine health

There are lots of store-bought dog treats that are specifically formulated to meet a dog’s nutritional needs and for their overall health.

We recommend you look for treats made with high-quality natural ingredients and free from artificial additives and toxic substances.

Before buying any commercial dog food, you should always check the labels to ensure they are appropriate for your dog’s age, breed, and nutritional needs.

Double-check the pack for the expiry date to guarantee the safety of your dog as they eat commercial products.

Natural Snacks from your Kitchen Suitable for Dogs

Contrary to what some people believe, dogs are omnivores and they can benefit from some of the human foods in our kitchens.

Many fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs to consume in moderate amounts and with precaution.

Dog-safe fruits such as apples, bananas, and blueberries, among others, are good for dogs and they can make an excellent alternative to pretzels.

Remember to introduce all new foods slowly to your dog, and monitor for negative reactions and allergies before proceeding.

We strongly recommend speaking with your vet before adding a new diet to your dog’s daily food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are there any types of pretzels that are safe for dogs?

While we do not recommend giving pretzels to dogs, the unsalted and unflavored ones may not do any harm to dogs.

Dog-friendly pretzels are typically very low in salt and they do not incorporate any additives for flavor enhancements.

2. How many pretzels can I give my dog as an occasional treat?

If you otherwise decide to offer your dog a tiny taste of unseasoned pretzels, we suggest you go for the hard ones and break them into small pieces before giving your dog.

Always monitor your dog for about an hour or so after giving them a new food to check their digestion and potential allergic reactions.

We however recommend you stick to a high-quality dog diet and only offer dog-safe treats to your dog when needed.

3. My dog accidentally ate a pretzel with chocolate, what should I do?

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and depending on the amount consumed and the type of chocolate, it can be life-threatening.

If your dog accidentally ingests a pretzel with chocolate, you should speak to your veterinarian immediately.

The vet will assess the situation and may induce vomiting or administer appropriate treatment to prevent any chocolate toxicity-related complications.

Conclusion

So, can dogs eat pretzels? The short answer is no! Pretzels are delicious snacks for humans but unfortunately, not for our canine friends.

Pretzels are loaded with too much salt, sugars, and potentially toxic ingredients which can definitely be harmful to dogs. The crunchy texture of this salty snack can also pose a choking hazard to dogs.

Modest amounts of unsalted and unseasoned pretzels may not harm your beloved canine but it is good to avoid feeding them this snack altogether.

There are plenty of dog-safe foods and treats you can give your dog to support their overall health and well-being.

Consider offering your dog homemade foods, store-bought dog treats, or even some small bits of safe fruits and vegetables from your kitchen.

Written By

Laura Nassoura

Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.