Can Dogs Eat Pretzels? | Types Of Pretzels That Are Bad For Dogs

There are so many varieties of pretzels, you’d think some of them would be safe for dogs. And they are. The problem is they should never eat them on a regular basis.

Can Dogs Eat Pretzels? – Hard Pretzels

Can dogs eat pretzels? If you wonder whether your dog can eat hard pretzels, then no, they should not be allowed to eat them. The reason it is not a good idea to give your dogs this type of pretzels is because of the salt, which can cause them to develop an electrolyte imbalance.

Too much salt consumption can lead to a salt poisoning which can affect their blood pressure, kidneys and cause seizures and even death. Salt also causes their body to hold too much water, which can lead to a life-threatening condition called edema.

How Much Salt in Pretzels Is Bad for Dogs?

Although salty snacks in moderation are not bad for dogs’ health, it is not recommended to feed your dog pretzels. It is estimated that more than 1.5 grams of salt per pound of the dog’s weight can be very dangerous. A small bag of pretzels can contain 3,5 g of salt. It means that a dog that weighs 15 pounds can eat only 50 grams of pretzels without being harmed.

3,5 g can seem like a small amount, but it can be dangerous, especially if your dog has a large appetite and can consume a lot in a short amount of time. So, you may wonder: can dogs eat pretzels that are homemade? Yes, homemade, unsalted pretzels do not negatively affect the dog’s health. But they still should be given only in small amounts.

Editor’s Note

I don’t particularly like baking pretzels for my dog simply because he doesn’t like them, anyway. But if you’re curious, I’ve attached a YouTube video on how to make safe for dogs pretzels at the bottom of this article!

The Dangers of Too Many Pretzels and Salt Poisoning

Will 1 pretzel hurt my dog? Of course not! But too many pretzels can be dangerous for canines. They are not good for dogs because they can cause an electrolyte imbalance due to the salt. Too much salt can lead to a myriad of problems in dogs, such as causing their body to hold too much water. It can be toxic for dogs and lead to a life-threatening condition. Unsalted pretzels contain obviously much less amount of salt, however dog owners should always keep in mind that pretzels are mainly human food and are not entirely safe for dogs.

Here’s more about what should and shouldn’t be included in your pet’s food.

Can Dogs Eat Pretzels? – Soft Pretzels

A soft pretzel is a type of baked snack food consisting of a dough in the form of a large twist. Pretzels can be crunchy or chewy depending on their recipe and can also come in different flavors such as peanut butter pretzels, honey pretzels or yogurt covered pretzels. They can also be shaped into rods, loops, mini-bows, horseshoes, spirals or can often not have any special shape.

This type of pretzel is generally less salty than the hard ones. So can dogs eat pretzels that are soft? Before we can answer this question, it is important to know that some ingredients can be toxic for canines.

Yeast

An example would be foods which contain a lot of yeast or dough conditioners, since these can increase the amount of biogenic amines in the stomach, which can have an effect on their central nervous system.

Soft pretzel made with yeast, can cause seizures if your canines’ blood sodium levels are rising this can be caused by high exercise or can sometimes happen in older canines. This condition is called hypernatremia, since the increase of these substances can lead to an imbalance of water-electrolytes in their blood.

MSG

There is also another type of pretzels made of dough which can be baked or deep-fried. These types can be more dog-friendly because they are not salted on the outside. They can be a source of carbs giving them energy, although you still have to monitor how much of it they eat. Another ingredient that can be toxic to dogs is monosodium glutamate or MSG, an additive that can cause them to have abnormalities with their central nervous system and can even induce seizures.

Safe for Dogs Pretzel Alternatives

Pet stores offer various types of dog food including snacks for dogs which are high in nutrients and can be safely consumed by dogs. These can include biscuits, pretzels and other dry snacks which will not harm your dog or cause salt poisoning. They can actually be beneficial for dogs’ health. We should always keep in mind that pretzels aren’t made to be consumed by dogs. Dogs don’t particularly care about them, so you should opt for safer dog treats. 

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