Can Dogs Eat Pop Tarts? What You Need To Know

We know they’re unhealthy, but can dogs eat pop tarts safely? Are they toxic to dogs? Keep reading to learn more about pop tarts and dogs.

It’s pretty well known that they don’t have any nutritional value, and you probably already know that many human foods are not good for dogs. But can your furry friend enjoy a Pop Tart without issues? The answer might surprise you!

For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating Pop Tarts.

Can Dogs Have Pop Tarts

Pop-Tarts are a super-popular breakfast or snack in the United States. They are also popular in Canada, the UK, and New Zealand. They are available in a variety of flavors, and these shelf-stable treats are meant to be heated in the oven or a toaster.

Kids love them – so is it a good idea to share a small piece with your pup?

The short answer is that no, you should never give your dog pop tart toaster pastries. Even though a small amount might not hurt your four-legged friend right away, they contain a lot of unhealthy ingredients, and it’s best just to keep them away from dogs.

Are Pop Tarts Bad For Dogs

Yes, Pop Tarts are bad for dogs. One look at the ingredients list will show you how unhealthy they are. In fact, some flavors even contain toxic ingredients.

Ingredients in Pop-Tarts

Let’s look closer at the main ingredients in Pop Tarts and why they aren’t a good idea for dogs to eat.

Soybean Oil

First, they are made with soybean oil, which has more saturated fat than other types of vegetable oil. Saturated fat may contribute to heart issues. And that’s not all. Some dogs are also allergic to soy products.

High Fructose Corn Syrup

High fructose corn syrup is a concentrated sweetener made from corn. Dogs should not eat food that contains this sweetener. High levels of sugar could lead to blood sugar issues and weight gain in dogs.

Artificial Flavorings

Both artificial flavors and artificial colors are not safe for dogs, and they are in all flavors and types of Pop Tarts.

There is also a food additive in Pop Tarts that dogs should say away from – tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ). It’s what gives Pop Tarts a long shelf life, and a 2021 study showed that TBHQ may have a negative impact on the immune system.

Artificial Sweeteners

If you see a Pop Tarts flavor that uses artificial sweeteners, do not let your dog eat even a small bit. Xylitol has been known to lead to kidney issues in dogs.

Wheat Flour

Wheat allergies are common among dogs. If you don’t know if your dog is allergic to wheat, don’t let them eat Pop Tarts, because they are made with wheat flour.

Types of Pop Tarts and Dogs

Even though it’s a nostalgic food item for adults, remember that it is for human consumption only. The short answer is that all types of Pop Tarts are bad for dogs to eat.

Let’s take a closer look at the different flavors and the harmful ingredients that they have.

Can Dogs Eat Blueberry Pop Tarts

Blueberry pop tart can negatively affect your dog’s health. Since they are so high in sugar, they could contribute to health issues like heart disease. Instead, make homemade blueberry dog treats.

Can Dogs Eat Cherry Pop Tarts

Do not add cherry pop tarts to your dog’s diet. Even though they have tart flavors, dogs are still attracted to them and will eat them if you let th

The high sugar content in Cherry Pop Tarts makes them unsafe for dogs to eat.

Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon Pop Tarts

Dog owners, do not give your dog this sweet treat. Not only is cinnamon an irritant to dogs, but the sugar in it could lead to tooth decay and digestive issues.

Can Dogs Eat Brown Sugar Pop Tarts

Large quantities of brown sugar pop tarts can lead to obesity and contribute to diabetes in dogs. Since they contain all those artificial ingredients, they could also give your dog an upset stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Strawberry Pop Tarts

Even though small quantities might not hurt your dog, pet owners should still keep strawberry pop tarts away from their dog.

Instead, make some fresh strawberry dog treats for your pup.

Can Dogs Eat S’Mores Pop Tarts

Since it has chocolate in it, do not give your canine friend any S’mores pop tarts – it could lead to serious health problems. In addition to digestive upset, they could contribute to dental problems. In severe cases, if your dog eats way too much sugar regularly, it could contribute to insulin resistance.

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Pop Tarts

Always keep all kinds of chocolate away from dogs, including chocolate pop tarts. Theobromine and caffeine are both in chocolate (and in higher concentrations in dark chocolate). This is the toxic compound that could harm your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Pop Tart Bites

No, Pop Tart Bites are not part of a healthy diet. Even though they are smaller, they are still made with the same unhealthy ingredients.

My Dog Ate A Pop Tart

The good news is that most Pop-Tarts aren’t toxic, except the ones with chocolate. The most that will probably happen is that your dog will have an upset stomach. If your dog acts unusually sick, please contact your dog’s veterinarian immediately.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Pop Tarts are not the best thing to share with your dog. As a general rule, it’s better to make dog treats at home with dog-safe ingredients. Don’t share human snacks with your pup, especially if they have a lot of sugar or salt.

More Dog Food Resources

Here are some more articles about sweets dogs can and can’t eat:

Find lots of articles on food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!

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