Trix are for kids, but can they be for dogs too? Can dogs eat Trix cereal? Keep reading this complete guide to learn why you should keep this sugary cereal away from your furry friend.
As a pet owner, you care deeply about what you let your fur baby eat. But sifting through all the information can be very confusing. So, I did the research for you. Use the table of contents to go directly to the parts you want the most, or read all of it. Either way, you’ll learn all about Trix cereal and how safe or unhealthy it is for dogs.
For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating Trix.
What Are Trix
Trix is a breakfast cereal produced by General Mills. It has boldly colorful pieces of creal in the shape of flowers, grapes, rainbows, and orange and yellow crescents. They advertise it as a nutritious part of breakfast. In fact, their website says, “Start the day with fun and with the fruity flavors of Trix. Six flavors of crispy puffs — raspberry red, lemony lemon, orangey orange, wildberry blue, grapity purple, and watermelon — are fortified with 12 vitamins and minerals, and 28 grams of whole grain per serving.”
So that sounds nutritious, right? But are they made with the fruit that they taste like? What’s in Trix? Let’s look closer at the ingredients.
Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Rice Flour, Corn Syrup, Canola and/or Sunflower Oil, Salt, Trisodium Phosphate, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1 and Other Color Added, Citric Acid, Malic Acid, Rosemary Extract. Vitamins and Minerals: Calcium Carbonate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate), Iron and Zinc (Mineral Nutrients), A B Vitamin (Niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine Hydrochloride), Vitamin B1 (Thiamin Mononitrate), Vitamin A (Palmitate), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), A B Vitamin (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3.
The main ingredients are whole grain corn, sugar, rice flour, and corn syrup.
But they added a bunch of vitamins and minerals to it too in order to make it healthier. But just like other sugary human foods, it’s not a healthy breakfast food.
Nutrition Information
According to the General Mill’s smart label, Trix has the following nutrients in 1 and 1/4-cup serving:
- Calories – 160
- Total Fat – 2 grams
- Sodium – 180 mg
- Carbohydrates – 33 grams
- Added Sugar – 12 grams
- Protein – 2 grams
It also has these added vitamins and minerals:
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
- Iron
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Thiamin
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamins B6 and B12
- Folate
- Folic Acid
- Zinc
Non-Toxic But Unhealthy
If you look at that long list of ingredients, you might notice that none of them are toxic to dogs. That’s good news, right? It is if you’re worried about your pup eating some loose pieces that dropped on the floor.
But that doesn’t mean you should pour them a heaping bowl of cereal, either.
Even though Trix are safe in small amounts, they are still really high in sugar and calories – two things that could contribute to health issues in dogs. Trix also contains food colorings – Red 40, Yellow 6, Blue 1, and “one other color.” They didn’t list what color that is. That’s what’s responsible for those vibrant colors that you see.
Is it safe for dogs to eat food that contains food coloring? Some sources say that food dyes could cause allergic reactions or cancer (if they eat too much of it). The fear around food dyes comes from the fact that food coloring is produced from petroleum.
Other sources say that since there aren’t enough studies on it and since the FDA says it’s safe, it’s safe.
As a fellow pet owner, I think that if you can keep the food coloring away from your pup, do it! It doesn’t add anything, and it’s risky. Your pup doesn’t care what color the food is. Since Trix has so many different types of food colorings, be safe and keep it away from your dog.
Is Trix Gluten-Free?
Yes, Trix is gluten-free. It’s made with a combination of corn and rice flours. This is better news if your dog is sensitive to gluten, has an allergy, or has celiac.
But the bad thing about corn and rice is that both of them are extremely high in carbs and will cause your dog’s blood sugar to spike. This is why it’s best to give dogs a high-protein diet and avoid too much sugar.
Most dogs aren’t allergic to corn or rice, so you won’t have to worry about them having an allergic reaction to this cereal.
Limit Sugary Foods
Another reason to keep Trix away from your dog is because it’s way too high in calories and sugar. Sugar should make up a tiny percentage of their daily calories.
According to WebMD, too much sugar is dangerous for dogs. “It can make your dog overweight and cause problems with their teeth. It can even lead to diabetes.”
The only sugar dogs should eat should come from natural sources, like fruits and vegetables. Trix might look fruity and taste like fruit, but it doesn’t contain any fruit.
Dog owners, don’t give your dog Trix, even as an occasional treat. It has no nutritional benefit for them.
Can Dogs Eat Milk and Cereal
No, dogs shouldn’t eat an entire bowl of milk and cereal. Not only would this be dangerous for your dog’s health, but the milk could give your dog gastrointestinal problems – especially if you don’t know if they are lactose intolerant.
Don’t let your dog eat their own bowl of cereal.
How Much Trix Can Dogs Eat
It’s best if you don’t give your dog any Trix at all. If they happen to eat a few that fall on the floor, they will be ok.
But don’t give your dog Trix as a treat or as a part of their regular diet. Your dog’s diet should be high in animal protein and low in processed sugary food.
Dog Treats With Fruit
Trix is advertised as being nutritious and fruity but it’s certainly not healthy. If you want to give your dog something with fruit in it, I suggest making it at home.
If your dog likes the taste of apples, I suggest making them a homemade frozen apple treat. It’s made with applesauce and yogurt.
For a burst of citrus, make some mango dog treats. And these frozen berry dog treats are naturally colorful from the strawberries and blueberries.
Final Thoughts
This cereal has no nutritional value for dogs. And due to the high sugar content, you should try to keep it away from them. Do not give your dog cereal, even as an occasional treat. It doesn’t contain any toxic ingredients, but it’s still not a good idea to let them eat sugary cereals. These empty calories could lead to weight gain and other health issues.
More Dog Resources
Here are even more resources about different types of cereals dogs can and can’t eat.
Find lots of articles on breakfast foods dogs can and can’t eat right here on Spoiled Hounds.
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