Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?

The short answer is that dogs can eat Cheetos without becoming ill, but you should do everything possible to keep them away from your dog.

Do not feed Cheetos to your dog.

Of course, a single taste isn’t so bad.

What is it about Cheetos that makes them so bad for dogs?

What happens if dogs eat Cheetos?

Is there any nutritional value to them?

Continue reading to find out the answers to these questions, even as you already know the answer to “Can dogs eat Cheetos?”.

What Is Unhealthy About Cheetos For Dogs?

bowl with Cheetos in it

To be more specific, Cheetos will not cause toxicity.

It does not contain ingredients that are potentially toxic to dogs, such as chocolate, xylitol, garlic, or macadamia nuts.

Cheetos are made with ingredients that provide no nutritional value to your dog and, if consumed regularly, may lead to obesity, diabetes, or heart disease.

Cheetos are high in fat, sodium, and carbohydrates.

That is absolutely bad and not recommended for your dog’s health.

However, just because something is safe to feed to dogs does not mean you should.

What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Cheetos?

white dog on left side bowl of Cheetos on right side

If you accidentally dropped a Cheeto between the couch cushions, don’t worry; your dog will be OK.

However, if your dog took a bag of Cheetos off the table and started munching, you should call your vet immediately.

Most likely, everything will be alright for your dog.

He might feel ill to his stomach, but he probably won’t have any significant issues.

Depending on how many Cheetos he ate and the dog’s size, your veterinarian will provide advice to keep an eye on him.

A Yorkie who ate a family-sized bag of Cheetos will likely get into more trouble than a mastiff who ate cheesy snacks.

The vet who treats your dog will be able to offer advice specific to your circumstance.

It would help to inform your veterinarian about any odd behaviors you observe.

Consistent digestive issues that persist for more than a day or two may indicate something is wrong.

Onion or garlic powder poisoning might cause symptoms to appear days later.

As a result, observing your pet for a week or two after the incident is crucial.

These ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells and lead to anemia!

Anemia symptoms, which can include decreased energy, loss of appetite, or hard breathing, among others, are very concerning and indicate that your pet dog needs to see a vet right away.

Additionally, attempt to prevent similar blunders in the future by more carefully storing your Cheetos.

Your furry friend might be more inclined to try them again if he knows there are yummy treats around (and that he can get to them).

Put them somewhere a little more secure – the last thing you want is your animal companion to start gorging on Cheetos once more.

Are There Any Nutritional Benefits In Cheetos?

many Cheetos on one place

Can dogs eat Cheeto puffs for nutritional benefits?

There are no nutritional advantages to Cheetos for dogs.

Here is a list of the ingredients in the standard variety of Cheetos.

You might wonder if Cheetos are suitable for your dog after reading the list of ingredients and their distinct impacts.

  • Standard Cheetos and Cheetos puffs enriched corn meal

  • Vegetable oil

  • Cheddar cheese

  • Cheese seasoning

  • Canola oil maltodextrin

  • Natural and artificial flavors of salt

They contain surprising amounts of sodium and fat.

A negligible amount of sodium is required for canines’ nutritional needs.

Bloating and other adverse health effects might result from overeating.

Most dogs’ sensitivity to the type and fat they consume is relatively high.

Unfortunately for them, Cheetos are stuffed full of unhealthy fats, primarily saturated fats.

It doesn’t take that many, but too many can cause serious health problems.

What Happens To Your Dog If He Eats Cheetos?

dog on left side Cheetos on right side

They won’t become sick or have any symptoms unless they have delicate digestive systems.

Watch out for other harmful circumstances if they eat a lot of Cheetos.

These may consist of:

Vomiting

Everyone enjoys a beautiful meal or delectable snack food.

Some people lack the necessary self-control and may quickly overheat.

The same happens to your dog.

Vomiting may result from this pattern and potentially harmful or unpleasant substances.

Keep an eye on it if it only happens once.

Consider bringing your dog to the vet if the ailment persists so they can rule out any gastrointestinal problems.

Diabetes

Many illnesses that result from poor human lives can also emerge in dogs, even though you may not be aware of this.

One of these is diabetes, which can strike anyone at any age.

Treatment options exist, primarily dietary modifications. Cheetos aren’t among them.

Behaviour Changes

Your dog can differ depending on the type of diet and the ingredients used.

When given an excessive amount of a particularly processed snack or their diet changes, they could behave entirely differently from the dog you are accustomed to.

Be alert for anxiousness or increasing drowsiness and think about better alternatives.

Loss Of Appetite

In some cases, the various preservatives and chemicals used in human food can make dogs lose their appetite.

It can also point to a more severe issue.

There aren’t many canines that won’t eat.

Consider seeing your veterinarian if it persists.

Obesity

That won’t happen after just one Cheeto puff, but it is something to watch out for.

Treats shouldn’t make up more than 10% of your dog’s diet.

Some sensitive pets could even be in danger from this.

Know what is appropriate for their breed and age in terms of weight.

Dogs’ bodies are not designed to support excess weight, so they are far more likely to get heart disease, cancer, joint problems, and other conditions.

When You Need To Get Veterinary Advice

little brown dog gets a treat

There’s no need to worry if your dog ate a few Cheetos; it’s likely to be alright.

Before heading to the vet clinic, ensure your dog is cozy, hydrated, and warm.

It’s best to take your furry friend to the vet with you so you can comfort your dog with reassuring strokes and cuddles if necessary.

Your dog may experience some stomach discomfort, but nothing major.

Common signs of the condition when a dog eats too many or a bag full of Cheetos include:

  • Dehydration

  • Obesity

  • Depression

  • Weight loss

  • Increased urination

  • Increased thirst

Nonetheless, suppose your dog exhibits any unusual behavior or shows signs of weakness, loss of appetite, or labored breathing for more than a day.

In that case, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?

bowl with Cheetos in it and around

In short, avoid giving your dog Cheetos; even if your dog doesn’t die from overeating junk food, it will likely slow them down.

These processed snacks can quickly become a bad eating habit when shared; neither you nor your dog benefits from your pet’s practice of begging.

A few Cheeto puffs now and then won’t harm your dog.

However, keep an eye out for more severe reactions if they have a sensitive system or are allergic to substances.

Treat your dog to healthier treats if you want to provide them with the best care possible. They shouldn’t eat Cheetos because of the high salt content and a few other components.

In such a case, it’s best to consult with your vet.

Check the dog’s stool for evidence of Cheetos consumption, and it would help if you looked for ingredients known to be hazardous to dogs on the ingredient list.

Your dog may have invested a lot of garlic or onion powder in Cheetos; therefore, you should contact your vet immediately.

Before You Go…

Now you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat Cheetos?”

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.