Can Dogs Eat Granola?

Can dogs eat Granola? No, dogs should not eat Granola. Granola, whether trail mix, Granola bar, or cereal is high in sugar, fats, carbs, and fiber. Regularly consuming Granola can cause a whole host of health issues in dogs. Granola may also contain toxic ingredients to dogs such as macadamia nuts, chocolate, raisins, and xylitol. To err on the side of safety, avoid feeding your dog Granola.

Many enjoy Granola cereals in the morning or Granola bars as a quick afternoon snack.  Whether you add Goji Berries or blueberries to your Granola, we can all agree that it is sweet and crunchy. We may also be tempted to share it with our dogs, but is it safe for doggy consumption? Here’s the short answer first before we dive deep into this topic. 

Can dogs have Granola?

No, dogs should not have Granola. Granola was marketed to people as a healthy morning cereal or as an afternoon crunchy trail snack for those on the go. Granola was never made for doggy consumption.  

It is crucial that owners do not feed their canine friends Granola because most Granola is flavored and not plain. 

Instead, Granola is usually very sweet, salty, or nutty in flavor. Depending on what you buy, Granola can include a variety of nuts (including macadamia nuts), chocolate, and raisins. Some sugar-free Granola may contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol, which is extremely harmful to dogs. 

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Is Granola good for dogs?

No, Granola is not good for dogs, unless it is plain Granola. If you would like to feed your pooch plain Granola, then that should be fine. 

However, Granola is usually packed full of ingredients that are harmful to our furry family members.

Let’s take a look at the ingredients and nutritional profile of one of the most popular Granolas on the market: Oats & Honey Protein Granola from Nature Valley.

Is Granola bad for dogs?

Yes, Granola is bad for dogs. Most Granolas on the market contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs and may cause an upset stomach in dogs. If we take a look at the ingredients in Oats & Honey Protein Granola from Nature Valley, we see that there are: 

• Whole grain oats.
• Sugar.
• Soy protein isolate.
• Canola oil.
• Honey.
• Molasses.
• Rice starch.
• Soy lecithin.
• Baking soda.
• Salt. 
• Natural flavor.
• Vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) added to preserve freshness.

Here are the nutrition facts for Nature Valley Oats & Honey Protein Granola:

Nutritional Profile of Nature Valley Oats & Honey Protein Granola (1 oz or 28 grams)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	120
Sodium, mg	75
Total Carbohydrate, g	17
Dietary Fiber, g	2
Sugar, g	7
Total Fat, g	3
Polyunsaturated Fat, g	1
Monounsaturated Fat, g	1.5
Protein, g	5
Iron, mg	1.4

So, can dogs eat oats and honey Granola?

As we can see from the Oats and Honey Granola nutritional profile and ingredients, no, dogs should not eat oats and honey Granola. Can dogs have oats and honey Granola? No, just 1 oz or 28 grams of Granola with honey contains 120 calories. That’s a lot of calories for dogs. 

In general, dogs should only have about 25 to 30 calories per pound each day. If we have two dogs, one small and one medium, here’s how the high calories in oats and honey Granola can affect them. 

• A small 10 pound Chihuahua should only have 250 calories per day. 
• A medium 70 pound Labrador should only have 1,750 calories per day. 

We can see here that the small Chihuahua dog would be affected by the higher calories in the oats and honey Granola than the medium-sized Labrador dog. 

If a Chihuahua consumes 1 oz of oats and honey Granola, that’s almost half of his calorie intake for that day. If your Chi already received 250 calories for the day, then he will be over by 120 calories. 

Let’s not forget the amount of sugar, salt, carbs, and fat in oats and honey Granola. 

Also, Granola is often in small hard chunks or pieces and may be difficult for dogs to chew. Eating Granola can potentially cause damage to their teeth. Also, Granola can be a choking hazard for dogs.

Dogs that do manage to swallow the Granola may experience obstruction or blockage in their stomach or intestinal system which will require immediate veterinary attention. In some cases, surgery is necessary to get rid of the blockage. 

For these reasons, it’s best to avoid feeding your pooch oats and honey Granola.

Granola and Dogs

Can dogs eat Granola bars?

No, dogs should not eat Granola bars. Granola bars are also packed full of ingredients that are harmful to our K9 friends and taking a look at their nutritional profile, you’ll want to keep Granola bars as far away from your pooch as possible. 

To see why, let’s take a look at the ingredients and nutritional facts of one of the most popular Granola bars on the market next.

Can dogs have Granola bars?

No, dogs should not have Granola bars. Granola bars contain a list of ingredients that are not healthy for doggy consumption and may even give your pooch an upset stomach. Here’s why.

Can dogs eat nature valley bars?

If you’re wondering, “Can dogs eat nature valley Granola bars?” you’ll want to take a look at the ingredients first. If we take a look at the ingredients in one of the most popular Granola bars, the Nature Valley Bars Oats ‘N Honey, here’s what we see: 

Nature Valley Oats And Honey Ingredients

• Whole grain oats.
• Sugar.
• Canola oil.
• Rice flour.
• Honey.
• Salt.
• Brown sugar syrup.
• Baking soda.
• Soy lecithin.
• Natural flavor.

Now, here is the nutritional profile of Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars.

Nutritional Profile of Nature Valley Oats And Honey (1 Granola Bar or 21 grams)

Name, Unit	Amount
Calories, cal	95
Sugar, g	5.5
Sodium, mg	70
Total Carbohydrate, g	14.5
Total Fat, g	3.5
Saturated Fat, g	0.5
Protein, g	1.5
Dietary Fiber, g	1
Iron, mg	0

So, can dogs eat nature valley bars oats n honey?

No, dogs should not eat nature valley bars oats n honey. We’ve taken the above ingredients and discussed below how each of them can affect your dog’s health.

Whole grain oats in Granola bars are fine for doggy consumption

Whole grain oats are good for dogs in moderation. If your pooch has a wheat or gluten allergy or is sensitive to other grains, whole grain oats are a great carbohydrate alternative for dogs. 

Whole grain oats also contain linoleic acid, which is a type of omega-6 fatty acid that will give your pooch healthy and strong skin and coat. Oats are also a good source of protein and contain iron and vitamin B6. 

Moderation is key because oats are also packed full of soluble fiber so eating too many oats can cause loose or watery diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset. 

While oats are great for dogs in moderation, they are mixed with tons of sugar, salt, and oil and this is why Granola bars are not healthy or safe for doggy consumption. So it’s best to skip Granola bars and give your pooch dog-friendly treats or snacks instead. 

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Too much sugar in Granola bars is unhealthy for dogs  

What makes Granola bars attractive to most is their sweet taste. But that also comes at a price. Granola bars are sweet because in just one Nature Valley Oats And Honey Granola bar, there are 5.5 grams of sugar! 

That is 5.5 grams of added and intentional sugar you’re feeding your pooch which he or she does not need.  

In general, dogs receive their daily sugar intake from their main meal which should consist of complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs get broken down into glucose or sugar by the body so that our four-legged friends are able to live happily and healthy.  

In the Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bars, there are three types of sugar used: sugar, honey, and brown sugar syrup.

As we can see, no matter what they are called, they are still considered sugar to our canine friends and too much sugar consumption can lead to a whole host of health issues such as:

• Tooth decay since the bacteria in the dog’s mouth uses the sugar to produce acid and acid breaks down the tooth’s enamel (outer layer of the tooth).
• Cavities. 
• Weight gain.
• Canine obesity.
• Diabetes.
• Metabolic changes. 
• Upset stomach leading to diarrhea or vomiting. 
• Pancreatitis. 

Be extra careful of sugar-free Granola bar options. They may contain an artificial sweetener called xylitol which can cause xylitol poisoning in dogs.

Xylitol can cause a sudden and drastic drop in blood sugar levels. That’s because xylitol gets absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, which causes the insulin to get released quickly from the pancreas as well. This quick and sudden release of insulin can cause hypoglycemia in dogs. 

Canola oil in Granola bars is not good for dogs

Canola oil in Nature Valley Bars Oats N Honey is not healthy for dogs. While canola oil is not toxic to dogs, it is considered refined fat. This makes canola oil high in fat, specifically trans fat, which is harmful to your furry friends’ health.

Many commercial Granolas use canola oil because this type of oil makes the Granola bars extra crunchy and crispy.  

While canola oil may be fine for us, it isn’t the best oil for our furry friends. 

Fortunately, there are plenty of healthier oil options for your K9 pals. We highly recommend the following type of oils which contains natural and healthy fat for your dogs: 

Organic, virgin, or cold-pressed coconut oil

Coconut oil helps dogs with upset stomachs or gastrointestinal issues. It also improves your dog’s cognitive function, freshens their breath, provides moisturized and healthy skin, and gives your dog a shiny coat.

Flaxseed oil 

Flaxseed oil is great for dogs experiencing mobility issues, arthritis, kidney issues, and high blood pressure.

Olive oil 

OIive oil provides dogs with moisturized and shiny coats with strong immune systems. Olive oil also prevents cardiovascular disease and minimizes the effects of diabetes.

Fish oil 

Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids which help dogs experiencing inflammation and allergies. Fish oil also provides dogs with moisturized and healthy skin and shiny coats. 

Sunflower oil 

Sunflower oil contains omega-6 fatty acids to boost your dog’s energy, maintain a healthy heart, keep the skin moisturized and healthy, and give your dog a smooth and shiny coat.

Fun Fact: Oreos also contain canola oil, but are there other ingredients in Oreos that dog owners should be aware of? Check out Can Dogs Eat Oreos? to find out!

Rice flour in Granola bars is safe for doggy consumption 

Rice flour is one of the ingredients in Granola bars that is safe for doggy consumption. It’s great for dogs that are allergic to wheat products or have sensitivity to gluten. 

Too much salt in Granola bars can cause salt poisoning in dogs

In just one Nature Valley Bars Oats N Honey Granola bar, there is 70 mg of sodium. That is way too much salt for our precious pooch and too much salt consumption can lead to sodium ion poisoning. 

In general, dogs should only have about 0.25 grams to 1.5 grams per 100 grams of dog food. This is considered a healthy level of salt in your dog’s diet.   

Keep in mind that your dog’s regular meal would already contain the necessary amount of salt that he or she needs. So consuming human snacks that have high salt levels would be adding more salt intake to their daily diet.

This puts your four-legged friends at risk for salt poisoning. Signs and symptoms of salt toxicity in dogs include the following: 

• Extreme thirst leads to frequent urination.
• Loss of appetite. 
• Swelling of the tongue and lips.
• Headache.
• Difficulty breathing or respiratory distress. 
• Fluid buildup.
• High fever. 
• Nausea may lead to vomiting.
• Upset stomach.  
• Loose or watery diarrhea. 
• Convulsions. 
• Muscle spasms. 
• Muscle weakness.
• Confusion.
• Lethargy. 
• Tachycardia or increased heart rate. 

If you suspect your pooch has salt poisoning or ate more than one Granola bar, be sure to contact your vet immediately. Salt poisoning requires immediate medical attention and treatment. 

Your vet may give your pooch electrolytes to combat dehydration or administer IV fluid.

So, can dogs eat oats and honey Granola bars?

No, dogs should stay away from oats and honey Granola. One can expect this Granola bar to be very sweet and there are tons of sugar (as well as salt) in just one Granola bar. 

It’s very easy for our canine family members to steal and eat one Granola bar. This is why it’s crucial that owners stay vigilant and keep Granola bars like nature valley Granola bars crunchy oats n honey on high surfaces where their pooch can’t reach them.

Are Granola bars good for dogs?

As we can see, Granola bars are not good for dogs. There are way more harmful ingredients than good ones for our canine friends. For the reasons above, it’s best to avoid feeding your precious pooch Granola bars.

Are Granola bars bad for dogs?

Yes, Granola bars are bad for dogs since they are packed full of salt and sugar. Also, Granola bars are high in calories. Just one Oats ‘n Honey Crunchy Granola Bar contains 95 calories. That’s considered a lot of calories for dogs, especially small dogs.  

Too much salt consumption can cause sodium poisoning and consuming too much sugar can lead to diabetes, weight gain, metabolic changes, dental issues, and even pancreatitis. 

It’s best that our four-legged friends stay away from Granola bars.

Can dogs have plain Granola?

Yes, dogs can have plain Granola in moderation. Plain Granola contains oats which provide dogs with nutrients such as linoleic acid and vitamin B. 

Vitamin B helps provide your pooch with a nice shiny and healthy coat and linoleic acid provides omega-6 fatty acid to keep your canine friend’s skin healthy, moisturized, and strong. 

Oats are also a wonderful source of soluble fiber for dogs, especially if your pups have digestive issues. Fiber also helps regulate and maintain healthy blood glucose levels in dogs. 

Plain Granola doesn’t contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs such as chocolate, macadamia nuts, or raisins. Make sure that the plain Granola is free from sugar and salt as well.

Can dogs eat Granola cereal?

Yes, dogs can eat Granola cereal. Granola cereal is okay for dogs to consume as long as it does not have any harmful ingredients. Generally, Granola cereals are made of rolled oats and puffed brown rice which does not cause health issues for dogs. 

You can add fruits to their Granola cereals which are also safe for dogs to eat. Even though Granola cereals are healthy treats, there are still some ingredients in them that you should look out for such as chocolate, raisins, and too much sugar. 

Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs because it contains substances called methylxanthines, caffeine, and theobromine, all of which are dangerous to dogs and can cause pancreatitis. 

Too much sugar can lead to diabetes, weight gain, dental issues, metabolic changes, and even arthritis. 

Can dogs eat yogurt and Granola?

Yes, dogs can eat yogurt and Granola if both the yogurt and the Granola are plain. Plain Granola is usually made from rolled oats or rice, while plain yogurt is made from cultured milk. All these ingredients are safe for doggy consumption.

However, it is important to note that human food should be given to our four-legged friends in moderation. While yogurt is not toxic for dogs, it contains lactose, a sugar found in dairy products that some dogs have difficulty digesting.

Lactose intolerant dogs might experience bloating, indigestion, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea if they consume too many dairy products like yogurt. If you want to feed your furry friends yogurt and Granola, make sure they contain natural ingredients and are plain in flavor.

Here is a list of health benefits and reminders if you feed your K9 companions yogurt and Granola:

1. Plain Granola is a great source of fiber. Make sure you feed your pooch in small portions because too much fiber can also cause diarrhea.
2. A honey-flavored Granola is okay, as long as the honey is organic and there are no other artificial sweeteners. Too much sugar consumption can lead to canine obesity.
3. Yogurt is rich in probiotics which are good for the digestive system. It is also rich in calcium and protein which are necessary to keep their bones and muscles strong.
4. Choose a Greek-style yogurt when feeding your pups because it’s plain and doesn’t contain any artificial flavors.
5. You can add yogurt and Granola to your dog’s food, but do not add any raisins, chocolates, or nuts because those are toxic for dogs.

Check out: Can Dogs Drink Yakult?

So, can dogs eat Granola?

Although Granola is popular for its crunchy, crispy, and sweet taste, it is not safe or healthy for canine consumption. If you’re eating Granola cereal or Granola bars, do not give in to your dog’s sad puppy eyes. It’s best that dogs do not have Granola for their health and safety.

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The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding dietary needs.

Resources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granola

https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/magazine/who-made-that-granola.html