Can Dogs Eat Cracker Jacks?

Do you avidly enjoy the molasses-flavored, caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts called cracker jacks? Do you often tend to share your bowl of cracker jacks with your four-legged furry friend?

If you have been wondering whether or not your dog can eat cracker jacks, then you have stumbled upon the perfect place. As a smart dog parent, you must know all the pros and cons before altering your pet’s diet.

This article sheds light on the nutritional facts related to cracker jacks along with its potential side effects and safer alternatives. 

 

What Are The Nutritional Facts Related To Cracker Jacks?

The following table shows the nutritional value of 28 grams of Cracker Jacks:

Source: https://www.hy-vee.com/

 

Is It Safe For Your Dog To Eat Cracker Jacks?

No. Although nothing is highly toxic in the mix, we still do not recommend it. For you to understand better, here is a list below of the ingredients and how they affect your dog’s body:

• Sugar

Sugar, along with corn syrup, makes cracker jacks a sugary candy. A sugar level content this high is what leads to pancreatitis in dogs.

WARNING: Sugar candies like cracker jacks may also have Maltodextrin, which is a hidden sugar component and is as hazardous as other types of sugars.

• Peanuts, Corn kernels, and Oils.

Peanuts and oils found in Cracker Jacks aren’t a source of healthy fats for dogs and thus can be harmful to them.

Corn kernels that didn’t pop as well as peanuts can also cause your canine choking hazards. They can even aspirate them and quickly create an emergency where your dog might even require surgery.

 

What Are The Ill Effects Of Eating Cracker Jacks  On Dogs?

The following adverse effects can be observed in dogs after eating Cracker Jacks:

Diarrhea & Vomiting

As mentioned above, dogs are not equipped to digest large amounts of sugar. The immediate effects of ingestion might include diarrhea and vomiting. If this happens, consult your dog’s vet immediately.

 

Obesity & Sugar

Since this snack has sugar as its primary ingredient, it is a source of empty calories for your dogs, thus adding up to your dog’s weight and eventually leading to obesity.

Obesity can become a significant concern for your pup’s health as it can struggle to carry its weight causing muscle and joint problems.

Due to this snack’s high sugar level content, its regular consumption can eventually lead to diabetes.

 

Dental Problems

From chewing and drinking to identifying objects and protecting against potential threats, dogs heavily depend on their mouth and teeth for many tasks. Therefore, it is vital to keep your dog’s teeth in a healthy condition.

Chewy, sugary treats like cracker jacks lead to:

• Gum problems
• Tooth decay
• Potential host to various oral hygiene problems

 

Behavioral Problems

Due to its high sugar content, Cracker Jacks can cause a sugar rush in dogs. While the sugar rush in humans fades away without causing any damage, dogs can lead to injury as the sugar rush lasts for an extended period in their case.

Since sugar rushes are addictive, their addiction can lead to discipline and behavioral issues among dogs.

 

Lack of Concentration

When the sugar rush fades away, it is followed by a state of lethargy in dogs. They will slow down and will also get dizzy and hungry. This is due to the changes caused by the sugar in a dog’s body.

It also causes a temporary memory loss in dogs to the extent that your dog might not remember you for a brief moment.

 

What Should Be Done If Your Dog Has Eaten Cracker Jacks?

In case your dog has consumed Cracker Jacks, you should monitor them. Although it is unlikely a few pieces will lead to significant problems, it can cause them to vomit, or they might suffer from diarrhea, both of which are serious health hazards.

Hyperactivity and listlessness in behavior should be anticipated for some while until your little buddy falls asleep.

If vomiting or diarrhea persists for more than a few hours, consult your dog’s vet and explain to them the chain of events that lead to such a condition.

 

Are There Any Safer Alternatives To Cracker Jacks?

Instead of treating your dog with caramel popcorn, plain air-popped popcorn is a safe option for your four-legged friend.

NOTE: Ensure that the popcorn is air-popped and not microwaved as they have 150-300 mg of sodium per serving, whereas an average healthy adult dog should not get more than 10 mg of sodium.

You can always go for healthier activities that help your dog maintain and improve its health and immune system. For this, you can offer them dog-friendly treats that are rich in nutrition.

Healthy dog-friendly foods like Popcorn Plus Puffed Dog Treats are also a healthy alternative. These have probiotics and prebiotics good for your pup’s gut health and immune system.

Unsalted and unsweetened peanut butter is also an option that you can consider for your canine; it is used in kibbles and used as a gooey treat to keep dry food intact.

 

FAQs

Can dogs eat “sugar-free” caramel popcorn?

No. Sugar-Free caramel popcorn has xylitol, which is fatal for dogs, so it is not recommended.

 

Can dogs eat Saltine Crackers?

No. Saltine Crackers have high amounts of sugar, salts, and carbohydrates, which can upset the stomach, cause weight gain, and even cause salt poisoning. However, you can treat your dog with one Saltine Cracker occasionally.

 

Conclusion

The conclusion is unambiguous: dogs should not eat Cracker Jacks. Cracker Jacks are nothing but sugary treats that only treat your dog’s empty calories. As a doggo parent, you need to understand that your little buddy cannot enjoy all the goodies he wants.

This article has explained how toxic and harmful Cracker Jacks are for your pup. We suggest you keep a close watch on your dog on account of ingestion of this sugary snack.

If you’ve any further questions, opinions, or doubts, let us know in the comments section!