SEO: Can Dogs Eat Goldfish Crackers? What To Know

As with almost everything you eat, your dog’s wishful eyes are probably watching you when you’re snacking on Goldfish crackers. Many people love these cheesy, crunchy little bites and would like to share them with their pup. But is it safe? Two crackers are probably not harmful, but Goldfish crackers are not healthy or recommended for your dog. To find out why, read on. Look at what's in them, the potential risks, and other healthier snacks you can give your pup.

Navigating life with a new pet? Head to littleKin!

littleKin™ is Kinship’s home just for puppy and kitten parents. Bop over to check out expert advice, new pet tools, and special deals—all curated for your newest family member.

Get Free Advice

Are Goldfish crackers safe for dogs? 

They are not toxic, but that doesn’t mean you should give them to your dog. One or two crackers will probably not be a problem, but giving this snack to them regularly can lead to obesity, salt toxicity, and gastrointestinal upset. Dogs are not able to tolerate sodium and artificial additives as well as people do. In general, veterinarians recommend avoiding giving your dog human snack foods, especially those high in salt, fat, or artificial flavors.

Related article

What Can I Give My Dog for an Upset Stomach?

It stinks to see them uncomfortable. Here’s what you can do.

What are Goldfish crackers made of?

There are several problematic ingredients in the crackers. 

• Enriched wheat flour: This offers little nutritional value for dogs and can trigger food sensitivity in some.

• Cheddar cheese: As you probably agree, it adds a delicious flavor — but unfortunately, it is also high in fat, salt, and lactose, which can be a problem for some dogs with lactose intolerance.

• Vegetable oils: These also add to the fat content, which can be a problem for dogs who have a history of pancreatitis.

• Salt: This can lead to dehydration, excessive thirst, and in severe cases, sodium ion poisoning.

• Spices and natural flavors: Some products contain them, and others don’t. But be particularly careful not to give your dog any that contain onion or garlic powder — both are toxic.

As you can see, the ingredient list doesn’t include anything that’s instantly lethal in small doses, but the combination of sodium, fat, and processed additives makes Goldfish a poor choice for your dog.

Related article

Foods Your Dog Can’t Eat

Even if they aren’t too proud to beg, you shouldn’t let your pup in on these snacks.

Can Goldfish crackers be dangerous for dogs?

If eaten in large quantities or frequently, yes, they can. Here’s why.

• High salt content: Too much salt can cause dogs to experience vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and even seizures.

• Fat and calories: Goldfish crackers are calorie-dense. These extra calories can lead to weight gain and increase the risk of pancreatitis.

• Potential additives: As mentioned, some flavors include onion or garlic powder, both of which are toxic to dogs.  

• Digestive issues: Dogs with food sensitivities or allergies may have problems with dairy ingredients and processed grains that may be present in Goldfish crackers.

Be particularly careful with small dogs and puppies, because their bodies do not process salt and fat as well as those of larger, adult dogs.

What to do if your dog eats Goldfish crackers 

Don’t worry if it’s only one or two crackers. Those are very unlikely to lead to any problems, but if you suspect your dog has gotten into more than a few crackers, here are the best steps to take.

1. Assess how much was eaten: One or two is fine, but half a bag is a problem.

2. Watch for symptoms: Salt toxicity can lead to signs such as vomiting, excessive thirst, lethargy, or coordination problems.

3. Give them water: Salt causes dehydration, so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water.

4. Call your vet if needed: If your dog did eat a whole bag or is showing symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center hotline right away.

Better to be safe than sorry. Keep Goldfish out of reach of your dog. If the unexpected happens, follow the steps above. 

Healthier alternatives to Goldfish crackers for dogs

As you can see, it’s better not to share your snack. Instead, offer your pup safer and healthier options. The following vet-approved alternatives can be great choices.

• Carrot sticks: These are crunchy, low in calories, and can support healthy eyes and skin due to their beta-carotene content.

• Apple slices without seeds: These are full of fiber and vitamins. Dogs find them sweet and refreshing.

• Plain air-popped popcorn: This is a light, crunchy treat that dogs love. Just avoid any seasonings.

• Homemade dog treats: You can make your own dog snacks at home. People commonly use oats, peanut butter (make sure it says xylitol-free), and banana or pumpkin.

• Commercial dog biscuits: Look carefully, and you can find ones that are made with natural ingredients and approved by veterinarians or veterinary nutritionists.

The best snacks will satisfy your dog’s craving for a crunchy snack without coming with the risks associated with processed human foods.

Bottom line

Goldfish crackers are not toxic, but they’re not healthy for your pup. The reason is due to the high salt, fat, and additive content in these crackers, which can lead to digestive upset and long-term health problems if consumed regularly. If you occasionally share one or two crackers with your dog, this is unlikely to cause a problem. But it’s best to stick with healthier, dog-friendly snacks that support their well-being.

FAQs

What happens if my dog eats Goldfish crackers?

Most likely, nothing bad will happen if it’s only a few crackers. However, if they ate a large amount, this could lead to diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive thirst from the salt content, and you might need to contact your veterinarian.

Can puppies eat Goldfish crackers?

No, puppies have a harder time with sodium and fat than adult dogs do. They are more susceptible to dehydration or stomach upset if they eat Goldfish crackers.

How many Goldfish crackers are too many for a dog?

A cracker or two isn’t concerning, but a handful or more can lead to salt toxicity or GI upset. Monitor your dog, and contact your vet if you see any symptoms.

Are there any safe flavors of Goldfish crackers for dogs?

No, even the plain or original ones contain salt and cheese powder. The flavored ones, like pizza or cheddar blast, are riskier because they may include garlic, onion, or other ingredients toxic to dogs. 

Resources

• ‌German, Alexander J. “The Growing Problem of Obesity in Dogs and Cats.” The Journal of Nutrition, vol. 136, no. 7, 1 July 2006, pp. 1940S1946S, doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.1940s.

• Spice, R N. “Hemolytic Anemia Associated with Ingestion of Onions in a Dog.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal, vol. 17, no. 7, July 1976, p. 181. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1697286.

• Watson, Penny. “Chronic Pancreatitis in Dogs.” Topics in Companion Animal Medicine, vol. 27, no. 3, Aug. 2012, pp. 133–139, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1938973612000086.