Mary Allen
We spoil our dogs all the time and only want the best for them. Most of the time we just can’t resist her cute googly eyes.
You are biting into a rice cone and your four-legged friend is already standing next to you.
Now you’re wondering, “Can dogs eat rice cakes?”
You can find out here whether he can get some of it.
We explain it to you!
In a nutshell: Can my dog eat rice cakes?
Yes, your dog can eat rice cakes in small amounts. Rice cakes consist exclusively of puffed rice grains and are therefore considered harmless. However, the rice can be contaminated with arsenic. For this reason you should not give your dog the delicious waffles every day.
Don’t feed your dog chocolate-covered rice cakes. Chocolate contains theobromine. This substance is very toxic to dogs and can be life-threatening.
Can four-legged friends eat rice cakes?
Your dog can actually eat rice cakes without hesitation. However, the emphasis is on actually.
But let’s start with the advantages:
Rice cakes are considered healthy because they contain few calories. They are rich in fiber and therefore have a positive effect on intestinal activity.
In addition, rice cakes do not contain any additives. The waffles are the perfect snack for in between and on the go. They don’t need to be refrigerated and keep for a long time.
It’s usually not a problem if your darling gets some of the rice cake.
Now we come to the disadvantage, which is questionable: The rice contained in the waffle can be contaminated with toxic arsenic.
Potential Hazard: High levels of arsenic
Arsenic is a natural substance that is toxic to us humans and our dogs.
If you and your dog regularly ingest arsenic through rice cakes, this can lead to cardiovascular disorders and gastrointestinal inflammation in the long term. Arsenic poisoning destroys the red blood cells. In the worst case, the poisoning leads to death.
The carcinogenic semi-metal is in the ground.
Arsenic enters the rice plant from the water via the roots and finally reaches the rice grains. Incidentally, the substance is also found in drinking water, cereals and milk. However, rice cakes are particularly heavily contaminated with arsenic.
The reason for this is that the rice grains are heated to a great extent in order to pop up. This removes water from the grains. As a result, the arsenic content in the rice cakes is significantly higher due to this manufacturing process.
Should my dog give up rice cakes completely?
No, your dog may occasionally eat rice cakes. The important thing is that he doesn’t get them regularly. Of course, you should also pay attention to this yourself in order to keep the arsenic contamination as low as possible.
The same applies to cooked rice, by the way. Always wash it before you cook it. In this way, a large part of the arsenic is already removed.
If your dog gets a dry or wet food that contains rice as an ingredient, it is advisable to feed another variety. Don’t feed dog food with rice too often to minimize arsenic intake.
Arsenic poisoning symptoms
Signs of arsenic poisoning include the following symptoms:
- anemia
- Diarrhea
- Thyroid diseases
- skin diseases
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- possibly cancer
Acute arsenic poisoning:
- colic
- Diarrhea
- circulatory problems
- respiratory paralysis
- Nerve and skin damage
Important:
If you suspect your dog is suffering from arsenic poisoning, you should go to the vet. If there is a finding, your dog will be given medication that binds the toxic arsenic and then eliminates it through the intestines.
Chocolate rice cakes are poisonous to dogs
Your dog must not eat rice cakes that are coated with chocolate. The higher the cocoa content, the more theobromine the rice cake contains.
Theobromine is toxic to dogs. Your dog can get chocolate poisoning from eating it and, in the worst case, die from it.
Conclusion: Can dogs eat rice cakes?
Yes, your dog can eat rice cakes, but they should not be given them regularly. The reason is that arsenic can be present in the puffed rice grains. This naturally occurring substance is toxic and has a harmful effect on the organism.
If you suspect your pet has arsenic poisoning, you should go to the vet. The veterinarian will administer drugs that will bind and eliminate the arsenic in the body.
Do you have questions about dogs and rice cakes? Then leave a comment now!