As a fur parent, you want to share almost anything with your dog – from your bed up to the food you eat.
However, some foods are not safe for your dog. In today’s article, we will find out if Flamin’ Hot Cheetos is safe for your dog and if it contains any ingredients that may be harmful to your furry friend.
Can dogs eat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?
Most people love spicy foods, and as dog owners, we love to give our dogs the same kind of food we are eating to show them that they are loved (and spoiled!). And one of the most popular snacks is Cheetos.
Now, what if you are eating delightfully, then you suddenly what to share it with your dog. Can dogs eat Cheetos?
What if you are eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and your dog approaches you with begging eyes, literally asking you to spare him a couple of hot Cheetos? Should you give him some? The quick answer is no. You should not.
However, nothing is really certain. If you only give them a piece or two, it may be okay. After all, who can resist those sparkling eyes and amazing smiles?
Of course, Cheetos are not a healthy option for your furry friend. Although it is not toxic or harmful to your dog’s health, giving them too much of this may hurt their digestive system, especially if you will be giving them the spicy-flavored ones.
Remember that of the long list of ingredients a Cheetos contains, Monosodium Glutamate or MSG is one of the most prominent ingredients present in this snack.
This is a well-known flavor enhancer and is considered rather addictive in the sense that once you taste how good it is, you will be back wanting more.
This is not healthy to integrate into your dog’s diet, and it would be better if you can find other alternatives for you and your dog to munch on. So, can dogs eat Cheetos?
Yes, they can, but only in minimal amounts. A piece of Cheetos or two will not cause them any harm.
Dogs and spicy foods
Some foods in the “spicy category” that dogs cannot eat, for instance, are onions and chives.
While there may be instances where dogs can eat small amounts of bell peppers, they cannot eat spicy chili peppers at all times.
It is because hot chili peppers contain Capsaicin.
While this is not toxic to dogs in itself, eating a small amount of this substance may result in;
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Burning sensations in the throat, mouth, and stomach
Although Flamin’ Hot Cheetos’ list of ingredients does not contain chili peppers or Capsaicin, the spiciness of the chips is likely coming from Capsaicin which may be included in the “natural flavors” mentioned on its packaging.
Aside from this, the ingredients list also contains garlic and onions, both deemed unsafe for dogs.
How to Respond When Your Dog Eats Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?
The issues stemming from feeding dogs with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are two-fold: the first is that it is a processed snack, and the second is that it contains ingredients that may be harmful to dogs.
For instance, onion and garlic, even in powdered form, may cause anemia in dogs even when consumed in minimal amounts.
This snack also contains salt and oil, and as we know it, high fat and salt intake may heighten the risk of your dog developing Pancreatitis over time.
The saturated fats in these snacks are hard for dogs to digest and process, and the spiciness may irritate their gastrointestinal tract.
If in case your dog snatches one piece of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on your plate or if you gave him one on purpose, do not worry – one Flamin’ Hot Cheeto is unlikely to cause any complications or illnesses.
However, if your dog somehow consumed a large quantity, then you must follow these steps:
1. Offer your dog lots of water
The spices in the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos may cause inflammation, so you need to try and give your dog enough water to soothe the spicy or burning feeling in his tongue and throat.
2. Watch for changes in the behavior of your dog
Notice your dog’s behavior and if there is any change in its pooping patterns.
You can also observe a difference in the texture or consistency of your dog’s stool.
Is it constipated?
Does it have diarrhea?
Watch out for things your dog does not usually do before but is doing now.
3. Monitor your dog closely
Since Flamin’ Hot Cheetos contains onion and garlic powder, you need to monitor your dog closely because onion and garlic poisoning may take a few days before it becomes evident.
You can expect any symptoms to appear within 24 up to 48 hours.
Once you notice even the slightest of issues, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately.
They will be the ones to recommend what steps you should take further. Remember not to compromise your dog’s safety by thinking twice before bringing him to the vet or by trying to “figure things out on your own.”
Prevention is better than cure
To avoid the incidence of your dog snacking on some Flamin’ Hot Cheetos again in the future, make sure to:
- Keep your snacks in a secure place — You may put them in a locked cupboard that is high and unreachable by your dog.
- Be careful not to drop some bits and pieces while eating — You may think that this is a bit excessive, but trust me, taking the extra precaution is better than worrying whether your dog is safe from harm or not.
Can Hot Cheetos Kill A Dog?
No, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos cannot kill your dog.
You can give your dog a piece or two.
However, if your dog consumes a considerable quantity or regularly eats this, the fats and sodium in the snack may have an adverse effect on his health.
At the end of the day, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry.
Can Dogs Taste the Spiciness of The Flamin’ Hot Cheetos?
Although dogs cannot taste spicy flavors, they can recognize that something is spicy from the aroma it gives off.
Also, their inability to taste spiciness does not change the fact that this kind of food may have adverse effects on their health.
Key Takeaway
Dogs may be a bit persuasive, especially once they start giving you that droopy ears and sparkling eyes.
However, if you genuinely want what is best for them, you must resist giving them foods that can pose a risk to their health.
You can opt to provide them with other healthy treats instead of trying to risk it with foods that are unsafe for them.
After all, being a fur parent means looking after your furry friend’s welfare and doing your best to keep them safe, protected, and healthy.