Can Dogs Eat Crackers?

Yes, a dog can have a small bite of a plain cracker once in a while. Crackers are not toxic on their own, but they give your dog little nutrition. The risks come from extras: salt, fat, and seasonings like onion or garlic. Cheesy, salty, and flavored crackers are a poorer choice.

Why plain crackers are okay in small amounts

A plain cracker is mostly flour. It won’t poison a healthy dog, but it also does nothing for your dog’s health. The ASPCA says treats should make up no more than 5 percent of a pet’s daily calories, and most of the diet should be regular dog food. A tiny bite of cracker uses up that treat room without giving much back.

Are salty crackers bad for dogs?

Salt is the main worry. The ASPCA says too much salt can make a pet very thirsty, make it pee more, and in serious cases cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. The Merck Veterinary Manual says most animals handle a lot of salt if they always have fresh water. It also says reports of salt poisoning in dogs are rising.

One saltine is not a salt emergency. A whole sleeve eaten by a small dog is a better reason to call a vet. Always leave fresh water out.

Can dogs eat cheese crackers, Cheez-Its, or Pringles?

These are the same as any other crackers or chips, with more fat and salt added. We could not find a vet source that gives a safe amount for these snacks, so the best choice is to skip them. The Merck Veterinary Manual lists large amounts of table scraps as a common risk for pancreatitis, a painful swelling of the pancreas. Signs include vomiting, belly pain, weakness, and not wanting to eat.

If your dog grabbed one or two, watch them. Check the label for onion or garlic, too (see below).

Which cracker ingredients are the real problem?

Read the label. These are the ones to look for:

• Onion or garlic powder. The ASPCA says onion and garlic can upset the gut and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia (too few healthy red blood cells). Merck says dried and powdered forms count too, and signs can show up days later. These include tiredness, weakness, and dark urine.
• Xylitol. This sugar substitute is in some sugar-free foods. The ASPCA says it can drop a dog’s blood sugar and may harm the liver. Call right away if your dog ate something with xylitol.
• Lots of salt. Crackers with a salted top, or coated snack mixes, hold the most.
• Chocolate or sweet coatings. See our guide to can dogs eat chocolate?.
• Nuts, seeds, and spreads. Some are high in fat, and some spreads may hold xylitol.

What about rice crackers and other kinds?

Plain rice crackers and other plain crackers follow the same rule: a small bite, no seasoning, and no heavy salt. Flavored kinds can carry extra salt or seasoning, so check the label first.

What should you do if your dog ate crackers?

1. Find the package and read the ingredient list.
2. If it is plain and your dog ate a few, offer water and watch for vomiting or diarrhea.
3. If there is onion, garlic, xylitol, or chocolate, or your dog ate a large amount, call your vet or a poison hotline.
4. Call your vet if your dog seems tired, weak, or very thirsty, or has tremors.

Better treats than crackers

• A few pieces of plain air-popped popcorn, which the ASPCA lists as a snack that avoids extra fat and salt
• Your dog’s regular kibble, used as a training reward

For more, see can dogs eat bread? and can dogs eat cheese?. For a list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.