Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos

You are relaxing and watching a movie with a plate full of hot Cheetos. Your dog is seated next to you with pleading eyes, and you find it hard not to give him a piece or two. But how safe are Cheetos to dogs, and should they eat them?

What are Cheetos?

The fantastic cornmeal extruded snack known as Cheetos comes in various shapes. Once they have the required shape, they are either deep-fried or oven-dried until they blow up. Next, the Cheetos are puffed before being powdered with seasonings.

Hot Cheetos were invented by accident! In the 1970s, Richard Montaez was a janitor at the Frito-Lay factory in Rancho Cucamonga, California. Some of the Cheetos, for some reason, weren’t dusted with flavoring powder. So, Mr. Montaez took some Cheetos home and sprinkled some chili powder on them. His Cheetos were so well-liked that they quickly became a flavor of Cheetos that the company offered!

Can Dogs Eat Hot Cheetos

Your dog shouldn’t eat hot Cheetos. However, they cannot kill your dog. . A few pieces won’t hurt your dog, but a whole pack will. Because the hot Cheetos’ ingredients are not healthy for a dog’s digestive system, eating too many can have some negative effects.

If Hot Cheetos contains a lot of cottage cheese, it aggravates your dog’s lactose intolerance. In addition, the chemicals in Hot Cheetos can make your dog sick if they have a sensitive stomach and a weakened immune system, especially if they are senior dogs or puppies that are still growing.

 Nutritional Value of Hot Cheetos

CHEETOS® provides the following nutritional information for a normal Hot Cheetos pack (21 pieces), which weighs 28g.

Nutrients	Amount	Unit
Carbohydrate	13	g
Fiber	1.01	g
Fat	10	g
Saturated Fatty Acids	1.5	g
Potassium	40	mg
Sodium	300	mg
Protein	1	g
Vitamin A	100	IU
Iron	0.72	mg

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that just 5% of calories come from snacks; however, Cheetos are used as a treat. Even if other nutrients are not harmful, the high proportion of fats is a problem because dogs should only consume 8.5% of the recommended fat in dog food, according to AAFCO rules. Therefore, it is not advisable to offer Cheetos to your dog because they contain 14% fat, which is higher than what is advised.

My Dog Ate Hot Cheetos, What Should I Do?

Your dog will be fine if he accidentally eats one or two Hot Cheetos off the floor or a plate. A little health problem won’t arise from eating one or two Cheetos. However, it’s a good idea to phone the vet and ask for their advice if your dog consumed a lot of Hot Cheetos. Even though the Hot Cheetos might make him throw up and have diarrhea, the vet will probably need to check him for stomach, mouth, and throat.

Which Ingredients in Hot Cheetos Are Dangerous For Dogs?

Garlic and Onion Powder

Garlic and onions are extremely harmful to dogs. Although these vegetables are included in Cheetos in powdered form, their toxicity is the same as when consumed raw.

N-propyl disulfide, a toxin found in onions, damages your dog’s red blood cells and causes anemia. In addition, Organosulfur, which causes toxicosis, and thiosulfate, which causes dyspepsia, are also present in onions.

Like onions, garlic also includes thiosulfate, which can result in hemolytic anemia, gastrointestinal discomfort, diarrhea, appetite loss, etc.

Cheese

If you’ve noticed, the Cheetos package has a line on the front that reads, “MADE WITH REAL CHEESE.” Cheese cultures, salt, enzymes, and milk are combined to create the cheddar cheese that is included in Cheetos.

Cheese is not harmful to dogs in moderation. However, it could damage your dog’s health if they constantly eat it or have lactose intolerance. Cheese can lead to nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, obesity, etc.

If your dog is lactose intolerant, avoid giving him hot Cheetos because it could cause them great agony and anguish.

Citric Acid

Citric acid is beneficial to people but is extremely poisonous to dogs and can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach distress. Consuming too much citric acid can also cause depression in the central nervous system.

Maltodextrin (Made from Corn)

A white powder known as maltodextrin is created by processing corn, wheat, rice, or potato starch. Despite being made from plants, the item is extensively processed, which puts the dog’s health at risk.

Artificial Preservatives and Colors

Veterinarians have always advised giving dogs fresh, uncooked foods.

Along with artificial preservatives, Hot Cheetos contain artificial colors such as Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6, Yellow 6 Lake, and Yellow. Such inorganic substances are also carcinogenic in addition to aggravating dog allergies.

Enriched Corn Meal

The word Glycemic Index (GI) would likely appear if you read about components that are bad for a dog’s health. GI measures a food’s potential to boost blood sugar levels, which can lead to various blood-related issues. The level of sugar increases as GI increases.

In terms of GI, cornmeal has the highest value, at 69, compared to oatmeal, wheat, corn, and barley. Additionally, cornmeal has a reduced biological value, is allergic, and is hard to digest.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSGs)

 MSGs make Cheetos delicious. It is a popular flavor enhancer or artificial flavor used in foods, including salads, snacks, and meals.

Your dog’s brain should not be exposed to this substance, as it can harm a dog’s brain and cause heart palpitations, headaches, seizures, and even cancer.

What Are The Side Effects To Your Dog If They Eat Cheetos?

Dogs can eat one or two Hot Cheetos, but consuming the entire bag or eating small pieces regularly can lead to problems like vomiting, diabetes, and loss of appetite. In addition, it can lead to loss of weight, behavior change, rise in temperature, obesity, colored poop, and a burning sensation.

Vomiting

Some dogs lack the necessary self-control and may quickly overeat. Vomiting may result from this pattern and harmful or unpleasant substances. Keep an eye on your dog if it happens. Consider sending your dog to the vet if the condition persists so they can rule out any gastrointestinal problems.

Diabetes

Sugars and salt are added to balance the flavor and ensure that a Hot Cheetos touches every taste receptor in your mouth.

Hot Cheetos are not healthy for your dog, despite their deliciousness. His lifespan will be shortened by sugars, especially for older dogs, who will develop diabetes.

Loss of appetite 

In some cases, the various preservatives and chemicals used in human food can make dogs lose their appetite. It can also lead to a more serious issue. It is not normal for a dog to have a reduced appetite. Consider seeing your veterinarian if it persists.

Loss of weight

Weight loss is caused by loss of appetite. Weight loss will undoubtedly occur once your dog begins skipping meals and fills his belly with such bad food. These snacks can’t give them all the nutrients they need each day, which causes nutritional and mineral deficiencies.

Obesity

This won’t happen after just one Cheeto puff, but it is something to watch out for. Only 10% of your dog’s diet should be treats. Know what is appropriate for their breed and age in terms of weight. Dogs’ bodies are not designed to support excess weight, so they are far more likely to get heart disease, cancer, joint problems, and other conditions.

Alternative Dog Snack Options

• Apple with peanut butter
• Green beans
• Carrot sticks
• Homemade dog treats
• Dried bananas
• Pumpkin
• Apple with peanut butter
• Green beans
• Carrot sticks
• Homemade dog treats
• Dried bananas
• Pumpkin

Conclusion

Hot Cheetos are not safe for dogs and should not be fed to them. Even though a piece or two of hot Cheetos will not harm your dog, other snacks can be fed to a dog. If your dog ate a packet of Hot Cheetos, you should contact a vet immediately.