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Yes, plain cookies are safe for dogs. But, cookies made with unhealthy components like chocolate, raisins, or excessive sweeteners are harmful to dogs. Some cookies have excessive sugar, which is still edible, but numerous cookies contain harmful ingredients.

Cookies
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Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.

Food Safety Only dog-friendly or plain homemade cookies are safe.
Nutritional Issues Salt, sugar, carbs, raisins, cocoa powder, and artificial sweeteners.
Potential Risk Xylitol toxicity, food poisoning, obesity, and choking hazard.
Poisoning Symptoms Allergies, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues.
Every dog is different. For specific feeding guidelines, including quantities and beneficial foods that are best for your dog, please consult your vet.

How Bad Are Cookies for Dogs?

  • If your dog has had many cookies, he might get ill.
  • Avoid giving chocolate chip cookies because they contain theobromine, which is harmful and toxic to your dog’s health.
  • Cookies made with blackberries, raisins, or currants are extremely dangerous for your fur buddy.

Some companies use Xylitol in their cookies as a sweetening agent. Several processed items, like baked goods, chocolates, chewing gum, toothpaste, and mints, contain Xylitol as a sweetening agent. Although it’s harmless for people, pets who consume it risk developing hypoglycemia, which can result in liver failure or seizures.

What Are the Nutritional Benefits of Cookies?

It is suggested to keep your dog’s cookie consumption to no more than 4 per month because cookies have little nutritional value. When you consider that cookies must be fed as a reward, choose nutritious cookies such as vegetable or fruit-filled cookies.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes, dogs can be allergic to cookies that contain raisins, Xylitol, and macadamia nut.

  • Never give your dog xylitol-based products; they are toxic for dogs and can lead to death and coma within 48 hours.

  • No, homemade cookies can be a good source of proteins and other nutrients if you mix mashed vegetables and fruits while making them.

About the Writer
Dan Greco , Dog Dad

Having been a dog dad for 5 years, I know how hard it is to make sure your dog gets the right nutrients and stays away from hazardous foods. With the help of a veterinarian who specializes in nutrition, I created this blog to help dog owners quickly access food information they need.

photo of vet holding a pup
About the Contributor
Dr. Hillary Wolfe , Veterinarian & Certified Food Therapist

Dr. Wolfe holds a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and holds nutrition certifications from the NAVC and CIVT. Her business, Tula Veterinary Nutrition, hosts online courses that teach owners how to cook for their pet for optimal health and longevity. Follow her on Instagram at @doctorwolfe.dvm for dog nutrition tips, recipes and insights.