I was wondering if feeding my dog a piece of a Rice Krispie Treat every now and then is safe? I know some human snacks are fine, but I'm not sure about these. Any thoughts or experiences? Thanks!

Hi there! It's great that you're being cautious about your dog’s treats. Giving your dog a small piece of a Rice Krispie Treat occasionally is generally not harmful, as long as it’s not a regular part of their diet. These treats are mainly made of rice cereal, marshmallows, and a bit of butter, all of which aren’t toxic to dogs but are best given sparingly due to the sugar content. Too much sugar can lead to weight gain and dental problems over time.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Watch out for any added ingredients like chocolate, raisins, or xylitol (a sugar substitute often found in sugar-free products) which can be very dangerous for dogs.
• Symptoms of concern from toxic ingredients might include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or in severe cases, seizures.
• An emergency would be if you know your dog has ingested a toxic ingredient like chocolate or xylitol. In these cases, call your vet immediately.
• If they just had a plain Rice Krispie Treat, the most you might see is a mild stomach upset, and keeping an eye on them while ensuring they have access to plenty of water should suffice.

For any new snack, it's safest to start with a small amount and watch how they react. If you're ever in doubt, or if your dog shows any worrying symptoms that don’t resolve quickly or get worse, definitely reach out to a vet.

If you're unsure or your pet’s symptoms worsen, it's best to book a call with a vet on Dial A Vet for professional advice.