The Answer
In short, if you are wondering if your dog can eat pretzels, the answer is yes. However, pretzels are not something which you should overfeed your dog, or give to your dog often.
More Information About Pretzels
Because of the large amount of salt on pretzels, they are considered very unhealthy for dogs. Dogs also should not eat large quantities of bread. Since a pretzel is bread topped with salt, it makes for an all around unhealthy snack for dogs. If you do decide to give your dog some pretzel, you should first remove any excess salt that you see.
It is, however, a better idea to give your dog a different snack. If you are eating a pretzel and your dog is begging, give your dog a dog treat, or look around your kitchen for something else.
Dog Ate A Pretzel, Now What?
If you have already given your dog a pretzel, or if your dog got into your kitchen and took one, you do not have to worry too much. Although they are unhealthy, one pretzel should not harm your dog. If, however, your dog has eaten multiple pretzels, or if you have a small dog who ate a large pretzel, you should watch your dog for signs of salt poisoning.
Salt Poisoning In Dogs
Because of the high amounts of salt in a pretzel, if your dog eats too many, or eats pretzels too often, it can result in salt poisoning. Salt poisoning can be very serious for dogs, and can lead to death. Some symptoms of salt poisoning are diarrhea, vomiting, excessive thirst or urination, lack of appetite, walking drunk, lethargy, seizures and coma.
If your dog ate salt, and is showing any of these signs, you should contact a vet immediately, and call a dog poison helpline.
Pretzels With Toppings
If a pretzel has additional toppings, they can be very dangerous for dogs. For example, if a pretzel has raisins or chocolate, both raisins and chocolate are extremely toxic to dogs.
If your pretzel has any sort of topping, make sure that you look up each topping before giving any to your dog!
Pretzel Nutritional Information
100 grams of a regular pretzel has approximately the following nutritional information:
This information is for unflavoured pretzels. Please note that every pretzel will have different nutritional information.
Calories: 380
Fat: 2.6g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 1,266mg
Potassium: 136mg
Protein: 10g
Conclusion on Pretzels for Dogs
If you already gave your dog a bit of a pretzel, you don’t have to worry, just know that you should not give your dog pretzels often, and your dog should not be eating a large quantity of pretzels. There are many other healthy snack alternatives for your dog, so if you are having a pretzel and your dog is begging, you can find something else for your dog to munch on.
What if I just wash away the salt? Can I give my dog saltless pretzel?
It is healthier if you wash away the salt, however, dogs should not be eating bread, so it still is not recommended.
I did not know that salt was so harmful for dogs. Good thing I read this before I gave my dog a piece of my pretzel. Thanks for the information, my dog is going to stick with other treats.