Can Dogs Eat Waffles? Are Waffles Safe For Dogs?

Waffles is a popular morning breakfast, often dripping in syrup or butter.

The riveting taste is enough to start up your day, and the nutrients give you energy for your 9-5 job, college lectures, or that trip to the supermarket. It’s safe to say that waffles are good for people. 

Research further proves this point. Studies done on waffles have shown that about 163.89 million Americans ate frozen waffles or pancakes or french toast in 2020.

The figure was predicted to increase in the coming years.

However, can dogs eat waffles? Are waffles safe for dogs?

You may have issues with letting your pooch partake in the early morning waffle routine.

It is normal, and you should be concerned when giving a dog human food.

Some human food can be eaten by your dog, others will put his life in danger.

You should know where waffle stands, especially as many dogs have the habit of eating breakfast scraps off the floor or asking for some.

A straightforward answer is this: there are no toxic elements in waffles.

As we’ll soon see, waffles aren’t inherently dangerous to canines. This doesn’t give you an automatic pass to feed your dog waffles, though.

There are different ways we eat waffles, and they are not all safe for dogs. Some methods are downright poisonous and can be fatal.

With that good news in mind, let’s delve into the content and find answers.

Can Dogs Eat Waffles?

Waffles come in different ways, according to your preference. The variety adds to its popularity, as it lends itself to different styles.

Waffles can be eaten alone with a cup of coffee, or with butter. It can also be taken with syrup or any other topping of your choice.

The major ingredients found in waffles are flour, a little salt, sugar, baking soda, milk, eggs, butter, and oil.

These ingredients make waffles stocked with carbohydrates and fats, nutrients that can help clear those last traces of sleep from your eyes and get you pumped for the day.

Waffles are also good for those who want to add some pounds. 

The nutritional value of a 100 grams waffle tells us more about why this is a common breakfast for humans:

  • Calories: 291 
  • Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 69mg
  • Sodium: 511mg
  • Potassium: 159mg
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Protein: 8g
Plain Waffles in a Plate

For dogs, the list of nutrients presents some problems. The calorie level of waffles is high, as well as the fat and carbs.

This is good for the human on a weight gain diet, but your dog needs more protein. Waffles also contain sodium, which is unhealthy for dogs.

Thus, waffles should not be the main meal of any dog. 

That said, dogs can eat waffles and not develop any complications. Every once in a while, they can be offered a bite, before getting back to their normal dog food diet. 

Furthermore, you should remember the toppings we take waffles with. Don’t let your dog eat some. They are potentially risky.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Donuts? Will Donuts Hurt Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Waffles with Syrup?

The syrup adds to the sweetness of waffles and makes it a tasteful experience for people. However, do not feed your dog syrup as it is unhealthy for them.

The syrup is sugar in a different dress, and it may throw a dog’s sugar level off balance. Too much of it can make your pet suffer from diabetes and obesity.

Furthermore, some types of syrup contain a sweetener named xylitol. Keep track of that name and never let your dog get that in his system.

Xylitol leads to liver failure and hypoglycemia. In severe cases, it can cut short a dog’s life span. If your dog eats anything with xylitol, that is an emergency. 

Dogs will fare better with plain waffles, but it should be reserved as an occasional treat.

Can Dogs Eat Waffles with Chocolate?

The answer to this particular question should be shouted off the tower of a Catholic church for all to hear.

Do not feed your dog with anything that contains chocolate, even a small amount of it. 

Waffles With Chocolate

The simple reason is that chocolates contain theobromine.

Every form of chocolate has it, from chocolate syrup to choco chips. It also contains caffeine, the main toxin in coffee.

These two are bad for dogs, and even people are told to reduce intake.

Caffeine and theobromine make the heart beat faster and play some numbers on a dog’s nervous system.

Chocolates can make your dog vomit, get restless, suffer from diarrhea, urinate frequently, and even have seizures akin to epilepsy.

If your dog eats chocolate, the next thought on your mind should be the veterinarian. 

Can Dogs Eat Frozen Waffles?

Occasionally, frozen waffles are good for dogs. They come plain, so they won’t add any toxic elements to your pooch.

These should be considered the safest waffles for dogs. 

That said, read the ingredients to be sure chocolates and sweeteners like Xylitol aren’t on them.

Due to the calories, sugar, and carbs, frozen waffles shouldn’t be regular. 

Can Dogs Eat Waffles with Butter or Buttermilk?

Butter is a good source of fat for humans and can be used with many foods like bread, but it shouldn’t be fed to dogs.

Butter can cause pancreatitis to dogs, and smaller breeds are vulnerable to this. 

Pancreatitis refers to the inflammation of the pancreas. It can cause your dog strong abdominal pains, lethargy, vomiting, and other symptoms.

Butter also contributes to obesity and is upsetting for a lactose intolerant or food intolerant dog.

Waffles With Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a slightly better option, but not for lactose intolerant dogs. It will cause the same digestive problems as normal milk. 

Can Dogs Eat Gluten-Free Waffles?

In moderate amounts, it is safe for a dog to eat gluten-free waffles. Use ingredients that a dog can easily digest, like Aramanth flour.

When you get the gluten-free waffle from a store, do some cross-examination to be sure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients.

Other Considerations

1. Belgian Waffles

Belgian waffles can be categorized under ‘waffles a dog can eat’. They are safe for dogs, like the frozen waffle, the gluten-free waffle, and the plain one.

However, they contain more calories and fat. It should not be a regular meal. 

2. Blueberry and Strawberry

Both forms of berries are healthy fruits for dogs. Strawberries contain Vitamin B1, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C,  Vitamin D, fiber, Omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium.

All these are beneficial to dogs. Blueberries contain antioxidants and can prevent a dog’s cells from damaging. Make sure both toppings are fresh and without sugar. 

3. Avocado 

Avocados contain persin, a chemical that can trigger unhealthy symptoms in a dog.

These include vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and pain. Stay on the safe side and don’t let your dog eat waffles with avocado (or anything with avocado).

4. Grapes and raisins

Raisins are more like dried grapes, but this distinction doesn’t matter for dogs.

Both grapes and raisins are toxic and should not be fed to a dog. It is not worth the dangers.

5. Apples and bananas

Apple sauce is a great alternative to maple syrup and is a healthy option for a dog.

Bananas are equally healthy. If you have to give your dog waffles, these fruits are good as toppings.  

6. Artificial Sweeteners

Many waffles come with artificial sweeteners in place of sugar for diabetics. Most of them are as unhealthy as sugar is for dogs.

Others are downright poisonous. An example is a xylitol that we’ve mentioned. 

Related: Can Dogs Eat Honey Nut Cheerios? They are a Tasty Snack!

What Will Happen if a Dog Eats Too Many Waffles?

As a general rule of thumb, avoid making any unhealthy meal regular for your dog. Waffles may not be toxic, but they may not be the best option for the main meal. 

An occasional waffle treat is not harmful. However, if your dog consumes a lot of it, it can become a problem.

Waffles make dogs hyperactive, and if it is an energetic dog breed, that is a recipe for disaster.

A hyperactive dog is a risk to himself. He is also a risk to you, others, and your property.

Furthermore, waffles can increase the sugar level in a dog’s blood, making him prone to diabetes and obesity.

The high calories in waffles also make a dog susceptible to hypertension and heart problems. 

My Dog Ate Too Many Waffles By Accident, What Do I Do?

Dogs are mischievous, stubborn, and blissfully unaware of the possible dangers of any meal.

You should try as much as possible to stop them from eating a lot of waffles, but what happens if your pet dog does?

First, you must remain calm. Remember that waffles can make a dog hyperactive. If you panic, that will set your pooch’s nervous system on overdrive.

So, put your anxieties aside and ensure your dog’s safety. 

If it is plain waffles, your dog may only suffer from diarrhea. Other than that, he should be fine.

It becomes a problem if your dog consumes waffles with syrup, artificial sweeteners like xylitol, or toxic fruits like grapes.

When such happens, get your dog to a veterinarian for immediate treatment.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Jelly? Is Jelly Bad For Dogs?

Related Questions

Can dogs have pancakes?

Generally, dogs can eat pancakes without qualms. That said, do not give your dog pancakes if he is intolerant to dairy products or has allergies.

What can dogs not eat?

While you can share your human food with a dog, there are some foods your dog should not eat. Even a bite of these foods can put your dog at risk. Some of them are chocolates, garlic, onions, grapes, and caffeine.

The Bottom Line

It is nice to want your dog included in the family breakfast routine of delicious waffles, but it may be better to reserve waffles as a treat for rare occasions.

A lot of waffles are unhealthy for your dog, regardless of whether or not he enjoyed it. 

We’ve seen the safest waffle to give a dog and those you should avoid. Steer clear of the toxic ones and don’t risk your dog’s health.

As the popular cliche goes, prevention is better than cure.

You May Also Like: Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Is It Safe For Them?

Authored By

Ben Pierce

Ben Pierce is a canine behavioral and nutritional specialist, professional dog trainer, and the CEO of Puplore. A former military working dog handler, Ben founded Puplore to provide owners with breed-specific information and to act as a go-to guide to health, nutrition, care, and to help them find the confidence they need to step up to the plate and become the best pup parents they can possibly be. A firm believer in treating all animals with kindness and compassion, and that positive discipline is paramount in achieving a harmonious canine-human relationship, Ben’s former and present careers have enabled him to become a leading light in his chosen profession and business.

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