Your pet is your sidekick: the Robin to your Batman, the Pumba to your Timon, and the Dr. Watson to your Sherlock Holmes. While your cat or dog is your equal in many ways, this is not true when it comes to their health and well-being.
Knowing what your companion can and cannot eat will go a long way toward ensuring that you can go on to share many happy and healthy adventures together for many years to come.
Stop Googling - Ask a Real Vet
Content:
- Can Dogs Eat Goldfish
- Can Dogs Eat Goldfish Crackers
- Can Cats Eat Goldfish
- Can Cats Eat Goldfish Crackers
- Final Thoughts
Can Dogs Eat Goldfish
While dogs are generally not known for nibbling on your garden-variety goldfish, it is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility. Your dog is a curious creature, and a brightly colored, darting little fish can be very intriguing to a dog.
While we wouldn’t encourage feeding your dog live goldfish as part of their regular diet, if your dog happened to snack on a little goldfish, it wouldn’t do too much harm. Goldfish can, however, carry bacteria and parasites, not to mention the typical perils of consuming fish—the chance of scales and bones causing gastrointestinal issues.
If you have an aquarium or fish tank and want to keep an eye on your dog around these while you’re out, then a Petcube Cam is most certainly your best bet. With a Petcube cam, you can check in on your pets remotely, ensuring they’re not getting into any mischief.
Can Dogs Eat Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are a very popular snack item among humans, and while they’re absolutely delicious, they are not particularly nutritious for your dog. Not only are they high in salt, but they may also contain ingredients and flavorings that are not good for dogs. Cheese, in particular, is not advised for dogs as it can cause digestive issues. In addition, garlic and onion powder are common ingredients in Goldfish Crackers, and onions and garlic are toxic to dogs, as this user on Reddit discovered:
"Goldfish crackers are toxic to dogs. I didn’t know they had garlic and onion powder in them. Just plain cheddar ones contain garlic and onion powder. I’ve been giving them to my dogs for years because I thought they were just cheese crackers."
Most of the replies agree that it’s best to stick to feeding dogs appropriate food or veggies, but that onion and garlic in small doses aren’t deadly but lead to some pretty unpleasant stomach issues.
In addition, these kinds of snacks can quickly lead to weight gain in dogs.
Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian, explains, "Being overweight or obese has significant adverse effects on the health, well-being, and lifespan of both dogs and cats."
Can Cats Eat Goldfish
A gentle, paddling goldfish holds an irresistible lure for most cats. Whether it’s the way the light glints off their scales or the slow and unpredictable way they move through the water, cats are drawn to them. Unfortunately, while cats eating fish seems like the most natural combination in the world, goldfish can harbor bacteria, which can be harmful to cats if regularly ingested.
To protect your aquatic pets, ensure your aquarium is securely covered or your fishpond is out of reach.
Dr. Debra Primovic, another noted veterinarian, explains, "Cats are naturally curious and have an amazing sense of smell." It’s this combination that leads them to consume things that aren’t appropriate. Check out Dr. Primovic’s list of safe foods for cats here.
Can Cats Eat Goldfish Crackers
Goldfish crackers are not a good snack for your cat. In addition to having high levels of salt and fat, some of the artificial ingredients can be extremely harmful to cats. Cats are obligate carnivores so anything that isn’t meaty or high in protein is not nutritionally beneficial to them.
Toxic ingredients like xylitol can lead to a veterinary emergency. In such emergencies, the financial costs of veterinary treatment can escalate quite quickly. Having a Petcube Emergency Fund can provide peace of mind and financial assistance, helping cover those unexpected bills.
Final Thoughts
Yes, it’s tempting to share your snacks or allow your pets to indulge in their natural hunting instincts, but it’s essential to remember that it’s not in your pet’s best interests to indulge in these. Whether it’s live goldfish or goldfish crackers, your cats and dogs shouldn’t be eating either.
To ensure your cat or dog lives a long and healthy life, it’s best to stick to foods specifically formulated for their needs. When introducing new foods or if you’re ever in any doubt about your pet’s diet, make sure to consult your veterinarian.