Can Dogs Eat Pretzels?

Hard or soft, pretzels make for a convenient snack. They are cheap and you can carry them anywhere. This cracker-like, crispy snack may also be tempting for a dog. Would you give Fido some?

Can Dogs Have Pretzels?

Yes, since a pretzel is just basically a type of bread flavored with a bit of salt. If you are worried about the salt, you can purchase unsalted pretzels from the supermarket. You can even make some right in your own kitchen! Without further ado, we compiled the dog-friendly recipes that you can share with your dog.

Dog-Friendly Pretzel Recipes

Apple and Oat Pretzels

Apples and oats are among the best foods for a healthy digestion. They are both good sources of soluble fiber that can get rid of constipation even in dogs. When we say soluble fiber, we refer to nutrients that can help lower the levels of cholesterol.

Apples are not good for only you. In moderate amounts, apples are great for canines, too. This low-calorie treat is a great antioxidant food. Besides the fiber content, apples are also bursting with Vitamins A and C.

Oats, on the other hand, are a hearty substitute for wheat and grain products. Rolled oats are the best option for canines. When buying rolled oats, choose brands that do not contain too many additives. There are unsalted or unflavored varieties that are not as bland as you would expect. Here’s how to make your dog’s apple and oat pretzels:

1. Combine 2 cups of white flour and 1 cup of rolled oats.
2. Add in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce.
3. Crack 1 egg into the mixture.
4. Use a wooden spoon to blend all the ingredients nicely.
5. Now that your dough is ready, start rolling it to form a shape.
6. Start by getting a tablespoon of dough. Roll it like a long stick before connecting their ends to form a doughnut-like shape.
7. Repeat this step with the remaining dough.
8. Put the pretzels in a baking pan lined with parchment paper.
9. Glaze them with scrambled egg yolk for a crispy finish.
10. Bake in the oven for around 12 minutes. The oven should be set at 375°F (190°C). Allow the pretzels to cool before serving them to Fido!

4-Ingredient Pretzels for Dogs

This recipe is quite similar to the one for Apple and Oat Pretzels, except that it uses rice flour instead of white flour. Rice flour is safe for dogs with wheat allergies. It can also be combined with other types of flours.

When choosing an applesauce for your dog, always choose the unsweetened variety. If you cannot rush to the grocery store but you have apples in the pantry, you can simply toss them in a pot of water with a bit of cinnamon. Applesauce is usually made with lemon juice, but you can totally skip that ingredient if you like.

1. Combine 2 cups of rice flour, 3/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 1 tablespoon of egg in a medium bowl.
2. Mix everything until you get your desired dough texture. You may add a bit more water if it is too sticky.
3. Now that your dough is stretchy, roll it to form a pretzel shape. This is done by starting with a “U” shape and twisting it twice.
4. Bake for around 25 minutes in an oven preheated at 350°
5. Allow the pretzels to cool before serving them to your dog. If you have left pretzels, you may keep them in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Peanut Butter, Apple, and Oats Dog Pretzels

This recipe requires you to form your dough using the traditional pretzel shapes. If you don’t have time for it, you can simply roll it like sticks or in doughnut shapes. What matters most is the taste of the pretzels and since there is peanut butter in them, your dog will really enjoy the snack. Peanut butter is a safe treat for canines, as long as it does not have xylitol. Most dogs would die for peanut butter!

Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein. It is also good for the heart, not to mention that it is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals as well. The best peanut butter for dogs is the one without too much oil in it.

The raw and unsalted varieties of peanut butter are a more wholesome choice for dogs compared to the heavily processed ones. Can’t wait to try this recipe at home? This is how you could incorporate this yummy spread in your dog’s pretzels:

1. Mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour to 3/4 cup of quick cooking oats.
2. Add in 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce and 3 teaspoons of peanut butter.
3. Crack 1 large egg into the mixture.
4. Combine all the ingredients nicely using a wooden spoon.
5. Now that you have your dough, form a rope shape by forming a “U” and fold it back down.
6. Brush the pretzels with a bit of egg before putting them in the preheated oven at 350°
7. Wait for the pretzels to have a golden brown color. Baking pretzels usually takes less than 30 minutes.
8. Cool on a wire rack before serving to your dog.

Sweet Potato Pretzel Dog Treats

Most dogs love the taste of sweet potato. This vegetable is also packed with dietary fiber so it is very great for our dogs’ digestive health. This low-fat treat is nutrient dense and contains Vitamins A, B, and C among others. Offer this snack in moderation and it will be a wholesome addition to your dog’s diet.

This pretzel recipe uses wheat flour, but if you are not comfortable using it because of your dog’s allergies, you can simply replace it with rice flour or you can also use almond flour as an alternative.

Although most dogs do not have an allergy to eggs, you can still replace them with applesauce if you want the pretzel to be extra sweet. Just choose the unsweetened variety of the applesauce since apples are naturally sweet anyway.

Meanwhile, the added flax seed in this recipe makes this dish more nutritious. Flax seeds boast high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for the heart. To make your own flax seed meal, grind the seeds in an electric grinder. You can even use your coffee grinder for this one. Don’t forget to store your meal in glass jars and in the refrigerator. Flax seed meal can last up to seven days when properly stored.

1. Boil the sweet potato over high heat. Pierce it with a knife to know if it is ready. It should be resistant in the middle part but tender on the outside.
2. Remove from heat and drain.
3. Once your sweet potatoes are cool enough, puree them using a food processor. Set aside.
4. Combine 1 and 3/4 cups of whole wheat flour and a tablespoon of flax seed meal.
5. Crack in a piece of lightly beaten egg.
6. Whisk in your puree and keep stirring until you create the dough.
7. Form it in pretzel or round shapes.
8. Place the pretzels on a baking pan lined with a baking sheet. Brush with a bit of egg to get crispy pretzels.
9. Allow to bake for around 25 minutes.
10. Transfer the pretzels to a cooling rack. Serve to your dog once they have cooled.

Important Reminder

When introducing a new food to your dog’s diet, always seek your vet’s advice beforehand. Some dogs may have a sensitive stomach so certain foods, even if they are dog-friendly, should be avoided. For instance, some dogs could have hypersensitivities to wheat-based products and as you noticed, some recipes above require wheat flour.

Also, keep in mind that a pretzel is still a snack that it should be given in moderation. Your dog deserves a treat once in a while, but it should be in reasonable amounts. Any snack, pretzels included, should not be used a substitute to a healthy dog diet. Canines thrive on a balanced diet that consists of meat, vegetables, and fruits. Snacks like these should only be a small percentage of their regular diet.

Conclusion

Your dog can eat pretzels, but only in minimal amounts. Consider the unsalted ones when buying pretzels for your dog. Forget those pretzels with dips or those that are sweet. Don’t forget to check the labels when choosing snacks for dog. Avoid those ingredients that could harm your dog, including excessive sugar and salt.

Pretzels can be eaten without accompaniment, but they can also be added to a doggie trail mix to make things more exciting. Buy mini pretzels or just make some at home so you can be sure what’s in them.