Can Dogs Eat Rusks? (Solved & Explained!)

Taking care of your pet dog’s diet and giving it nutritious foods is essential. Many of us love eating rusks, but can your dog have them too?

Rusks are a safe food option for dogs, specifically for teething puppies. However, taking precautions and feeding them in moderation is necessary. You must make sure your dog does not consume the ones containing nuts and seeds.

So, your pet dog can surely enjoy the delicious taste of rusk but there are a number of risks involved. This article will cover everything you need to know about feeding rusk to your dog in the safest way possible. 

What Are Rusks?

Basically, a rusk is a hard and dry biscuit that can be made from bread or cake. Some people also refer to them as cake rusks. Rusks are usually made from wheat, flour, sugar, skimmed milk, gluten, vegetable oil, malt extract, soy flour, yeast, salt, and water.

They are a popular teething snack for babies and young children. Many people enjoy eating rusks as a tea-time snack simply because they’re tasty.

Nutritional Value Of Rusks 

It’s always considered a good idea to know exactly what a food item contains, especially when you’re considering feeding it to your pet.

According to Nutritionix, one rusk serving of 10 grams contains:

• Calories: 41
• Calories from Fat: 6.5.
• Total Fat: 0.7g – 1%
• Saturated Fat: 0.1g – 1%
• Cholesterol: 7.8mg – 3%
• Sodium: 25mg – 1%
• Potassium: 25mg – 1%
• Total Carbohydrates: 7.2g – 2%
• Protein: 1.4g
• Vitamin A: 0.1%  
• Vitamin C: 0.1%  
• Calcium: 0.2%  
• Iron: 1.5%  

Are Rusks Safe For Dogs?

Generally, rusks are considered safe for dogs and you can let your canine companion munch on some as a treat. As long as the sugar and fat content in the rusk is not too high, they should be safe. 

Before feeding it to your dog you should ensure there is no artificial sweetener in the rusks. Plus, rusks should not be the main component of your dog’s regular diet plan. Instead, it should be an occasional treat at most. 

You must feed your dog a nutrient-dense, balanced diet with boiled vegetables, meat, rice, and eggs.

Benefits Of Rusks For Dogs

The main benefit of rusks is for puppies in their teething phase. As the teething process can be painful, chewing on rusks can give your pet pup some relief. 

Rusks are rich in dietary fiber and can aid in digestion. They also contain some iron and vitamins, but not in a large amount. 

Overall, rusks don’t have any major nutritional benefits for dogs. There are many healthier food options that your pet can benefit from instead.

Health Risks Of Rusks For Dogs

The issue with feeding rusks to dogs is simple; they contain sugar and calories and can be quite addictive. If you offer these tasty treats too often, your pet doggo is going to develop a sweet tooth in no time. And this is a health risk as rusks are quite fattening.

Some rusks also contain raisins, nuts, chocolates, and other additives. You must steer clear of any rusk products containing these ingredients. 

Chocolate is extremely toxic for dogs as it contains theobromine and caffeine.

Theobromine poisoning can happen even if your dog consumes chocolate in small amounts. It can result in vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures and negatively impact the heart, gut, kidneys, and nervous system.

Macadamia nuts are also very dangerous for dogs and the rusks should not even contain trace amounts of them. They can lead to tremors, fever, weakness, and serious health issues. 

You should also be very cautious about rusks containing raisins. Although the exact cause is unknown, raisins can result in kidney failure in dogs.

How Many Rusks Should Dogs Eat?

It is best to offer a limited amount of rusk to your dog and not feed it on a regular basis. As rusks don’t have a lot to offer nutrition-wise, they should be served occasionally. You can give some rusk as a reward when training your dog or reinforcing positive behavior. 

Remember, what we consider a small amount is usually a lot for dogs. You should never give a whole piece of rusk as one serving. Simply offer a small handful instead. This should be enough to make your doggo perfectly happy and satisfied. 

Are Rusks A Choking Hazard For Dogs?

Yes, this is another risk associated with feeding rusks to dogs. As they are solid and quite hard, they can be a choking hazard. Never leave your pet dog unsupervised when it’s eating rusk. 

Another idea is to crush the rusk and dilute it with some water so it has a porridge-like consistency. Or you can sprinkle a small, crushed amount over your dog’s regular food. This will make it much safer for ingestion. 

Are There Any Dog Rusks Available?

The good news is, that you don’t have to feed your dog rusks that are made for humans. These are more likely to contain high amounts of sugar and possibly other flavors and additives. 

If you’re looking for rusks to help with your pup’s teething or as a treat, you can simply get dog rusks instead. These rusks are specially formulated for dogs and don’t have any sugar and preservatives, making them safer for your pet. 

Precautions Before Feeding Rusks To Dogs

Before you go ahead and treat your dog, there are some other considerations you should make. Some dogs have wheat allergies and may be sensitive to gluten. If your dog has any such sensitivities, completely avoid offering them rusks. 

It is also essential to take your pet’s health condition into account. Is there any underlying health or weight issue? Is your pet dog’s health already compromised in some way?

In this scenario, it is best to consult your veterinarian and strictly follow the diet advised by them. 

Conclusion

As tempting as it seems, it is always better to weigh the pros and cons of any food you offer to your pet. We hope this article was informative and helped you make the right decision for your pet doggo going forward.