Can Dogs Eat Cream of Wheat?
Dog owners love to spoil their pets, whether by buying them new toys or sharing their meals with them. But although dogs are omnivores, as are humans, that doesn't mean they can eat everything we can eat. For instance, sharing a breakfast bowl of Cream of Wheat with Fido might be fine--or it might not.
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Identification
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Cream of Wheat is simply ground wheat that is mixed with boiling water and stirred until it thickens. Some diners like to either make it with milk instead of water or pour milk into it after it has thickened. Other ways to spice it up include sprinkling sugar or cinnamon (or both) on top.
History
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Cream of Wheat was invented in 1893 in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Using the earliest processed wheat at the flour plant where he worked, a miller named Tom Amidon had made a porridge for his family. He called it "Cream of Wheat" because the earliest wheat is considered the best. He sent some of the porridge to the mill's owners in New York, and a legend was born. Cream of Wheat is now sold by B&G Foods.
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Considerations
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Most dogs can eat Cream of Wheat without worry. But like most animals, dogs have allergies. And although food allergies account for only about 10 percent of the allergies that affect dogs, an allergy to wheat is a common one, though not life-threatening. Check with your veterinarian if your dog has any of these symptoms: itchy skin, ear inflammation, vomiting, diarrhea, sneezing, anal scratching, frequent flatulence, changes in behavior or dry, flaky skin.
Treatment
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If your dog is allergic to any type of food, the best way to deal with it is to avoid it. Antihistimines or steroids might be tried, but more than likely they will show little to no effect.
Treats
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If your dog is not allergic to wheat, then you cannot only offer him part of your warm breakfast, you can try this popular treat:
Combine three 2-1/2 oz. jars of baby food (beef or chicken), 1/4-cup milk powder and 1/4 cup Cream of Wheat in a bowl and mix well. Roll out small balls and bake them in an oven preheated at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes (until they are brown). Let them cool and offer them as treats. These can be frozen and thawed to feed later.
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References
Resources
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