Can dogs eat it?
Can dogs eat crackers?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
Plain crackers are not toxic, and one or two will not hurt a healthy dog. They are mostly refined flour, oil, and salt, so they offer little and can add up in calories and sodium. Flavored crackers are a bigger concern, because onion, garlic, cheese, and spice seasonings are common. Choose plain, unsalted versions if you share at all.
Salt and calories
A standard salted cracker contains about 15 to 20 calories and 30 to 50 mg of sodium. That is not much on its own, but a sleeve of crackers stolen from the coffee table adds up quickly, especially for a small dog. Salted crackers can leave your dog very thirsty.
Unsalted rice cakes or plain water crackers are lower in sodium.
Flavors to avoid
Crackers flavored with onion, garlic, chive, or everything seasoning contain dried alliums, which can harm red blood cells. Cheese crackers are high in salt and fat. Spicy, chili, or pepper crackers may irritate the stomach. Seeded crackers are usually fine, but some contain poppy seeds or other seeds you may prefer to avoid.
Rice crackers often have soy sauce or seaweed seasoning.
Crackers and cheese boards
Crackers usually appear alongside cheese, pate, chutney, and grapes on a party board. Grapes are toxic to dogs, blue cheese can cause tremors, and chutneys often contain onion and raisins. If your dog raided a cheese board, list everything that was on it before calling your vet.
Keep boards on a high surface.
Better crunchy treats
For dogs that love a crunch, dog biscuits designed for training or small pieces of dried meat treats provide that texture with more nutrition. Offer a few pieces and count them within the daily treat allowance. A handful of kibble taken from the daily ration can also be used as crunchy rewards without adding extra calories.
Key takeaways
- Plain crackers are not toxic but add salt and calories.
- Onion, garlic, and cheese crackers are unsuitable.
- Cheese boards often hide more dangerous foods like grapes.
- Dog-specific crunchy treats offer more nutrition.