I have been through the Tim Hortons drive thru on more occasions than I can count, or care to admit. Often with my Staffy. One of the most popular items is the Timbits. A small donut hole pastry. When staff see my dog with me they often offer her Timbits as a treat, but is this safe for dogs?

Can my dog eat Timbits? As a whole, old fashion plain Timbits are fine for most dogs. This occasional treat can be eaten safely by most dogs who are not prone to food allergies or sensitive stomachs. Not all Timbits are safe however. Chocolate Timbits can be toxic and should not be given to your dog.

I have yet to meet a dog that would turn down a Timbit when offered. These can be a delicious treat for your dog. They should be given out sparingly however. Timbits, like any other donut, are full of sugars and fats and in excess can cause upset stomachs and obesity if given too often.

My Staffy and American Bully are allowed Timbits, but only on rare special occasions. We don’t make it a habit. I am also very careful which donuts I allow. In this post I will go over the deal on donuts for your dog. I have some great information on the various flavors of Timbits available, and cautions on which ones to avoid. Let’s dig in!

What Is In Timbits?

Timbits come in a variety of flavors. Depending on location you could have a choice of up to 16 different kinds. Some of the most common ingredients include:

• Enriched wheat flour
• Shortening
• Water
• Sugar
• Vegetable oil [canola and/or soybean]
• Skim milk powder
• Dried egg yolk
• Leavening
• Soybean flour
• Whey powder

Many of the Timbits available will contain allergens such as egg, gluten, milk, soy, and wheat. If your dog is sensitive to any of these ingredients it’s best to avoid them entirely.

Timbits are bit size donuts so they are not the most nutritious treat you can give your dog. A single Timbit can range from 45-90 calories each. Timbits also contain a lot of saturated fats and sugars.

Many dogs will be able to have, and enjoy a Timbit or two on occasion. Smaller dogs shouldn’t have more than one Timbit as a treat as the high amount of fats and sugar could upset their stomachs. Use your own discretion when giving these treats out and understand how your dog reacts to these types of treats.

Which Timbits Donuts Are Okay For Dogs To Eat?

Of the various Timbits available at most Tim Hortons locations, the safest bet for your dog is the Old Fashion Plain Timbit. These donuts have lower calories than most of the others available and far fewer ingredients that could upset your dog’s stomach.

There are several Timbits you should avoid completely. Many of the flavors available contain things like chocolate, artificial sweeteners, and sometimes nuts like macadamias. These flavors of Timbits can make your toxic very sick even in small amounts.

Donuts that contain fruit fillings or have sprinkles can contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, or be grape based preservatives. These ingredients are especially not good for dogs, so avoid the donuts with filling.

These are some of the Timbits donuts you should never give your dog to eat.

• Birthday Cake Timbits
• Chocolate Glazed Timbits
• Chocolate Snowball Timbits
• Chocolate Toasted Coconut Timbits
• Raspberry Filled Timbits
• Strawberry Filled Timbits
• Venetian Cream Filled Timbits.

As a general rule I never give my dogs anything besides the Old Fashion Plain Timbits. These are the safest of the donuts available, and I have never had a complaint from either of my dogs on the rare occasions they get one.

Are Timbits Free For Dogs?

As a general rule when you order Timbits at Tim Hortons and mention they are for your dog you will need to pay for them. The only time when Timbits are free for dogs is when they are offered voluntarily by staff. 

In my experience when I am going through the Tim Hortons drive thru to order a coffee I will only be given free Timbits when staff see my dogs. When I directly asked for a couple Timbits for my dogs when placing my coffee order I am charged for them.

Rules may vary from location to location, and some staff members might be willing to throw in an extra Timbit with your order. But I wouldn’t count on this. Expect to pay the $0.30 for Timbits even when you specify it’s for your dog.

What Happens When A Dog Eats A Donut?

When a dog eats a donut in smaller doses typically they will be fine. Aside from coming into contact with potential toxic ingredients such as chocolate, certain nuts, and artificial sweeteners, your dog should be fine.

Donuts consumed in larger doses however can cause upset stomachs, vomiting, and diarrhea. This can especially happen with small dogs and dogs with sensitive stomachs. These symptoms are often mild, but you should consult with your vet if these persist longer than a day or two, or if it becomes excessive.

Conclusion

Timbits can be eaten by most dogs but you should always be careful which kind you are giving them. Avoid the known toxic ingredients flavors and only give your dog Timbits as a very occasional treat.

Everything in moderation can be fine, but giving your dog Timbits to eat on a regular basis is a terrible idea. These donuts are loaded with fats, sugars, and all sorts of unhealthy stuff. Just like us humans shouldn’t eat donuts everyday, the same is true for your dog.

Stick to the Old Fashion Plain donuts to avoid any additional ingredients that could make your dog sick. I am sure your dog won’t be picky when it comes to these Timbits.

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