We often want to share our food with our pets. Like sharing some potato chips with your furry friend while watching TV. But can dogs eat potato chips?
The simple answer is no. Although dogs can eat some potato chips safely, feeding them is not a good idea. These potato chips have no nutritional value to dogs.
Besides, they contain numerous processed ingredients that can cause health problems in dogs. It’s recommended to discuss with your vet before sharing any human food with your pet.
Now, let’s find out more about, Can dogs eat potato chips?
Can Dogs Eat Potato Chips?
Let us answer this question for you, Can dogs eat potato chips?
Potato chips can be your favorite snack, and you enjoy eating them. However, they are not good for your dog. So, it’s best to discuss with your vet which human food you can share with your pet.
Potato chips are not good for your canine friend, and here’s how.
Why Shouldn’t Dogs Eat Potato Chips?
Potato chips lack any nutritional value for dogs; they lack any vitamins or minerals. Additionally, they contain processed oils, salts, and fats, which aren’t good for your dog.
Besides, potato chips are high in carbohydrates that provide energy to your dog. On the other hand, they result in weight gain and diabetes in dogs which is quite unhealthy for them.
Excessive salt can lead to problems like diarrhea, vomiting, and death. Dogs get enough salt from their diet, so feeding them potato chips only causes them harm.
Certain artificial flavours and additives are added to enhance the taste of potato chips. Although you might like these spicy flavors, they are hazardous to your dog’s health.
So, if you don’t want your dog to get sick, it’s best to keep him away from potato chips.
Can Dogs Eat Potato Chips Without Salt?
Compared to casual potato chips, those without salt are a somewhat healthier option for your dog. That’s because they do not cause various dog problems like sodium poisoning, dehydration, and high blood pressure.
But the fact is that unsalted potato chips still contain fats, oils, and carbs. So, you should avoid them instead.
Did you Know?
We have written many articles about what dogs can eat. But did you know about this one? Can Dogs Eat Sticks?
What To Do If My Dog Ate Potato Chips?
Can dogs eat potato chips? What happens if your dog has eaten potato chips?
If this situation happens, observe your dog for the next few hours. Following are the symptoms that you need to look for in case your dog has eaten potato chips:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Dehydration
- Gas problems
Call your vet immediately in case of any of these symptoms or behaviour changes. So, keeping these snacks out of your dog’s reach is better. If your pet has managed to consume some of them, it’s important to hide the rest of them.
Giving one or two potato chips to your dog occasionally is not bad. However, avoid adding them regularly to your dog’s diet. Besides, feeding an adult dog one or two potato chips is not harmful.
Alternatives to Potato Chips
It’s good to steam, mash, or bake potatoes for your dog instead of feeding them potato chips.
Another safe alternative to potato chips for your dog is air-popped popcorn. But make sure to feed them without any salt or butter. It provides fiber, iron, and essential B vitamins to your dog.
Further, you can make your potato chips at home to feed them to your dog. Wash and slice some potatoes and toss them in a tablespoon of oil. After that, bake these slices at 325 degrees to make them crispy.
You can give some of these homemade chips to your dog. Add salt to the rest of them and share them with your family.
Other Foods Not Good for Your Dog
Here are some human foods that are not good for dogs, so you should avoid sharing them with your pet. These include:
Avocado
Persin found in the avocado plant leads to gastric damage in dogs. So, keeping your puppy away from the avocado plant is better.
Caffeine
Caffeine is quite dangerous for dogs, so avoid giving your dog caffeine.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a sweetener found in candies, gum, and baked items, cause vomiting and lethargy in dogs.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, Can dogs eat potato chips? It’s better to avoid giving potato chips to your dog. They contain salt, carbs, and oil which is unhealthy for dogs.
Unsalted potato chips are a better option. However, it’s best to seek veterinary help about which human food is safe for dogs.
