Can dogs eat potato chips? You may be wondering if you can share with your pooch as you enjoy a bag of potato chips for yourself, or maybe your dog accidentally ate some off the floor. For most of us humans, potato chips are a tasty snack we like to have from time to time, so are they also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is no. Dogs may be able to safely eat potato chips depending on the amount eaten, but it’s still not good for them. They may be fine after a few chips, but these snacks offer no nutritional value and, what’s more, they are packed with lots of processed ingredients which can lead to health issues in dogs.
As always, you must ask your vet before sharing any human food with your dog, including potato chips. Here’s what you should know about potato chips and why they’re not appropriate for dogs to eat.
Why Are Potato Chips Bad For Dogs?
Potato chips, though a delicious snack, are not a very healthy treat for dogs — or humans for that matter. Most potato chips offer zero nutritional value and contain no vitamins whatsoever. In fact, they contain a lot of processed oil, fat, and sodium — none of which serve any beneficial contribution to your dog’s health.
Potato chips are also high in carbohydrates. This might give your dog a boost of energy but can make them gain unwanted weight in the process.
These snacks also contain an unhealthy amount of artificial flavors and additives to make them more appealing to humans. And while humans might like the flavors, they might not be healthy for your dog to consume.
Some of the symptoms your dog might have if they eat potato chips are:
- Stomach aches
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Flatulence
- Dehydration
Though potato chips might not be toxic or deadly to your pooch, they can still cause a lot of discomfort and pain in the short term and more severe health problems if dogs eat a lot over a long time.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Some Potato Chips?
If your pup consumed potato chips, make sure to take away the rest if there are any left, and monitor your dog closely. If any of the symptoms presented above appear within 24 hours after consuming potato chips, then make sure to bring your dog to their local veterinarian to get treated.
Always make sure whatever snacks you have for yourself are not reachable by your dog. There are always better alternatives for your dog to snack on.
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Has your dog ever accidentally eaten potato chips? Do you know any safer foods that dogs can eat for a snack? Let us know in the comments below!
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