For most people, potato chips are a finger-licking snack they love to eat frequently. So, can dogs eat potato chips? Is it safe for them to eat? These are the questions we are here to answer today.
Can Dogs Eat Potato Chips?
If we are going on technicalities, then yes, dogs can eat potato chips. However, it’s not the healthiest meal to offer them.
Even ‘healthy’ oven-baked chips can be loaded with all sorts of ingredients that will not benefit your dog’s health. If the dog consumes a few chips occasionally, nothing bad will happen.
However, giving your dog potato chips as a treat is not the smartest decision in the world.
Why shouldn’t Dogs Eat Potato Chips?
Potato chips are some of the best snacks in the world. But they’re not quite nutritious for your dog. Alternatively, they provide more risk to your pet than nutritional value.
Since there are loads of ingredients used in the production of the potato chips, a few can cause various health problems to the dog:
Processed potato
When making potato chips, potatoes have to undergo various processes, especially if they are manufactured.
And when food goes through different processes, its nutritional value diminishes. So, potato chips barely have any nutrients and also contain too much sodium, fat, and calories.
Regardless of the source of food, excess calories can cause weight gain.
Fat Content
Potato chips contain a high amount of fat. This high-fat content is dangerous for the dog’s well-being. It can result in obesity, leading to more severe health complications like diabetes, heart problems, and even pancreatitis.
These could prove life-threatening to your dog sooner or later.
Excessive Salt
Additionally, potato chips have a substantial amount of salt. Dogs and salty foods do not go together at all. Excessive salt consumption may result in elevated blood pressure and heighten the symptoms of heart disease.
It can also cause sodium ion poisoning, which could prove damaging to your dog. Salt can heighten thirst, so if your pet consumes a whole pack of potato chips, it’s important to ensure he has lots of water nearby.
Carb Overload
A dog’s diet must have a good source of carbohydrates. However, that source has to be beneficial and restricted. Excess levels of unhealthy carbs put tremendous pressure on the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in various health conditions.
These include obesity, diabetes, and even cancer. The simple carbs in this type of snack will provide your pet a sudden, short boost in energy.
In no time at all, they’ll be feeling hungry again. As such, dogs should not consume potato chips at any given moment.
Artificial Flavorings
Most bags of potato chips contain plenty of additives. Synthetic flavors and other artificial additives can have a negative impact on your dog.
Some health issues linked to the intake of artificial food additives include food allergies, upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Next time you get a bag of chips, check the ingredients. Suppose virtually all of the ingredients are pretty unheard of; perhaps it’s better to avoid sharing it with your dog. As a general rule, don’t let your dog eat potato chips!
Develop Unhealthy habit
As soon as the dog has some potato chips, it will be difficult for him to resist nibbling the packet constantly.
If you feed your dog potato chips, you encourage a destructive habit that will be hard for them to abandon after a while.
Potato chips are very tempting as they are a fast way to obtain carbohydrates. Dogs will tend to steal a few potato chips again and again whenever they are hungry. This behavior can cause obesity if not kept in check.
Are there any Health Benefits?
It’s common knowledge that potato chips are not known for their nutritional value. They are empty calories both for us and our dogs. The potatoes used to make chips have been heavily processed, making them nearly indistinguishable.
There are no possible health advantages to feeding your pet these junk foods. They are a secondary source of healthy fats, minerals, vitamins, and proteins.
Chips produced with sweet potatoes may have Vitamin A. However, your dog might not be able to safely absorb enough of them in order to reap their benefits.
If you want to provide vitamin A to your dog, there are several dog-friendly snacks out their in the market.
What Happens When You Feed a Dog Potato Chips?
If your dog munches on a bag of unattended potato chips, you don’t have to be worried. A bite or two isn’t going to cause any damage. Concern arises when this turns into a bad habit they can’t shake, and a few bites turn into an entire bag. Excessive potato chip consumption can cause obesity-related issues.
It can likewise lead to salt toxicity, a distressing condition with symptoms that include:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Excessive drinking
- Excessive urination
- Flatulence
- Indigestion
- Inflammation of the limbs
- Seizures
- Staggered gait
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Potato chips are non-life-threatening for your dog. However, they lead to abdominal pain and may result in temporary discomfort.
But when your dog is used to consuming potato chips frequently, it could cause many health problems.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ate Some Potato Chips?
If you caught your dog munching on a pack of potato chips, remove it immediately. Additionally, ensure that you keep a close eye on your dog.
If any of the above signs develop within 24 hours after eating potato chips, then make a point to take your pet to the pet clinic to see a vet.
Always ensure that these chips are not accessible to your dog. There are more healthy options for him to devour.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, your dog should not eat potato chips. Experts say that it is not advisable due to the health issues it can cause . Potato chips are loaded with carbohydrates, salt, synthetic flavors, and processed ingredients.
All these ingredients can hurt your dog. Hence, it’s better to choose other snacks that are healthier and canine-friendly instead of potato chips.