Can Dogs Eat French Fries? Everything You Need to Know
French fries are loved by humans and dogs alike, but can dogs eat french fries? Truth is, they can but it’s not recommended by any veterinarian, so let’s find out what the professionals say about feeding french fries to your dog and ways to reduce the harm.
Can Dogs Eat French Fries Every Day?
No, you can’t feed your dog french fries every day, not even seldomly. However, when a dog has one or two french fries from the plate of their owners then they are not likely going to come across any issues or bad reactions.
But this human treat provides no nutritional value to offer to the health of a dog. On top of that, excessive consumption can end up in health problems. French fries are pretty high in carbs, fat, and salt which can result in rapid weight gain, an upset stomach, diarrhea and more. Pretty much the same as with humans.
If you give your dog french fries every day is a recipe for disaster, no matter how much your dog loves them.
You may also like
Can dogs eat barbacoa? Find out the truth!
Can dogs eat croutons? Beware the seasonings!
Are French Fries Bad For Dogs?
Yes, French Fries are unhealthy and generally bad for your dog. They are not toxic as in “Oh no, I need to take Laika to the emergency room because she ate a fry”, but they should not be considered a snack you can share with your dog freely, it’s not meant to be a regular treat
French fries can cause serious health issues, like inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), obesity and a swollen stomach.
What Makes Fries Bad for Dogs?
There are many reasons why veterinarians say fries are bad for dogs.
Fries are usually made from potatoes, which contain high levels of starch and carbohydrates. They can cause digestive issues in dogs if consumed in large quantities.
Additionally, many types of fries are cooked with salt and oil, both of which can be harmful to a dog’s health. Salt contributes to dehydration, while the oil can cause your dog to develop pancreatitis due to an overload of fat.
Lastly, many french fries contain seasonings such as garlic or onion powder, both of which are toxic to dogs. Therefore, it is best to avoid feeding your dog fries as they can pose serious health risks.
The abuse of salt on dogs
The abuse of salt on dogs is a very serious matter, as it can be extremely detrimental to their health. It is important not to offer too much salt or salty snacks to dogs as it can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and even kidney damage.
Too much salt can also increase the risk of hypertension in both young and old dogs, which can result in heart and other organ failure. Additionally, an excessive amount of salt in a dog’s diet can cause stomach upset, vomiting, diarrhea and other digestive issues.
All these risks are why it is so important for owners to carefully monitor their pet’s sodium intake. Providing regular meals with low-salt content and avoiding table scraps that contain high levels of salt are key steps in making sure your dog stays healthy and happy.
High-Fat Food
As you know, abusing food that’s high in calories is a terrible idea for you and your pet. Small dogs can easily get sick from eating stuff that’s high in fat and develop unhealthy symptoms such as difficulty breathing, drunk-like behavior, among many others.
If you see any signs of pain in your dog’s daily life, please ask your vet.
Can my dog get sick from eating French Fries?
It all depends on the quantity and frequency. If your dog just ate a few, unseasoned fries as a one off because, let’s say, you left them somewhere close to them, it should be fine. He or she may have a little naurea for a few hours in case the amount was too high, but nothing to be alarmed about.
However, if you share french fries with your dog on a daily basis, then we are in trouble. I came across a case of a person who used to give her dog an entire order of fries and have them develop salt poisoning.
Are There Any Healthy Alternatives to French Fries?
Yes, there are many healthy alternatives to French fries. For example, home-made sweet potato fries are a great way to enjoy the delicious taste of French fries while still getting the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes. You just need to moderate the amount of oil used and also make sure you don’t abuse, as sweet potatoes are also high in carbohydrates.
They are low in fat and high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Other tasty options include roasted root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and turnips. These can be seasoned with herbs and spices for a flavorful side dish that is packed with nutrition.
Baked zucchini or eggplant slices also make a great alternative to French fries; both offer high amounts of antioxidants and fiber.
There are also numerous other options for creating healthy versions of French fry dishes such as baking instead of frying or using healthier oil alternatives like olive oil or coconut oil. With all these alternatives available, it is easy to enjoy the deliciousness of French fries without compromising on health!
Before offering to the pet
Hey there! I'm Rodrigo, a passionate writer with a lifetime love for animals, especially dogs. Creating this blog is a dream come true for me so I hope you enjoy all our content!
Veterinary with a Master Degree in Food Safety. More than 10 years of experience in veterinary technology.
