Without a doubt, dogs will eat French fries if given the chance. As it is well known that fast food is unhealthy, we may assume that the same must be true for dogs, but there may be additional risks that should be considered. Veterinarian Dr. Ivana shares whether French fries are bad for dogs.
Many dog owners may be curious about whether French fries are safe for dogs.
The most popular fast food option for people is French fries, which are tasty potato cubes that have been deep-fried. But what about dogs?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about the subject, including whether pet owners are permitted to feed their animals French fries and whether or not they are healthy for dogs.
We will therefore discuss the reasons why dogs shouldn’t eat French fries in this article. We’ll discuss what to do in the event of accidental ingestions as well as the potential results (both best- and worst-case scenarios).
No, dogs cannot eat French fries. French fries are regarded as a bad food on many levels, despite the fact that they are not directly toxic to dogs.
French fries are made in a dangerous manner and with ingredients that are harmful over time.
The good news is that you don’t need to run to the vet or an emergency room if your dog steals a few French fries. However, it is strongly discouraged to intentionally give your dog French fries.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats French Fries?
If your dog eats a few french fries, you probably don’t have much to worry about. However, some dogs are quite sensitive to the ingredients in fries, and some are even allergic.
Make sure your dog has access to plenty of water in case they manage to eat some french fries. Keep an eye on them, and if you notice any symptoms in your dog that worry you, contact a vet right away.
The less severe side effects that your dog may experience after eating french fries are listed below. Consult your veterinarian if these symptoms persist for more than 12 hours after your dog eats french fries or if they start to get worse:
Some dogs may suffer more severe side effects. It is crucial that you get in touch with your emergency vet right away if you notice any of the symptoms listed below because your dog might be suffering from a condition that is life-threatening:
Why Are French Fries Bad For Dogs?
The typical ingredients in french fries aren’t toxic for dogs and are all digestible in small amounts; although, that doesn’t mean they’re good for dogs, either.
In fact, eating too many french fries over time can lead to serious health problems in dogs. They can also give your dog short-term symptoms that are concerning.
The main ingredient in french fries is, of course, potatoes. Although potatoes are high in carbohydrates and difficult for dogs’ digestive systems to process, they are not necessarily bad for dogs.
Some dogs are allergic or sensitive to potatoes. Some dogs can’t eat any potatoes at all; I once had one that would immediately vomit or have diarrhea after eating even one fry or chip.
Another usual ingredient in fries is oil. Dogs can benefit from certain oils, such as fish oil, but the oil used to make french fries is typically canola or vegetable oil. This oil gives french fries a lot of trans and saturated fats, the unhealthy types of fats, which are not good for dogs.
In the short term, excess fat can upset the digestive system; in the long run, it can contribute to conditions like obesity, pancreatitis, or diabetes. Some dogs who consume too much fat may also develop bloat, a condition that poses a serious risk to their lives.
The other most common ingredient in french fries is salt. Depending on your dog’s weight, it would probably take quite a few fries with a lot of salt on them for them to get salt poisoning.
However, fries are frequently extremely salty, and that much salt can, in the short term, cause dehydration, excessive thirst, and changes in urination. Long-term exposure to excessive salt can lead to kidney problems.
Additionally, some people add seasonings or condiments to their fries that may contain additional unhealthy ingredients and additional salt.
The best fries to give your dog if you must give him fries are plain, unsalted fries. Even then, they are only slightly less unhealthy, not a healthy treat.
What About Condiments? Are Those Safe?
Even though most condiments are not toxic, that does not necessarily make them safe.
The primary issue is salt content. Like many other widely used dipping sauces, ketchup has an incredibly high salt content.
Some have other problematic ingredients, like garlic and onions. Check the ingredients list if you’re concerned.
While giving your dog a taste of your condiments shouldn’t put them in immediate danger, you also shouldn’t give them any.
FAQ
What happens if a dog eats french fries?
A dog’s stomach may become upset by the harmful saturated and trans fats found in the canola or vegetable oil used to cook french fries. These unhealthy fats have the potential to cause canine bloat, which can be fatal, and pancreatitis in dogs who consume them over an extended period of time. 4.
Can my dog have mcdonalds fries?
McDonald’s French fries have no nutritional value, provide no goodness, fill up your dog insufficiently, and may even cause stomach upset. They are fried and cooked in oil that contains undesirable trans fats and saturated fats, which can result in digestive issues.
Can I feed my dog a fry?
Technically, the majority of dogs can consume a few french fries on occasion and be fine. However, fries are extremely unhealthy for dogs and have little nutritional value. Although most dogs can tolerate a small amount of fries, you should avoid giving them any at all because they will fare better.