Technically dogs can eat chips. But hold your horses! It doesn’t mean that they should. Mostly because chips are high in fat and salt, which can cause weight gain and other health problems in your beloved dog. So please, stick to dog-safe snacks (there are plenty of them, trust me), and keep the chips for yourself (yummy!).
Key Takeaways
- Dogs shouldn’t eat Doritos ❌
- Too many chips, too often, can cause salt poisoning ❌
- Healthy alternatives include carrots, plain popcorn, and dried meat ✔️
Why Are Chips Bad for Dogs?
Like all junk food, chips are loaded with unhealthy ingredients. They’re fried in oil, and too much oil can cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in dogs. Most chips are covered in salt, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. What seems like a safe amount of sodium for you is probably too much for your pet.
Some flavors of chips can even be toxic to dogs. For example, chips that contain onions and garlic can give them anemia. Spicy Nacho and Cool Ranch Doritos are examples of flavored tortilla chips with onion powder and garlic powder. They also contain lactose, which can upset your dog’s stomach and cause diarrhea.
Can Chips Cause Salt Poisoning in Dogs?
Yes, although it’s unlikely. If your pet eats too many chips at once, they can suffer from salt poisoning. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and seizures. If you think your dog has eaten too many chips and is showing any of these symptoms, take them to the vet immediately.
Will it kill your dog if they have eaten a whole bag of chips? If you suspect they have, call your vet right away. They may instruct you to induce vomiting or drive your pet to the clinic. Take the empty bag with you – you’ll be able to confirm if there were any ingredients toxic to dogs in the chips.
Here you can learn more about „Can dogs eat salt?”
How Much Chips Can Cause Poisoning in Dogs?
Probably not, but it can’t hurt to err on the side of caution. A single Dorito likely won’t contain enough salt or fat to cause serious problems for your dog. However, if they eat a lot of chips in one sitting, or you feed them chips regularly, they could develop health issues down the road.
Can dogs eat Doritos and be fine if it’s just one or two chips? It’s always best to give your dog healthy snacks and leave the chips for humans. But if your dog does eat some, don’t panic. Just keep an eye on them and call your veterinarian if they have any unusual symptoms.
Can Dogs Eat Doritos With Dip?
Another issue is the dip you’re enjoying with your Doritos. For example, guacamole is made from avocado, which is toxic for dogs. Nacho cheese is too fatty to be safe for dogs to eat. Even light yogurt dips will often contain garlic.
So if you’re crunching on snacks like tortilla chips, never let your dog lick the remainders of dip from the bowl. And when you open a bag of Doritos, don’t leave it unattended – your dog might be curious and stick their nose in the bag of chips.
Healthy Alternatives to Doritos
No matter if they’re fried or baked, unsalted chips still contain too much fat to be a healthy dog snack. So, what are some good alternatives to Doritos that your dog can eat?
- pieces of fruit like apples or bananas;
- carrots or celery sticks;
- dried meat or fish;
- plain popcorn (no butter or salt);
- store-bought puppy biscuits.
Remember, it’s always best to ask your veterinarian before feeding your dog anything new, even if it’s healthy human food like fruit or vegetables. Your pet’s dietary needs are very different from yours, so as a responsible dog owner, think twice about everything you give them. In the meanwhile, feeding your dog only dog food is perfectly fine.
Dogs Should Not Eat Chips – Period
So, can dogs eat Doritos safely? No, chips are not a healthy snack for dogs and should not be fed to them under any circumstances. It doesn’t matter if they’re tortilla or potato chips. They’re high in unhealthy fat and salt, which can lead to weight gain and dehydration. So keep the chips away from your pup and give them something healthier to snack on instead!
