Do you love potato chips and you want to share them with your dog? Does the sound of the chip bag lead to your dog flashing those adorable puppy eyes?
If you are debating sharing your Pringles with your dog, you may want to think twice.
Is it Okay for Dogs to Eat Pringles?
Pringles aren’t toxic to your dog unless they are made with toxic flavoring. But, this doesn’t mean that they are a safe or healthy snack option.
Most Pringles are fried in oil to give them their crisp texture and recognizable crunch.
This use of oil may make your dog feel sick. It can also lead to unwanted weight gain and the many health complications that can introduce.
But, the biggest concern is the salt content. A dog’s digestive system isn’t able to process salt as effectively as ours does. He may be at risk for salt poisoning.
Signs of salt poisoning include
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Lethargy
- Lack of coordination
- Tremors and seizures
If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Left untreated, serious cases of salt poisoning can be fatal.
Should Dogs Eat Pringles?
Pringles aren’t technically the same as potato chips. In fact, they are considered to be “potato crisps”.
Unfortunately, the differences between the two don’t make them safe for your dog.
Pringles are still made with high salt content, putting your pup at risk for salt poisoning. They may also be made with toxic flavorings like onion or garlic.
There are some human foods that your dog can share with you, but Pringles should not be included on that list!
What Chips Can I Give My Dog?
If you are determined to feed potato chips to your dog, the best option is to make your own. This will allow you to make them with a dog-friendly twist.
Slice up the potatoes into thin pieces and bake or boil them.
Cooking potatoes in this way is much safer for your dog than the traditional fried approach. It also allows you to avoid the use of high-fat oils.
Avoid using unhealthy additions to your dog’s chips such as salt or butter. He will love them even without these ‘flavor enhancers’.
For dog owners that searching for the healthiest option, consider making your dog’s chips out of sweet potatoes.
What Do I Do if My Dog Ate Pringles?
Did your dog recently get into some pringles when you weren’t looking? If so, you will need to keep an eye on him.
Watch for signs of illness such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Make sure to offer plenty of fresh, cool water during this time. The salt content may leave him feeling very thirsty.
Plan to take your dog out to the bathroom more often. This is due to the potential for diarrhea as well as an increased need to pee from drinking more water than usual.
If at any time you notice signs that he may be overly sick, contact your veterinarian.
