Having a dog in the house makes it hard to snack in peace. Whether you’re having a healthy bite or indulging in one of your favorite junk foods, like Pringles, it’s not uncommon to have big doggie eyes begging for you to share a bite. One of the hardest parts of being a dog owner is knowing what is safe to share with your pooch and what isn’t. Of course, you can avoid sharing anything with your pet and make them stick to dog food and treats, but there’s always the chance that your dog can get into things they shouldn’t when you aren’t around.
So, what about the yummy chips we mentioned, Pringles? Can dogs eat them? Are they safe? Unfortunately, for your wannabe snack partner, Pringles shouldn’t be shared with your dog. To help you better understand why your dog shouldn’t have these chips, or others that are similar, read on below where we’ll discuss things more in-depth.
The Dangers of Pringles
Now, if we’re being honest, allowing your dog to have 1 or 2 plain Pringles most likely won’t do any harm. However, Pringles are a human snack you don’t want your dog to eat for several reasons. Let’s go over those reasons now.
Flavors and Seasonings
If you’re a fan of Pringles, you’ve most likely tried several of their flavors. Original, BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, and even Pizza are only a few of the offerings in these cans. These chips are loaded with flavor which means they are full of different types of seasonings. It’s these seasonings, used to make Pringles so good, that are most dangerous for your dog. Salt, onion, scallions, chives, shallots, and garlic are considered toxic for dogs. These spices can cause gastrointestinal issues for your pet such as upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting. Larger amounts of onion powder can even cause damage to red blood cells resulting in your dog becoming anemic.
Salt
One of the biggest appeals of a can of Pringles is the salty naughtiness. While you may crave something salty now and then, too much isn’t good for you. The same can be said for your dog. If you notice, dog food has salt in it but not too much. This is due to your dog needing a bit of salt in his diet to keep his nervous system functioning properly and balance the fluids in the body.
A 1 oz (16 chips) serving of Original Pringles provides 150 mg of Sodium. This is equivalent to the entire daily requirement of sodium for a 24lb dog such as a Beagle.
Sadly, too much salt in your dog’s diet can result in salt poisoning. When it comes to Pringles, there’s far too much salt for them to be considered safe for your pet. Here’s a look at signs your dog has consumed too much salt so you know what to keep an eye out for. If you feel your dog potentially has salt poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.
High-Fat Content
As you most likely know already, dogs need a healthy amount of fat in their diet to stay healthy. Too much fat, however, can result in major issues for your pooch. While we may wish they weren’t, Pringles are quite high in fat. When your dog eats foods that are high in fat, it can get a painful condition known as pancreatitis. Your dog’s pancreas may be small, but it’s a vital organ maintaining blood sugar levels and helping digest foods. Pancreatitis causes swelling of the pancreas and extreme pain.
A 1 oz serving of Original Pringles provides 9g of total fat in 150 calories.
Let’s take a look at the signs of pancreatitis so you’ll be informed if your dog presents with this issue.
Are Potatoes Safe for Dogs?
Considering Pringles are made from potatoes, asking if potatoes are safe for dogs is a natural question. While green and raw potatoes shouldn’t be given to your dog, cooked white or sweet potatoes aren’t dangerous. The potatoes must be cooked, however, due to a compound found inside called solanine which is toxic to dogs. If the potato is cooked, the solanine inside is reduced, making the potatoes safer. Keep in mind, though, potatoes shouldn’t be given to your dog daily. Instead, they should be treated like a special treat if your dog is a fan.
Final Thoughts
Before you pop the top on a can of Pringles and share it with your dog, think twice. Different varieties of Pringles have seasonings that are toxic to your pet. You’ll also find that all Pringles are high in fat and salt. Too much fat or salt can result in serious illnesses for your pooch that you can easily avoid. Instead of sharing your chips the next time you and your pooch go on a snack binge, grab a few of their favorite doggy treats to let them be part of snack time. Your dog may pout and show they are upset about your decision but you’ll be helping your fur baby stay happier and healthier.
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