Can Dogs Eat French Fries? Read This First...

We humans love eating French fries.

And even though we know it’s not the healthiest snack out there…

We generally know they won’t cause us much harm.

But can we say the same about dogs?

Well, in this guide, you’ll find out if it’s safe for dogs to eat French fries.

Let’s take a look.

Can Dogs Eat French Fries?

While a dog can eat french fries (and survive)… this doesn’t mean it’s a healthy treat.

In fact, they’re very unhealthy!

Why Are French Fries Bad for Dogs?

First of all, they’re high in fat due to the oil used in the frying process.

Even though humans can eat large quantities of fries and be fine (even if it’s still unhealthy), too much fat in a dog’s diet can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.

Furthermore, the high fat content can lead to additional digestive troubles and loose stool.

And feeding your dog too many potatoes isn’t good.

In fact, a fairly recent report by the FDA found a potential link between canine heart disease and pet foods using potatoes, peas, lentils, and other legume seeds.

So, potatoes themselves may not be as healthy for dogs as once thought.

Can Dogs Eat French Fries With Salt?

No, it’s not a good idea.

In fact, too much salt can be dangerous for dogs.

Why Is Salt Bad for Dogs?

In smaller quantities, it may lead to dehydration… but too much leads to salt poisoning.

Some of the signs include:

Dehydration
Appetite loss
Vomiting and diarrhea
Lethargy or incoordination
Tremors and seizures

As you’d expect, this is another reason why you shouldn’t go out of your way to give your dog French fries… especially if there’s salt on them.

Can Dogs Eat French Fries With Ketchup?

A small amount of ketchup is unlikely to harm your dog in the short term… but overall, they shouldn’t be eating it.

Pure, homemade tomato-based ketchup is less of an issue… but many ketchup brands come with a range of additional ingredients that could be harmful.

For example, if you check the ingredient label you may find:

Garlic
Salt
Sugar
Onions
Xanthan gum

Can Dogs Eat Homemade French Fries?

Giving your dog homemade French fries could be somewhat safer… as you know exactly what ingredients have been used.

However: French fries are still fried, so it doesn’t solve the high fat content problem.

Can Dogs Eat Seasoned French Fries?

Many spices and seasonings are bad for dogs, so it’s not a good idea.

Onion, salt, and garlic are particularly problematic.

What if My Dog Eats French Fries?

If your dog only eat a few French fries (perhaps they picked up a dropped one from the floor) then they should be fine. But don’t make a habit out of it.

But if your dog has eaten a huge plate of French fries, watch out for any signs of digestive upset, lethargy, or excessive dehydration.

If you’re concerned about your dog’s health or behavior, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.