Can Dogs Eat French Fries? It Depends

In all likelihood, your dog wouldn’t get sick from eating a few French fries that fell off your plate. However, your dog won’t benefit nutritionally from eating this human food, and giving it to them in large quantities could be dangerous. Because of the high levels of salt, carbs, and fat in French fries are not a good choice for dogs. 

The excessive salt level of fast food fries and restaurant fries poses a health risk to dogs. Fries from restaurants are commonly seasoned with garlic or onion powder, which are toxic to dogs. It would help if you didn’t give your pup French fries every day since too many can upset his stomach, causing them to become dehydrated, gain weight, or cause pancreatitis. 

You may give your dog blueberries or vegetables as a healthier alternative to French fries. Healthy dog treats might be a great option for catering to your dog’s individual requirements. The majority of your dog’s caloric intake should come from dog food.

Risks to Dogs Eating Restaurant Fries

Some doggies can have an allergic reaction to both raw and cooked potatoes. However, properly prepared sweet potatoes are safe for your dog to eat. If your dog accidentally consumes potatoes, look for signs of an allergy, such as hives or swelling. 

The high salt content in French fries can cause salt toxicity (that can be fatal) in small dog breeds if they consume too many. Dehydration, increased thirst, hypertension, and increased urination are all possible side effects of even a slight increase in your dog’s typical salt intake. 

Because of their high glycemic index, potatoes are known to induce rapid increases in blood sugar levels following consumption. Glucose increases are harmless in otherwise healthy dogs. However, dogs with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to severe and rapid fluctuations in blood sugar. Dogs with diabetes shouldn’t eat potatoes or potato products like French fries.

Digestive and Long-Term Effects

Fried, high-carb food impacts a dog’s digestive tract as it does on a human’s, causing gas and bloating. Dogs shouldn’t eat French fries because the oil used to fry them contains unhealthy saturated and trans fats. 

These kinds of fats can be harmful to your dog’s health in the short and long term; in the short term, they can cause canine bloat, which can be fatal, and in the long term, they can cause your dog to develop pancreatitis. 

Dogs can gain weight if they are regularly fed high-fat, high-carbohydrate foods like French fries. Feed your dog the veterinary-recommended dog food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to maintain an appropriate weight.

Homemade Fries

A baked French fry with no added oils, salt, or fat is a better option for dogs. French fries are essentially just potatoes, which are far healthier for dogs than other fried foods. When appropriately prepared, French fries can be a nutritious snack when eaten in moderation. 

They are high in calories, so make sure you don’t serve them too often, but they contain vitamins and minerals that can be a nice treat. Dogs, like humans, need carbs for energy and cognitive function, and French fries provide just that—especially on long hunting expeditions when they run out of food. And because potatoes are a nutrient-dense food that contains some protein, feeding your dog French fries occasionally has additional benefits. 

Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato Fries?

These nutritious benefits can be found in abundance in this root vegetable. Sweet potatoes, in comparison to regular potatoes, are a good source of antioxidants, as well as anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting compounds. 

It’s an excellent source of vitamin A, which helps keep the eyes, nerves, and muscles healthy and the skin and coat. Vitamin A is needed to make the pigments in your eyes that help them absorb light and protect the retina. Sweet potatoes have an excellent amount of fiber, which allows the digestive system to work better so your dog can have healthy stools.

How Can Dogs Eat Fries Safely?

To prevent intestinal blockage, start with small portions. Additionally, pieces that are too big for your dog provide a choking risk. Sweet potatoes, or any type, must be cooked and unseasoned if you plan to feed them to your dog. Peel the sweet potato. Raw sweet potatoes will upset your stomach. 

Some potatoes (like white ones) are a part of the nightshade family and contain the poison solanine, which is particularly dangerous when consumed raw. Remember that dog food should be your dog’s primary source of nutrients. The ideal proportions of the minerals, protein, and carbohydrates required are included in premium kibble. Your pup should be good if you peel, cut, bake, and leave off the salt and oils.

What to Do if Your Pup Consumes a Lot of Fries

Was your dog able to consume an entire order of fries? Even so, it’s still unlikely that your dog’s life will be in danger, but the chance of a more severe reaction is higher. Making sure your dog gets lots of water should be your priority (you should do this usually, but it’s crucial right now). They might become thirsty from the salt, and you don’t want them to become dehydrated. Keep an eye on them after that. Call your veterinarian right once if the animal’s condition gets worse.

Conclusion

While it’s best to keep fast-food French fries out of your pup’s reach, a few won’t kill them. They might get an upset stomach, depending on their size and how sensitive their stomach is, but it shouldn’t cause anything worse. Feeding them fast food fries all the time, however, can put them at risk for pancreatitis and weight gain. 

As long as you peel and bake the fries, your dog can occasionally enjoy a few. A healthier alternative to traditional homemade French fries is baked sweet potato fries. They have more benefits and can be an excellent food for dogs with a terrible case of diarrhea. Remember to leave out the salt!

Whatever you choose to feed your doggie, remember that moderation is key, and their primary food source should be dog food.

Up Next…

• Can Dogs Eat Potatoes? (The Answer Varies)
• Can Dogs Eat Butter or Not? What Science Says
• Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potatoes Safely? It Depends

The photo featured at the top of this post is © gowithstock/Shutterstock.com