One of the most popular junk foods in the world, around 6 billion packets of crisps are consumed in the UK alone each year. As you tuck into a bag, it can be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes imploring that you share this tasty treat with them.
Crisps are not the healthiest choice for us humans, and when it comes to our four-legged friends they are definitely not a snack you should encourage in your dog's diet. High in fat, sugar and salt, crisps offer no nutritional value to our dogs, who require much less salt, fat and calories than we do.
My dog ate one crisp: Could this harm them?
When it comes to crisps, it's always best to be careful. Certain ingredients such as onion and garlic can be toxic to dogs, even in powdered form. Allergens like dairy, soy, wheat and barley may also be present, depending on the flavouring of the crisps, and these could cause a reaction in your pet. Any potential risks to health will vary depending on the ingredients in the specific bag of crisps in question and the quantity consumed.
If your dog eats one single crisp, this shouldn't cause them harm, but it's always worth speaking with your vet if you have any concerns. As little as one bag could cause sodium poisoning or pancreatitis, and longer term consumption may lead to weight gain and obesity.
Can dogs eat Wotsits crisps?
Wotsits are baked, not fried, so they contain less fat than other crisps. They do however still contain saturated fat, salt and sugar, in addition to corn (maize) and cheese flavouring. One wotsit crisp may not harm your dog, but it's important to be aware of the risks of certain allergens present.
Can dogs eat cheese and onion crisps?
Cheese and onion crisps should not be fed to your dog because they contain certain ingredients that can be harmful to your dog. Each dog's tolerance to eating small amounts of cheese will vary, but it can cause digestive upset depending on your dog. Onion powder is toxic to your dog, so this is always best avoided.
Can dogs eat Pringles?
Pringles are particularly fatty and salty as they are produced using potato and cornflour that has been deep fried. This high quantity of sodium and saturated fat can be harmful to your pet, so pringles should never be offered as a treat.
Can dogs eat Walkers salt and vinegar crisps?
Salt and vinegar crisps contain very high levels of salt, which can be harmful your pet. Consumed in larger quantities, too much salt can cause sodium poisoning. This can be very serious in dogs, who are able to process salt less efficiently than us humans. Symptoms to look out for include diarrhoea, dehydration, vomiting, lethargy and seizures. Veterinary attention will be required if your dog is suffering from salt poisoning.
What are some alternatives to crisps for dogs?
With so many healthy snack options available for both puppy and adult dogs, there is really no need to feed crisps to your canine companion. Both short and long-term health concerns far outweigh any enjoyment your dog may get from eating a crisp. Instead, why not chop up a few carrots or apples to use as snacks? They have that same crunch you'd get from crisps, but they're much healthier! Alternatively, take a look at the best dog treats of the year.
