It is not surprising that you would want to share a handful of French fries with your best friend because there are very few things on this planet that are as wonderful as French fries. For people, french fries are a delicious, yet unhealthy snack. Your dog might be watching you eat french fries and beg for a bite, but can dogs eat french fries?

Although technically speaking, the answer to that question is yes, french fries are very unhealthy for dogs and offer no real nutritional value. Although the common ingredients in french fries are not known to be harmful to dogs and can be broken down by their bodies in moderate amounts, this does not mean that dogs should consume them.

Why Are French Fries Bad For Dogs?

The following is a list of some of the health risks that are associated with giving your dog french fries:

Allergies

It's possible that some dogs will have an allergic reaction to potatoes, whether they're fresh or fried. (When properly cooked, sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are perfectly fine to give to your dog.) In the event that your dog consumes potatoes by accident, you should keep an eye out for signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives or swelling.

High Salt Content

French fries have a high salt content, and while your dog would need to eat a lot of them to get salt poisoning (which can be fatal), the possibility still exists that small dog breeds will experience this problem. Dehydration, increased thirst, elevated blood pressure, and increased frequency of urination can result from even a modest increase in the amount of salt that your dog consumes on a regular basis. In addition, condiments such as ketchup add salt and sugar, both of which are bad for your dog and should be avoided.

Pancreatitis

The unhealthy saturated and trans fats that are found in the canola or vegetable oil that is used to cook french fries can cause gastrointestinal distress in dogs. If your dog consumes these unhealthy fats for an extended period of time, it runs the risk of developing pancreatitis. Short-term consumption of these fats could cause life-threatening bloat in your dog.

Obesity

If you give your dog a diet consisting primarily of fatty, high-carb foods like french fries on a regular basis, you may find that they gain weight. Feed your dog food that has been prescribed by your veterinarian and that satisfies all of their dietary requirements in order to keep their weight at the ideal level.

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats French Fries?

If your dog were to consume a few french fries, there is a good chance that they would be fine. However, in the event that your canine companion consumes the entirety of your order of large fries from a fast food restaurant, you will want to take some preventative steps. In the event that your dog consumes an excessive amount of fries, make sure that they have access to a lot of water. They will feel thirsty as a result of the excessive salt, and the water will help prevent them from becoming dehydrated.

Overeating fries almost always results in gastrointestinal distress, which may manifest as vomiting, diarrhea, or both. The symptoms of canine bloat include dry heaving, excessive drooling, rapid breathing, anxious pacing, as well as pain and swelling in the abdominal region. This more serious potential health problem is something to be on the lookout for.

Be on the lookout for any symptoms of salt poisoning. Extreme thirst and urination more frequently than normal are the two most common symptoms of salt poisoning in dogs. Nevertheless, in addition to these symptoms, your dog may also experience convulsions or spasms, weakness, nausea, swelling of the tongue, or difficulty walking in the normal manner. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Potato allergies can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including wheezing, hives, rashes, and an overwhelming urge to scratch. In the event that any of the aforementioned health issues manifest in your dog, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible for advice.

Review: Can Dogs Eat French Fries?

It is unlikely that your dog would suffer any adverse effects as a result of eating one or two french fries from your plate. However, this human food does not contain any nutrients that are beneficial to your dog's health, and excessive consumption could result in a variety of health problems. The high salt content, high fat content, and high carbohydrate content of french fries can cause canine obesity.

Fries from a restaurant or fast food establishment typically contain an excessive amount of salt, making them potentially harmful to dogs. In addition, the fries that are prepared in restaurants frequently include seasonings that are toxic to dogs, such as garlic powder or onion powder. If your dog eats french fries and experiences a negative reaction, consult your veterinarian.