Can Dogs Eat French Fries?

French fries are not a good snack for dogs. Plain potato is not poison, but fries are salty and greasy, and too much of either can make a dog sick. One or two fries will probably do no harm. A big serving is a reason to watch your dog closely and call your vet.

Why are French fries bad for dogs?

The potato is not the problem. The AKC says plain, cooked potato is fine for dogs. But it also lists French fries and hash browns as foods to skip, because they come with a lot of extras.

• Salt. The ASPCA warns that too much salt can make a dog very thirsty and make it pee more. Larger amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
• Grease. The ASPCA says fatty foods can cause pancreatitis in some pets. This is a painful swelling of the pancreas. The AKC also links buttery potato to pancreatitis.
• Seasoning. Onion and garlic can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, says the ASPCA. Fry seasoning and dipping sauces may contain them. Check the label or ask the restaurant.

How much salt is too much?

The sources we read do not say how many fries are safe. The page from Pet Poison Helpline gives no amount for dogs. So we can’t give you a safe count.

What the sources do say is that salt trouble is tied to water. The Merck Veterinary Manual says salt poisoning is unlikely when fresh water is always available. Keep the water bowl full. If your dog ate a big serving, call your vet rather than waiting.

What are the signs of too much salt?

Pet Poison Helpline lists these signs:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Less hunger and low energy
• Lots of drinking or peeing
• Walking as if drunk
• Tremors, seizures, or collapse

Salt poisoning is serious. Pet Poison Helpline says vets treat it with fluids through a vein and extra checks of body salts. The Merck Veterinary Manual says a dog with salt poisoning should get water slowly, in small amounts at a time. Let your vet guide this.

What should I do if my dog ate French fries?

1. Take away what is left, and check how many fries your dog ate.
2. Offer fresh water.
3. Check for onion or garlic in the seasoning.
4. Call your vet if the amount was large, if your dog is small, or if any signs above appear.

Other kinds of French fries

Can dogs eat French fries with salt?

No. Salt is the main problem with fries. Most fast-food fries are salted, so the safest choice is to not share any. If your dog stole a few, give water and watch for the signs above.

Can dogs eat fries in general?

Fries of any type, whether from a restaurant, frozen, or baked at home, are not a good treat. They are usually greasy and salted. If you want to share potato, the AKC suggests plain, cooked potato with no butter, salt, or spices. Make it soft so it is easy to chew.

Can dogs eat hot fries?

No. Hot or spicy fries add another problem on top of salt and grease. The AKC says dogs are not used to spicy food, and it can upset their stomachs and cause vomiting or diarrhea. Spicy seasoning may also contain garlic or onion, so check the label.

What can my dog eat instead?

A bit of plain, cooked potato is better than fries. Plain apple slices with no seeds are another option. Treats should make up no more than about 10% of your dog’s daily food. For more foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.