Can Dogs Eat Potato Chips?

Potato chips are not a good treat for dogs. One plain chip is unlikely to harm a healthy dog. But chips are salty and greasy, and many flavors have extra ingredients, so the safe choice is to skip them. A dog that eats a lot of chips can get sick.

Why are potato chips bad for dogs?

The main problem is salt. The ASPCA says too much salt can cause vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, seizures, and even death. The Merck Veterinary Manual says a dog can show signs after eating about 2 to 3 grams of salt for each kilogram of body weight. The AKC gives an example: a toy dog like a Chihuahua could get sick from less than a teaspoon of salt.

A bag of chips has a lot of salt, so a small dog that eats most of a bag is at the most risk. The good news is that salt poisoning is unlikely when a dog can drink fresh water, according to Merck. The AKC also says that salty foods in small amounts should not cause salt poisoning.

The second problem is fat. Chips are fried. The Merck Veterinary Manual says eating the wrong foods is a common risk for pancreatitis in dogs. That is a painful swelling of the pancreas, an organ that helps with digestion. Merck lists loss of appetite, vomiting, belly pain, weakness, and diarrhea as common signs. The sources we read give no safe amount of fat for a single snack, so we won’t guess one.

Signs to watch for

After a dog eats a lot of chips, watch for:

• Vomiting (Merck says this can start within a few hours of too much salt)
• Diarrhea
• Being very thirsty or peeing a lot
• Weakness or being very tired
• Shaking, poor balance, or seizures
• Belly pain or not wanting to eat, which can point to pancreatitis

Shaking, seizures, or repeated vomiting need a vet right away.

What to do if your dog ate chips

1. Take the bag away and check how much is gone.
2. Offer fresh water. Merck says that for a dog with no signs yet, treatment is water and close watching for several hours.
3. Read the label. Look for salt, onion, or garlic.
4. Call your vet or a poison hotline if your dog is small, ate a lot, or ate a flavor with onion or garlic.
5. Go in right away if signs of salt poisoning appear. The AKC says treatment can mean a stay at the clinic with IV fluids and blood tests.

Other kinds of chips

Are Pringles safe for dogs?

Not as a treat. Pringles are still salty fried potato chips, so the same salt and fat problems apply. Flavored cans, like cheddar, may also list onion or garlic. The ASPCA says onions and garlic can upset the stomach and damage red blood cells, which can lead to anemia. Check the label before you decide, and skip them.

What about barbecue, ketchup, and hot chips?

Flavored chips are a worse choice than plain ones. Barbecue and ketchup flavors add more seasoning on top of the salt. The ASPCA warns about onion and garlic, and seasoning blends often include them, so read the label. Hot or spicy chips add heat. The vet sources we read don’t cover spicy chips, so the best plan is to keep them out of reach.

Can dogs eat pita chips?

A plain, dry pita chip with no salt or seasoning is less risky than a potato chip. But many have oil, salt, or seasonings added, and the sources we read don’t cover them. Check the label for salt, onion, and garlic, and skip them if you aren’t sure.

Can dogs eat seaweed chips?

Only plain seaweed. The AKC says dogs can have processed sheets of seaweed or nori as long as there is no added salt or garlic. The AKC also warns that too much of the iodine in seaweed can affect a dog’s thyroid. Most seaweed snacks are seasoned, so most are not a good fit.

Can dogs eat apple chips?

Plain apple slices are a better snack than potato chips. The AKC suggests slicing an apple thinly, taking out the core, and baking it at 200 degrees Fahrenheit until crisp. Never give the seeds or core. The AKC page doesn’t cover store-bought apple chips, so check the label for added sugar or flavorings, and keep the portion small. See our guide on apples for dogs.

Can dogs eat Chips Ahoy?

No, skip them. Chips Ahoy is a cookie with chocolate pieces, not a chip. The ASPCA says chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, an uneven heartbeat, shaking, and seizures, and darker chocolate is riskier. Read more in can dogs eat chocolate. If your dog ate a lot of cookies, call a vet.

Safer snacks to try instead

• A few plain apple slices, with no core or seeds
• A dog treat made for dogs

Treats of any kind should be about 10% or less of your dog’s daily food. For the full list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.