Can Dogs Eat Crisps

Can Dogs Eat Crisps

Crisps are a classic human snack, but they’re not something dogs should eat. While a single crisp won’t harm your dog, feeding them regularly—or letting them sneak too many—can lead to health problems. Crisps are high in salt, fat, and artificial flavourings, none of which belong in a dog’s diet. Even “plain” crisps come with ingredients that can irritate your dog’s stomach, strain their kidneys, and contribute to long-term issues like obesity or heart disease.

What’s in Crisps That Makes Them Unsafe?

Most crisps are loaded with salt, oil, and seasonings. Salt is especially dangerous for dogs in large amounts, and many popular crisp flavours—like cheese and onion, barbecue or sour cream—contain onion or garlic powder, which are toxic to dogs. Even “ready salted” crisps aren’t safe, because the high sodium content can cause dehydration or, in extreme cases, salt poisoning. The fat from frying crisps can also trigger pancreatitis, particularly in dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Can One Crisp Hurt My Dog?

Not usually. If your dog eats one or two crisps, especially a plain variety, they’ll most likely be fine. It’s not healthy, but it’s not toxic in tiny amounts. The problem comes when dogs are given crisps often, or when they manage to eat a whole packet. If your dog has underlying health issues—like kidney disease, pancreatitis or heart problems—even small amounts of salty, fatty foods can cause discomfort or trigger a flare-up.

What Happens If a Dog Eats Too Many Crisps?

Eating too many crisps can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive thirst, or bloating. In more serious cases, especially if the crisps were highly salted or flavoured with onion or garlic, your dog could develop lethargy, confusion, tremors, or worse. If your dog raids the crisp stash and eats a full bag, it’s best to call your vet and monitor for any symptoms.

Are Some Crisp Flavours More Dangerous Than Others?

Yes. Flavours like cheese & onion, sour cream & chive, or anything spicy are especially risky. Onion and garlic in any form are toxic to dogs, and spicy crisps can cause gut irritation or distress. Even sweet crisps (like salted caramel or smoky bacon) might contain sweeteners or artificial additives that are bad news for dogs.

Why Do Dogs Like Crisps?

Dogs love crisps for the same reason we do—they’re salty, crunchy, and packed with flavour. They also mimic the texture of crunchy dog treats. But dogs don’t understand the nutritional impact. Just because your dog begs for crisps doesn’t mean it’s safe or healthy to give them some.

Dog-Safe Alternatives to Crisps

If you want to share a crunchy snack with your dog, go for dog-specific treats, or healthy options like carrot sticks, apple slices (no seeds), cucumber, or plain rice cakes with no salt or seasoning. These mimic the texture without the harmful ingredients. Always introduce new snacks gradually and in moderation.

Summary

Crisps aren’t safe for dogs. While the odd accidental crisp isn’t likely to do lasting harm, crisps are high in salt, fat, and toxic seasonings that make them a poor choice for dogs. If your dog snags a few, don’t panic—but it’s best to keep them out of reach and opt for dog-safe snacks instead. When it comes to crisps, keep the crunch for yourself and give your dog something made with their health in mind.