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Dogs love cheese, and dogs love to eat whatever you’re currently scarfing down, so it makes sense that your pup would beg you for a Dorito or three. However, it’s worth asking yourself whether it’s safe to give your pup one of these chips or not.
While most dogs won’t experience any significant ill effects from a Dorito or two dropped accidentally on the floor, it’s really better if you don’t give them any. Some Doritos contain garlic or onions, which are toxic to dogs, depending on amounts, while preservatives, salt, spices, and fat are also harmful.
For a more in-depth answer, as well as insights into a few reasons why you shouldn’t share your Doritos, read on.
Are Doritos Safe for Dogs?
There are a variety of different Doritos flavors, so it’s hard to give a blanket answer that covers all of them. Some, like Cool Ranch Doritos, contain powdered onion and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs in high enough doses.
There’s not enough of either in a single Dorito chip to cause concern, though, so unless your dog eats too many, you should have nothing to worry about. If your dog snags a few chips, there’s usually no reason to panic or call your vet, unless they start showing signs of a stomach upset, eat too many chips, or suffer from an underlying digestive or pancreatic issue.
However, Doritos are also full of things like salt and fat, which your dog doesn’t need. You may also need to worry about the dairy ingredients inside if you have a lactose-intolerant pooch that eats too many Doritos.
Last but not least, the bag may be cause for concern as well, in dogs that try to tear it apart or even eat it whole. Dogs can even be at risk of suffocation if they get the bag stuck on their head, so you should keep the bag out of reach, even after it’s empty.
Other Concerns About Doritos
While Doritos aren’t toxic in and of themselves, they can often be paired with ingredients that are. You should be especially careful if you like to eat your chips with dip.
Guacamole can be harmful to dogs. Avocado leaves, bark, and pit are full of something called persin, while the flesh is very high in fat. All of this can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and predisposition to pancreatitis.
Onion dip is also bad news, as onions are also toxic to canines. It takes a fair amount of onion to reach toxic levels, but if you make an especially delicious dip, your dog may be able to slurp up enough to get them in trouble.
There are other dips that aren’t toxic for pups, but aren’t good for them either. Hummus is often made with spices that can irritate your dog’s stomach, and salsa is to be avoided for the same reason. Queso is something that dogs will definitely devour if given the chance, but it’s so full of fat that they should stay away from it.
The next time you host a Super Bowl party, you should guard your Doritos — but it may be a better idea to keep a closer eye on the dip.
Healthy Alternatives to Doritos
If your dog won’t stop begging, there are other things that you can give them that will satisfy their cravings without putting their health at risk.
The most obvious alternative is a dog treat. These are specifically designed for dogs, so there shouldn’t be any troublesome ingredients inside. All you have to worry about is the calorie content, which admittedly, is often high, so give those sparingly as well.
If you want to share human food with them, though, consider fresh fruit like apples or bananas (just avoid grapes and raisins). You could also give your dog broccoli or perhaps a bite of cooked green beans or sweet potatoes. However, make sure the fruits and veggies are offered in moderation, washed, cut into small bite-sized pieces, without the pit, seeds, or core, and only offered if approved by your vet, depending on your dog’s age and health.
You can also make your dog their own dip. Simply whip together a small amount of yogurt, unless your dog has lactose intolerance or a dairy food allergy, and xylitol-free peanut butter, and whatever other ingredients your dog enjoys that are safe for canines. You can put it all in a bowl and serve it to your dog while you enjoy your own dip — just keep the Doritos for yourself.
Are There Any Chips That Are Safe for Dogs?
If you’re looking for a snack for your pooch on the chip aisle, you can keep looking. There simply aren’t any good options for your pet to be found there.
That’s not to say that they’re all deadly, though. Many chips — like tortilla chips, potato chips, and even Cheetos — may be safe in small doses. They’re not good for your dog, to be sure, but they won’t kill them.
The biggest concern with many of these options is the preservatives and the salt content. Salt poisoning is a life-threatening condition that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, comas, and more. Clinical signs with excessive salt ingestion may start from 2 grams per kilogram, depending on your dog’s health, with the threshold being less in animals with kidney disease. Or other health issues. For healthy adult dogs, your pup would generally have to tear through quite a few Ruffles bags before it became a concern.
If you’re snacking on a dip, plain hummus with a bit of pita bread is the safest option for your dog. However, it’s still not good for your pup, so you’re better off giving them something more species-appropriate instead.
Image Credit: Amy_Gillard, Pixabay
So, What’s the Verdict?
Doritos are best avoided when it comes to your pooch, although they’re not likely to be toxic to your pup in a small amount, but they may contain harmful ingredients such as garlic or onion powder, spices, and excess salt.
If your dog has already chomped on a few chips, you shouldn’t panic too much. There’s no need to rush them to an emergency vet. However, you should keep the bag out of reach so they don’t make a habit of it, and monitor them for signs of a stomach upset. If your dog suffers from an underlying health issue, such as pancreatitis, digestive problems, or others, it’s best to consult with your vet just to be on the safe side.
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