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Can Dogs Eat Doritos? It’s a no-brainer that consuming too many non-nutritious snacks isn’t good for anyone, whether it’s human or dog. But you can’t just ignore your favorite snack — Doritos, right? And whenever you munch on Doritos, the next thing you see is your dog wanting to be included in the snack party as well. What to do then? Should you ignore those innocent begs? Let’s find out!
Doritos & Dogs: Can Dogs Eat Doritos?
While feeding your dog one or two chips of Doritos out of love isn’t harmful, giving them a whole bag of Doritos can make the situation worse. You should never give Doritos to your dog as a treat.
The good news is that just a single taste from these branded chips won’t hurt your dog because Doritos aren’t toxic. However, they aren’t the best choice for a treat.
Doritos are highly processed foods. It contains various artificial flavors, different seasonings such as salt, pepper, and other spices, and several chemicals that aren’t just the right choice for dogs.
Too much Doritos means too much salt. And too much salt can make your dog thirstier, leading them to drink more water, which means they’ll pee more, and that’s just too much work for you and your dog as well.
Are Doritos Toxic?
Onion powder and garlic powder — two main ingredients of Doritos can make dogs sick as they are toxic to dogs. If you feed your dog too much Doritos, this can lead them to have anemia, because of garlic and onion powder, which you don’t want, right?
Moreover, Pet Poison Helpline also suggests that feeding your dog onion or garlic powder more than 0.5 percent of their entire weight can lead them to hazardous health issues.
Do Doritos Contain Too Much Salt?
Yes! Salt is the main ingredient in Doritos and too much salt is dangerous for your little furry friend. If your pet consumes large amounts of salt, your pet might vomit or have diarrhea. There is also a chance that your pet might get tremors, convulsions, or fevers as a result of salt consumption.
However, these side effects only appear when your dog consumes a large amount of these components. Smaller dogs need special handling because they are not able to tolerate as much salt as large dogs.
How Many Doritos Can a Dog Eat?
Picture this: you are munching on Doritos, your dog is looking at you with those innocent eyes as he also wants to be included, you feed one or two of Doritos to them, the next thing you know that they want more, what then? You have just invited trouble for yourself!
It’s true one or two Doritos won’t hurt your dog, but once they become addicted, you’ll have to face an issue. So you shouldn’t feed them Doritos at all.
What Happens If My Dog Eats Doritos?
Doritos do contain harmful substances, but there isn’t enough salt, fat, garlic, or onion powder in one chip to harm your dog. Some dogs, however, can cope with more than others.
As long as your dog doesn’t consume too many chips, you shouldn’t concern yourself about it. However, if your dog consumes a considerable amount, you might want to contact your veterinarian. Moreover, If your dog displays any signs of illness, you should contact your veterinarian.
Should I Take My Dog To The Vet if He Consumes Doritos?
There’s no need to take your dog to the vet if he consumes one or two chips of Doritos. However, if you find an empty bag of chips right beside your dog, then it is an alarming situation. Now you need to monitor your puppy’s health and look for the following symptoms.
- Lethargy
- Pale gums
- Coughing up blood
- Vomiting
- Trembling
- Heavy seizures
Consuming a small amount of chips doesn’t cause any notable health issues. However, if your dog had consumed too many chips, you might notice those symptoms.
Better Snack Alternatives For Dogs
When your dog has been good all his life, it is difficult to deny him a special treat. However, you should consider healthier treats you can share with him.
If your dog is a snack-sharing fan, which is usually the case, then keep some dog treats nearby so you can munch on Doritos while it enjoys its treats.
And if you are looking for a healthier option for your little puppy, try giving them cheese, as cheese contains vitamin A, calcium, protein, essential fatty acids, and B complex vitamins.
How to Train Dogs Not To Eat Doritos
We understand if you can’t ignore your little puppy’s begging and want to fulfill their every wish, but remember, it is only good for them.
If your puppy begs you for Doritos whenever you much on them, try this simple approach. Whenever you are having Doritos, make sure you have a bag of a healthy treat for dogs ready and feed them their food instead of giving them Doritos.
Bottom Line
Indeed, one or two chips of Doritos won’t hurt your puppy’s health, but once they taste it and want more, then there will be a problem.
It is more likely that your dog will have digestive issues if it eats large amounts of Doritos at once since dogs are not accustomed to eating salty foods. So the best idea is to give them something that is specifically made for them. And if you’re in doubt that your dog might have some Doritos, make sure to watch your dog and get him checked at the vet if he shows any other unusual symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe for dogs to eat Doritos occasionally?
No, it’s generally not recommended due to the high salt content and artificial additives, which can be harmful to a dog’s health.
What should I do if my dog has eaten a large amount of Doritos?
Monitor your dog for any signs of distress or sickness, and contact your veterinarian immediately to discuss the appropriate steps to take.
Are there any specific ingredients in Doritos that are harmful to dogs?
Yes, ingredients like onion powder, garlic powder, and high levels of sodium can negatively impact a dog’s health.
How can I prevent my dog from eating Doritos or similar snacks?
Store such snacks out of the dog’s reach and educate family members, especially children, on the dangers of feeding such foods to pets.
What are some dog-friendly snack alternatives?
Opt for dog treats that are specially formulated for their dietary needs, or consider natural snacks like carrots or apples in moderation.
Can the occasional Dorito cause long-term health issues for my dog?
While a single Dorito might not cause immediate harm, consistent exposure can lead to health issues like obesity, diabetes, or kidney problems.
How can I educate myself on what foods are safe for my dog?
Consult with your veterinarian and do research on reputable pet health websites to get accurate information on safe and dangerous foods for dogs.
Are other similar snacks like chips or pretzels safe for dogs?
Generally, any snacks high in salt, artificial flavors, or preservatives should be avoided to maintain your dog’s optimal health.
How can I ensure a balanced diet for my dog?
Focus on feeding your dog high-quality, specially formulated dog food and treats, and always have fresh water available.
What signs should I look for if I’m concerned about my dog’s reaction to eating Doritos?
Watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, or lethargy, and seek veterinary care if needed.
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