Can dogs and cats eat crisps?

1 May 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat crisps?

So you're snacking on crisps, and your dog is giving you those irresistible "Can I have some?" eyes. Hold up, dog parents—crisps are a no-fly zone for your pup.

First off, crisps are basically salt and fat bombs. Too much salt can send your dog on a hydration rollercoaster, making them super thirsty and messing with their kidneys. And let's not even talk about the potential for a doggy upset stomach—think vomiting and diarrhoea.

But wait, there's more. Some crisps come with a side of "Don't feed me to dogs"—onions and garlic—which can damage your dog's red blood cells, leading to anaemia.

So, as much as you want to share the crisp love, keep it a human-only affair. Your dog has plenty of pup-approved treats that won't turn snack time into a trip to the vet.

If your dog eats crisps and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat crisps?

So you're lounging on the couch, a bag of crisps in hand, and your cat is giving you that "share with me" look. But before you toss a crisp their way, let's hit pause.

Crisps are a no-go for your feline friend, and here's why: First off, the salt content in crisps is a red flag. Cats and salt are a bad mix, leading to a cascade of issues like dehydration and messed-up electrolytes.

And let's not forget the fat factor. Crisps are basically fried in a fat bath, and that's a lot for a cat's digestive system to handle. Regular crisp feasts could turn your sleek kitty into a chunky furball, putting stress on their joints and organs.

Oh, and some crisps come with a side of danger—onion and garlic powder. These sneaky spices can wreak havoc on your cat's red blood cells, leading to anaemia.

Bottom line? Keep the crisps a human-only snack. If your cat eats potato chips and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhoea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information purposes only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet poison emergency protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the Animal Poison Line (01202 50 9000).

Food safety statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet