We all know that French fries are a delicious and crunchy treat. But, if you’re a dog owner, you may be wondering if these tasty morsels can be shared with your pup.
The short answer is no, dogs should not eat French fries.
Even if they are air fried and free from the unhealthy oils found in fast food versions, the high carbohydrate content of potatoes isn’t good for your pup’s digestive system.
Let’s take a closer look at why it is important to keep French fries away from your pup.
Air fried French fries are not great for dogs. While small amounts of food like these may not be harmful in the short term, they can lead to digestive issues such as an upset stomach and diarrhea over time. Additionally, air fried French fries often contain added salt and other unhealthy ingredients which can make them especially bad for your pup.
The dangers of eating too many carbs
Dogs are carnivores, so carbohydrates aren’t necessary for their diet.
In fact, too many carbs can actually lead to digestive problems like pancreatic inflammation and upset stomach.
Potatoes in particular can cause an increase in blood sugar levels, as well as potentially triggering food allergies and sensitivities.
Plus, if cooked in oil or butter, the fat content of French fries can cause gastrointestinal distress and even obesity in some dogs.
Why air frying isn’t enough
Air fryers have become popular in recent years due to their ability to cook foods with little to no oil.
Although this certainly reduces the amount of fat that goes into each serving of French fries, it doesn’t make them healthy for your pup.
The high carbohydrate content remains unchanged by air frying, meaning that they still pose a risk to your pet’s health when consumed on a regular basis.
What makes air fried French fries potentially unsafe for dogs?
The short answer is that most air fried French fries contain ingredients that aren’t good for dogs.
This includes garlic and onion powder, which are common ingredients in many store-bought brands of frozen French fries.
In addition, most commercial fryers use an oil blend that is too high in saturated fat for our pups.
The high levels of saturated fats can cause digestive issues like diarrhea or vomiting in some dogs.
Can dogs eat homemade air fried French fries?
Fortunately, homemade air fried French fries made with just potatoes and a bit of oil can be a safe in small quantities.
When making your own air fried French fries at home, make sure to use minimal oil (preferably an oil high in unsaturated fats) and avoid using any other spices or seasoning that might be harmful to your dog.
Additionally, make sure the potatoes you use are cooked all the way through – raw potatoes can cause digestive issues if consumed by dogs as well.
What about regular French fries?
Regular deep-fried French fries are not recommended for dogs due to their high fat content and potential health risks associated with regularly consuming deep-fried foods.
The cooking oil used for traditional deep-frying is also typically loaded with unhealthy ingredients such as trans fats and saturated fats, which can cause weight gain and other health problems if consumed on a regular basis by humans or animals alike.
Air fried French fries vs Baked fries
Baked fries are generally considered healthier than either air-fried or deep-fried French fries since they require no added fat or oil during cooking, making them lower in calories and fat than their oily counterparts.
Additionally, baked potatoes contain more vitamins and minerals than either air-fried or deep-fried varieties due to the lack of added oils during preparation.
If you’re looking for a healthier option for your pup, baked potato slices are a better choice.
Alternatives to French fries
Thankfully there are healthier alternatives for both you and your dog.
If you’re looking for a snack that both you and your pet can enjoy together, try giving them some boiled chicken or lean beef cut into small pieces instead of reaching for the French fries.
These protein-rich treats will provide them with essential vitamins and minerals without putting their health at risk.
You could even try making homemade sweet potato or carrot chips as an alternative snack – just make sure they’re cooked thoroughly before giving them to your pooch.
Conclusion and final thoughts
All in all, we would recommend avoiding giving your dog any type of French fry, whether it’s fast food or air fried at home.
While they may seem harmless enough, the high carbohydrate content can lead to digestive issues that could put their health at risk over time.
Instead opt for lean proteins like boiled chicken or lean beef cut into small pieces which will provide essential vitamins and minerals without putting their health at risk.
