If you have ever been to a KFC, you know that their French fries are delicious.
But can dogs eat them too?
The short answer is no — KFC’s fries contain ingredients that can be toxic to dogs.
Let’s take a closer look at why these fries are not suitable for canine consumption and what you should offer your pup as a safe alternative instead.
Dogs should not eat French fries from KFC (or any other fast food fries for that matter). The main reason for this is because these types of fries are usually cooked in oil that contains too much salt, sugar, and fat for your pup’s delicate digestive system. Furthermore, the seasonings used on the fries might contain ingredients that are toxic to dogs.
What makes KFC fries unsafe for dogs?
When you pick up some of KFC’s famous fries, it may look like nothing more than potatoes fried in oil and seasoned with salt.
However, if you check the ingredient list, you will find several other items on there as well, including monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed wheat gluten, flavourings and non-fat dry milk.
All of these ingredients can be toxic to dogs, in fact, MSG is known to cause seizures in some breeds.
Another issue is the high amount of fat found in the fries, this fat can cause serious digestive issues such as bloating or even pancreatitis in dogs if consumed on a regular basis.
Finally, the high sodium content found in these fries can lead to dehydration, which could be life-threatening for your pup.
The dangers of fried food for dogs
Fried food is unhealthy for both humans and dogs alike.
It’s high in fat, calories, and sodium, all of which can lead to digestive issues for your dog.
Too much fat can also cause pancreatitis in some dogs, which is an inflammation of the pancreas that can be very serious.
Additionally, deep-fried foods contain acrylamide, a chemical found in cooked starchy foods like potatoes but at higher levels when they are fried.
Acrylamide is considered a potential carcinogen and is not recommended for human consumption either.
Choking hazards
In addition to being unhealthy, fried foods, such as French fries, can also cause choking hazards in dogs if they swallow pieces that are too large or don’t chew them properly.
If you do decide to feed your dog any type of fried food, make sure it’s cut into small pieces and monitor him while he eats to ensure he doesn’t choke on them.
Seasonings
It’s also important to note that some of the fast food restaurants offer “seasoned” or “spicy” varieties of their French fries as an option.
These should be avoided at all costs as they contain spices that can cause gastrointestinal upset in your pup (and even worse!).
Fries aren’t the only type of snack food you should avoid giving your dog either, popcorn, chips, and other salty snacks should also be off-limits.
Healthier alternatives
It’s best to avoid giving your dog fried foods altogether and opt for healthier alternatives instead such as fresh fruits and vegetables like broccoli or apples (unless otherwise indicated by your vet).
You can also use healthier cooking methods such as baking or steaming when preparing meals for your pet.
Just remember not to add salt or any other seasonings as these will also be bad for their health.
Conclusion and final thoughts
All in all, when it comes to feeding our furry friends – err on the side of caution and skip out on giving them KFC fries – no matter how much they plead with their puppy eyes.
Fried foods are bad for both humans and dogs alike due to their high fat content and potentially harmful chemicals like acrylamide found in them.
Instead of giving Fido greasy snacks from fast food restaurants, stick with healthier options such as fresh fruits and vegetables or dishes prepared using low-fat cooking methods like baking or steaming without added salt or seasonings.
With proper planning and just a little extra effort you can keep your pup healthy while still treating them every now and then.
