Veggie straws are my all-time favorite midnight snack. They remind me of Fortune Cookies in that they are bright and crunchy and full of flavor. When my Labrador hears me munching on Veggie Straws, she immediately comes over to see what’s going on.
I almost gave in to her puppy dog eyes once, but then I remembered I had no idea if Veggie straws were dog-safe.
Can Dogs Eat Veggie Straws?
Veggie Straws are not suitable for canine consumption because they are a salty, fatty, and deep-fried chip. It’s mostly just empty starches from potatoes.
Eating a lot of Veggie Snacks can cause health issues for your dog due to the high fat and salt content.
What are Veggie straws?
Crispy potato wafers are the basis for these fried snack straws. You can get them in a variety of flavors, including mild, hot, cheesy, and sugary.
What are Veggie straws made of?
Potato flour, potato starch, corn starch, oil, spinach powder, tomato paste, artificial colors, and plenty of salt and seasoning go into the making of veggie straws.
Potatoes are likely ground into a powder and combined with starches and food coloring to create Veggie straws, though the precise manufacturing process is guarded trade secret.
An extruder is used to squeeze the dough through, creating the hollow straws. Before being packaged, these straws are cut, deep-fried, and seasoned to taste.
Is Veggie straws bad for dogs?
The ingredients in Veggie straws are harmful to dogs’ health, but they won’t kill them. While most condiments used to season Veggie straws are perfectly safe for human consumption, some of them contain ingredients that can be fatal to dogs.
Let’s go through each ingredient and discuss how it affects dogs individually.
Processed potato flour & starch
Once thought to be perfectly safe for canines, potatoes have now been identified as a major contributor to canine heart diseases.
Dilated cardiomyopathy, which leads to an enlarged heart and is potentially fatal in dogs, is one such condition.
While it’s unlikely that a single Veggie straw could cause this, dogs who regularly consume large amounts of potato-based foods are at a much higher risk.
Starch-heavy diets are also linked to the following health problems:
- Pain in the teeth.
- A sluggish metabolism.
- Issues digesting certain foods.
- Renal issues.
- Obesity.
Corn starch
Corn starch does not pose any health risks to canines and is not toxic to them. This, however, does not make it a good idea. All sugar and no fiber in corn starch.
Oil
The vegetable straws have a high fat content because they are deep fried in hydrogenated oil at a high temperature. To the exception of treats, dogs shouldn’t eat fried foods on a regular basis. As a result of a diet high in fried and greasy snacks, one may develop:
- Diabetes.
- Obesity.
- Lethargy.
- Intestinal problems.
- Heart problems.
- Pancreatitis.
Fun Fact: Hydrogenated oil, which is used to deep fry both Veggie Straws and Tater Tots, is harmful to dogs.
Salt
The salt is another major component of veggie straws. Toxic levels of salt in the diet can cause a variety of health problems in dogs, just as they can in humans.
However, unlike humans, dogs have a much lower threshold for what is considered harmful levels of salt. The maximum daily sodium intake for a dog weighing 33 pounds is 100mg.
A single serving of veggie straws has an alarming 220 milligrams of sodium, so you can imagine how dangerously salty this snack is.
The following are some side effects of consuming too much sodium:
- Poisoning from too much salt.
- Dehydration.
- Hypertension.
- Tight, spastic muscles.
- Infections and diseases of the kidneys.
- Heart conditions.
Spinach powder
Except for dogs with kidney problems, spinach and its derivatives are generally considered safe for dogs to consume.
Spinach has a high oxalic acid content, so eating too much of it can be dangerous. Contrary to popular belief, the trace amounts of BPA found in Veggie Straws are completely safe.
Tomato paste
Tomato is safe for dogs when it is in its natural state. However, tomato paste is a contentious ingredient.
Your pet may not benefit from the sugar, salt, and preservatives that some brands of tomato paste contain.
Onion and garlic
The compound N-propyl disulfide can be found in both onions and garlic. Hemolytic anemia is caused by the destruction of red blood cells by this terrifying-sounding substance in dogs.
A dog should never be fed anything containing onions or garlic. The following may occur as a result of eating onions or garlic:
- Lethargy.
- Weakness.
- Anemia.
Why dogs can’t eat Veggie Straws
Hypernatremia
Because of the high sodium content of Veggie Straws, overfeeding them to your dog can lead to hypernatremia.
To put it simply, hypernatremia occurs when there is an excessive amount of salt in your dog’s blood.
It’s not common, but dehydration is usually the cause when it happens.
The dog’s brain starts to malfunction in severe cases, and this can lead to a number of different problems.
- Confusion.
- The twitching of muscles.
- Seizures.
- Coma.
- Death.
Do not risk dehydration or hypernatremia by waiting to take your dog to the vet if it eats a lot of salty foods.
Poisoning
In case you forgot, I already mentioned that onions and garlic are toxic to canines.
You should probably avoid giving your dog the Veggie Straws with the onion and garlic flavor if that’s your preference.
The symptoms of onion and garlic poisoning may appear the day after overindulging in these foods.
Gastroenteritis symptoms include:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Body ache in the midsection.
- Not feeling like eating.
- Dehydration.
- Depression.
The loss of red blood cells, manifested by the following symptoms, can occur after a few days, making the patient susceptible to anemia as a result of these.
- Pale lips and gums.
- Accelerated breathing rates.
- Having trouble taking a deep breath.
- Lethargy.
- urine that is a dark color (reddish or brown).
- Jaundice.
- Weakness.
- Tacking on the pounds and the heart rate.
Pancreatitis
While some fat is necessary in a dog’s diet, giving your pet too much fat can lead to health problems such as pancreatitis.
When your dog develops pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed. It causes your dog excruciating pain by producing enzymes that are activated prematurely and lead to digestion of the pancreas itself.
Dogs that aren’t fed a lot of fat can develop pancreatitis if they suddenly consume large amounts of high-fat treats like Veggie Straws.
Some of the signs of pancreatitis, as described by WebMD, are:
- Appetite loss
- Vomiting
- Body ache
- Shivering or a high temperature
- Diarrhea
- draining of vitality
- Constricted airway
- Dehydration
- An irregular heartbeat
The National Academy of Sciences recommends including 5.5% fat in the diet of a 14.9 kg (33 lb) adult dog.
The 0.24 ounces (7 grams) of fat in Veggie Straws comes from its deep-frying in canola, safflower, and sunflower oil.
Can Dogs Eat Burritos? is a related topic you might investigate further. Included are 7 Justifications, 7 Risks, and 9 Suggestions
Kidney Problems
The risk of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease (CKD), increases in senior dogs that are fed salty snacks.
The kidneys’ ability to remove waste products from the blood is impaired in a dog with CKD, says VCA.
Examples of CKD symptoms include:
- Modifying Your Water Intake:
- a change in the amount of urine produced
- Lethargy
- Extreme weight loss
- Pale gums
- Substantial reduction in hunger
- Oral sores
- Convulsions of the intestines
Therefore, it is not recommended to feed salty snacks to your dog if they already have kidney problems because their kidneys will have a more difficult time filtering out excess salt.
For advice on feeding your dog with kidney disease, see your vet.
Heart disease
Deep-fried treats like Veggie Straws may taste great now, but they can lead to heart disease in your dog down the road.
Your dog may develop atherosclerosis from a diet high in fat.
The ability of the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body is compromised by heart disease.
Dr. Ruth Macpete estimates that 70–75% of canine heart disease is caused by valvular disease. Even though it can be avoided, heartworm disease accounts for 13% of deaths.
Last but not least, 8% of dogs suffer from dilated cardiomyopathy, which primarily affects large breeds and dogs older than 10 years.
Signs of heart disease you should watch for:
- Irreducible Intolerance to Exercise
- Weakness
- Coughing
- Tough Breathing
- Rapidly increasing breath rate
- Swelling of the abdomen
- Fainting
- Inability to eat
- Dropping the Pounds
Obesity
Poor diet, excessive feeding, and insufficient exercise lead to obesity and excess body fat in canines.
Feeding your dog high-fat content junk food on a regular basis, such as Veggie Straws, can lead to weight gain and, in extreme cases, obesity.
Signs of canine obesity include:
- Gaining weight
- Intramuscular fat
- Lack of motivation to exercise
- Excellent physical condition
Overweight dogs have a mortality rate that’s anywhere from six months to a year higher than normal-weight dogs.
In addition, it can increase their risk of developing a variety of other diseases, such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Sickness of the heart
- Hypertension
- Osteoarthritis
- Stones in the urinary bladder
- Issues arising from the anesthesia
Treats are fine to give your dog as long as they don’t make up more than 5 percent of their total calorie intake, as stated by WebMD.
For the same reason, they suggest selecting treats that are low in calories and fat but still fill you up thanks to their high fiber content.
If your dog is already overweight, consult your vet about a nutritious diet plan to help them lose weight healthily.
BONUS: No nutritional value
The results of that surprise are…
Although they’re called “Veggie Straws,” your dog won’t get any vegetables from them.
No matter how delicious they may be to you, you shouldn’t give them to your dog.
Give your dog a healthy dog treat instead of worrying about the diseases they could contract from eating junk food.
When shouldn’t you feed Veggie straws to your dog?
When you’re munching on a tasty treat, it’s hard to resist the pleading gaze of a cute puppy. You need to show some tough love to your furry friend because those treats are extremely unhealthy for them.
Salt content makes Veggie straws unhealthy for medium and smaller sized dogs. Due to the high salt content, it is very easy to overfeed a dog and cause sodium poisoning.
Spicy or ranch flavored Veggie Straws are even more harmful to the dog’s health than the plain variety. These Veggie straws are seasoned with onion and garlic, which can lead to toxicity if consumed in large quantities.
Dogs with health issues such as geriatrics, obesity, or organ failure should never be fed fatty or salty treats. When feeding a dog like this, it’s best to stick with all-natural dog food.
Do Veggie straws provide any nutritional benefit for your dog?
Canines will not benefit nutritionally from Veggie Straws. The calcium, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber listed on the package of Veggie straws are ineffectively low doses.
Overwhelmingly, the benefits to dogs are outweighed by the large amounts of fats, cholesterol, sodium, and carbohydrates listed on the nutrition label.
What to do if your dog ate Veggie Straws
What could possibly go wrong: “My dog ate a lot of Veggie Straws. Please advise.
First, there’s no need to freak out.
So that your dog doesn’t eat all of the chips, please remove any that aren’t needed.
To keep your dog from becoming dehydrated from the salt, feed it a small amount of water frequently.
The effects of a heavy Veggie Straw diet on your dog will vary with the dog’s size and weight. If they show no symptoms at all, it’s still important to monitor them.
The following is a list of potential signs:
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Dehydration.
- Nausea.
- GI distress.
- Walking is a struggle.
Just keep an eye on your dog and see how they react if they eat a handful of plain Veggie Straws. Constant vomiting and diarrhea for more than 24 hours necessitates an appointment with the vet.
However, you should contact your vet immediately if your dog has consumed a large quantity of Veggie Straws flavored with onions and garlic.
What if my dog accidentally eats a lot of Veggie straws?
Even if your dog eats a handful of Veggie Straws from your trash, he or she may act normal. However, keep an eye out for any abnormalities in their health.
Remove them from any unhealthy diet and replace it with healthy dog food. Keep your dog hydrated and keep an eye out for more serious symptoms if they have diarrhea or vomiting more than a couple of times.
Symptoms to watch for
The number of Veggie straws your dog consumed determines the severity of the symptoms. Sodium poisoning is another possible outcome if your dog consumed a large quantity of Veggie straws.
Onion and garlic powder could have been consumed if the snack had a spicy or ranch flavor. In such a situation, the dog would require immediate veterinary care.
There are a variety of signs that a dog has eaten something they didn’t like.
- Stomachache.
- Vomiting.
- diarrhea with a lot of liquid.
Dogs can show symptoms of sodium poisoning, including:
- Dizziness.
- Fever.
- Overactive bladder syndrome.
- Weakness.
- Spasms in the muscle.
- Convulsions.
It’s possible that the following would occur if the Veggie straws snack contained onion and garlic powder:
- Having difficulty breathing.
- Weakness.
- Reduced hunger.
Fun Fact: Consuming a large quantity of tamales can cause stomach distress in canines. Garlic or onion toxicity and salt poisoning are also possibilities.
Treatments if your dog has Veggie straws poisoning
Getting emergency medical attention is crucial once you notice symptoms of sodium poisoning or toxicity from garlic and onions in your furry friends. Keep the bag from the treat your dog ate just in case. Facilitating the work of medical professionals.
In order to induce vomiting in your dog, your veterinarian may use an emetic. Treatment for dehydration may include intravenous fluids and electrolytes.
For this reason, the treatments should only be given by a trained veterinarian, as any haste could result in a heart attack or brain swelling.
Canine-friendly and safe alternatives to Veggie straws
Treats for dogs can be made from a wide variety of nutritious ingredients.
Any of these items would be wonderful as a snack replacement. They have all the necessary nutrients and none of the negative effects that junk food does.
- Extracted kelp in its dried form. Dried kelp is a healthy, low-calorie snack for dogs because of its high antioxidant content.
- Bananas. They’re healthy and high in potassium and other nutrients. As an alternative, you can sun-dry the banana slices to make them crispy like chips.
- Apples are a great source of natural sugars and carbohydrates, making them a tasty treat for your furry friends. The seeds contain cyanide and should be removed.
- Pumpkin. Pumpkins are great for your dog’s digestive system and immune system because they are high in fiber.
- Crunchy and sweet, baby carrots are an excellent source of many beneficial nutrients. They are more manageable in the mouth than traditional carrots.
- Hot peppers make a healthy treat for dogs because they reduce inflammation and are high in vitamins. The seeds could cause an allergic reaction in your furry friend, so be sure to clean them out.
- Grain corn is a good source of protein, carbohydrates, and antioxidants. Make sure they are unseasoned and without the cob before feeding them to your dog.
- Dogs can also enjoy healthy and tasty snacks of unsalted, butter-free popcorn. They are great for the dog’s digestive system because of the high fiber content.
Healthy Veggie Straw alternatives for dogs (100% safe)
Here are some safe and nutritious alternatives to the deep-fried junk your dog probably is getting now:
Vegetable dog treats
Why not give your dog a healthy vegetable treat instead of human junk food?
You can supplement your dog’s diet with any number of vitamin and mineral-rich dog treats.
Shapes and flavors are also customizable. Even more surprisingly, some snacks include healthy ingredients like fruit or meat.
A helpful hint is to look for options that don’t include any artificial ingredients or flavorings, as these could have a negative impact on your dog.
Fresh vegetables
Your first thought is probably “Human food? I was under the impression that we weren’t supposed to give our dogs table scraps.
Listen up: there are some human foods that aren’t good for dogs, and there are some that are.
If you’re out of dog treats but have plenty of vegetables on hand, your dog will appreciate a slice or two.
In case your dog needs a healthy snack, here are some options:
- Broccoli
- Sprouting Brussel’s
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Celery
- Snack on some green beans
- Peas, either raw or cooked, can be enjoyed at any time.
Inquire with your dog’s vet about how much of a certain vegetable your dog can safely consume, as too much of even a healthy food can have negative effects.
DIY vegetable dog treats
Make a homemade vegetable treat for your dog if you want to really spoil them.
There are a number of excellent dog treat recipes available that will elevate your dog’s treats to the next level.
You can use any of these: carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, or parsley.
Bananas, blueberries, apples, apricots, and cranberries are all good examples of fruit that can be added for a smidgen of extra flavor.
Peanut butter, applesauce, and yogurt are all human food items that can be safely added to dog treats for added flavor.
If your dog has food allergies or a medical condition, you can have treats made specifically for them.
If you use high-quality ingredients, you can give your dog a treat that is both tasty and healthy.
Be sure to research which fruits and vegetables are safe for dogs, or consult with your pet’s vet.