Veggie straws are crunchy, and deep-fried snack which is made up of veggies and are shaped like straws. Veggie straws are kids’ all-time favorite snack which they can have even after eating stomach-full food. Kids sometimes share these with their friends who sit in front of them, begging for a bite. Some of you may be worried after knowing that your pet has eaten the veggie straws and sniffing the answer to the question can dogs eat veggie straws? The answer is definitely no. As stated in the first line, veggie straws are deep-fried, and you may know that too much fat can cause weight gain, pancreatitis, or any other health problems. Besides this, veggie straws are made up of potatoes that involve high amounts of carbohydrates which is not needed by the dogs.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Veggie Straws?
Veggie straws are made up of veggies, and this is the half-truth. These are mostly made of potatoes, corn starch, potato starch, tomato paste, oil, spinach powder, spices, high salts, artificial color, and flavorings. They are then deep-fried after getting mixed all together. Then they are sprinkled with spices and artificial flavorings. Isn’t it dangerous for dogs? Can they afford these heavy ingredients at a time? Everything from potatoes to artificial flavorings is toxic to dogs.
Potatoes are a rich source of carbohydrates, iron, and magnesium for both humans and dogs. But at the same time, you may know that they are also a big reason for weight gain. Giving your dog some is never a bad idea, but if overeaten, it may create a problem. However, processed potatoes are neither good for humans nor for dogs. They do not add any nutritional value, in fact, they contain loads of salt, fat and artificial flavors. Processed potatoes can cause health problems such as weight gain, pancreatitis, heart disease, etc., in the distant future. So, it is best to avoid giving your dog veggie straws.
Now, if we talk about corn, they are rich in vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates and add nutritional value to both humans and dogs. You might be thinking them what’s the problem in giving the veggie straws if they do not pose any problem. For your kind information, veggie straws contain processed corn which may be salted and contain high amounts of fat.
By giving your dog veggie straws, you may be unknowingly exposing him to obesity and other life-threatening health problems. If your dog is already struggling from any kind of allergies, then it’s recommended to never ever give your dog veggie straws. Just remember to consult your vet before giving anything new to your allergic pet.
What If Your Dog Ate Veggie Straws?
If your dog ate veggie straws in your absence or your kids gave him while they were having so, then don’t panic. Just try to figure out the number of veggie straws that he has ingested. If he has ingested too many veggie straws, then look for the symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, gas, nausea, upset stomach, difficulty in walking, etc. If you find any of these symptoms, then immediately contact your vet. Also, don’t forget to keep in mind the size and weight of your pet, as the severity would depend on these criteria. If you have a puppy and he has eaten too many veggie straws, then he might develop salt poisoning. If your dog is large in size and is heavy in weight, then there are chances that he may struggle less. Check that diarrhea and vomiting should not last for long. If your dog has eaten small amounts of veggie straws, then also don’t leave him alone for at least 24 hours as he might show any sign of difficulty before getting it worst. Maybe your dog recovers on his own without any treatment, it all depends on the severity of the symptoms.
Consuming large quantities of starchy meals like veggie straws might also result in the following health problems.
- Obesity might affect your dog.
- Kidney disorders might occur in your dog.
- Your dog may be suffering from digestive problems.
- Your dog’s metabolism may be slow.
- Your dog may have dental problems.
Conclusion
Veggie straws are deep-fried and crunchy snacks that should be kept away from the dogs. These are mostly made of potatoes, corn starch, potato starch, tomato paste, oil, spinach powder, spices, high salts, artificial color, and flavorings. They are then deep-fried after getting mixed all together. Then they are sprinkled with spices and artificial flavorings. These ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause life-threatening diseases. Potatoes and corns are good for the health of both humans and dogs, but if we talk about the processed forms of both the potatoes and corns, they contain loads of salt, fat, and artificial color and flavorings. If your dog accidentally ingested the veggie straws, then figure out the number of veggie straws and look for the symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, gas, dehydration, etc. The severity of symptoms depends on the size and weight of your dog. Immediately contact your vet if you find any of these symptoms and make prompt medical treatment available for your dog. However, it is best not to make a mistake than to say sorry.