Can dogs eat chips?
Not recommended. A few potato chips are unlikely to cause salt poisoning, but chips are salty and excessive salty food is not good for dogs, especially those with heart problems. Onion- or garlic-flavoured chips add a further risk, because onion and garlic are toxic to dogs.
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Why
AKC says a dog can have salty foods like potato chips in limited amounts, but excess salt is not good for dogs and can cause fluid retention. Large amounts of salt can lead to salt poisoning. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs in every form, including powders.
Signs to watch for
- Strong thirst and peeing a lot
- Vomiting, often within a few hours
- Diarrhoea
- Wobbliness, tiredness
- Tremors or seizures
What to do
If your dog ate a lot of chips, especially onion- or garlic-flavoured ones, contact your vet or a pet poison helpline. Note the flavour and roughly how much was eaten.
Questions and answers
Are flavoured chips worse?
They can be. Onion and garlic are toxic to dogs in every form, including powders, so check the flavour.
Related foods
All foods: What can dogs eat?Sources
- Is Salt Bad for Dogs? — American Kennel Club (Updated Jan 06, 2025)
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets — ASPCA Animal Poison Control
- Salt Toxicosis in Animals — Merck Veterinary Manual
- Which Human Foods Can Dogs Eat and Which Are Dangerous? — American Kennel Club (Updated Oct 21, 2026)
- Onion, Garlic, Chive, and Leek Toxicity in Dogs — VCA Animal Hospitals
General information from the sources below, not reviewed by a vet and not a substitute for veterinary advice. When in doubt, call your vet.
How kids practise this in PetPrep
In PetPrep a child looks after a realistic dog: meals at the right times, water, walks and care. Knowing what is safe to share is part of being ready for a real pet.