Can dogs eat crisps?

Caution — salty and often flavoured

A plain ready-salted crisp won't poison a dog, but crisps are extremely salty and often contain onion or garlic powder in flavoured varieties.

The full picture

Crisps are essentially fried or baked potato slices with enormous amounts of salt and flavourings. A single crisp stolen from the sofa isn't an emergency. But crisps are one of the worst deliberate treats. Flavoured crisps — cheese and onion, salt and vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ — frequently contain ingredients toxic to dogs. Onion and garlic powder are especially common.

If your dog ate more than a safe amount

Risks to watch for

  • Sodium toxicity
  • Onion/garlic in flavoured crisps
  • Obesity
  • Choking

Safe portion size

Ideally none.

Safer alternatives

  • Plain baked sweet potato chips
  • Carrot sticks

Related foods

Chips (fries) caution Popcorn caution Crackers caution
Important: This page is general information, not veterinary advice. Every dog is different, and individual factors (age, breed, health conditions, medications) can change what's safe. If in doubt, always contact your vet — or the Animal PoisonLine on 01202 509000 in the UK.