I Used to Give My Dog Potato Chips: Here's Why I Stopped

Okay, confession time. I used to give my dog Luna potato chips. Not a lot, just a chip or two here and there when I was snacking. She'd give me those puppy eyes, and I'd cave. I mean, they're just chips, right? How bad could they be?

Turns out, pretty bad. I didn't realize this until I actually looked into it, and honestly, I felt pretty guilty. I thought I was being a good dog mom, sharing my snacks with her, but I was actually doing more harm than good.

Here's the thing about potato chips - they have zero nutritional value for dogs. Like, absolutely nothing. No vitamins, no minerals that dogs actually need. Just a bunch of processed oil, fat, and salt. And I was giving this to my dog thinking it was a treat. Ugh.

All that salt and fat can cause real problems over time. Too much salt can lead to heart issues and high blood pressure in dogs, just like in humans. And all that fat? It can cause pancreatitis, which is super painful and can be really serious. The thought of Luna going through that because of something I gave her makes me feel awful.

Plus, chips are usually loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives that dogs don't need. Their bodies aren't designed to process all that processed junk. I was basically feeding her empty calories that could cause health problems down the road.

I know, I know. A chip or two here and there probably won't kill your dog. Luna was fine after eating them. But that's not the point. The point is that there's no benefit to giving them chips, and there are potential risks. So why take the chance?

Now, instead of chips, I give Luna actual dog treats or small pieces of dog-safe fruits and vegetables. She loves carrots, and they're actually good for her. Or I'll give her a piece of apple (without the seeds, obviously). There are so many better options that are actually good for her.

If your dog does manage to sneak a chip or two, don't panic. They'll probably be fine. But definitely don't make it a habit. And if they eat a whole bag or something, definitely call your vet. Better safe than sorry.

I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier. I thought I was being nice to Luna by sharing my snacks, but I was actually being careless. Our dogs depend on us to make good choices for them, and that includes what we feed them.

Luna is doing great now, and I'm much more careful about what I give her. It's a learning process, and I'm trying to do better every day. Hopefully sharing this helps someone else avoid the same mistake I made.