The short answer is, NO. If you’re one of the many dog owners, you know that our furry friends can be pretty curious creatures. They’re always sniffing around and exploring everything they can get their paws on. And when it comes to food, let’s say that most dogs are not picky eaters. So, it’s only natural to wonder, can a dog eat hash browns? Read on to learn why pet owners should not offer hash browns as a tasty snack or make it part of a dog’s diet.
What are Hash Browns?
Hash Browns are the typical American breakfast dish that remains extremely popular. The first breakfasts in New York were first served in the 1890s. Hash browns have been commercialized ever since. In the 1980s, Hash Browns were commercialized for the convenience of fast food restaurants like Burger King or Mcdonald’s hash browns.
Hash brown can be found all over America. Sometimes deep-fried or cooked, several areas of America have shredded onion in Hash brown. Today hash brown is served every day but not just at dinner.
Can Dogs Eat Hash Browns?
The answer is no, dogs shouldn’t eat hash browns. Hash browns are not dog food, most hash browns are high in saturated fat and have a high-calorie count for dog food. Hash browns are made with raw potatoes yet dehydrated potatoes, which are safe for dogs to eat in moderation.
However, the problem with hash browns is that they’re usually fried in vegetable oil or butter, and both of those ingredients can be dangerous for a dog’s digestive system. In addition, too much fat can lead to pancreatitis in dogs, a severe condition that can be life-threatening.
In addition, hash browns often contain onions or garlic, which can also harm dogs. Onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs by destroying their red blood cells. So, while your dog may beg for a bite of your hash browns, it’s best to avoid caution and give them something else.
Should dogs eat McDonald’s Hash Browns?
Do not panic when your dog eats Mcdonald’s Hash Browns. This can’t be used on dogs. The browning will probably cause some problems to dogs’ stomachs. In addition, McDonald’s hash brown contains certain harmful ingredients to dogs. For instance, oil, salt, or sodium can harm pets.
The dog can overeat oil, and the results are terrible! The high-calorie count and trans fat can pose some problems to your dog’s body. Mcdonald’s hash browns typically weigh 134 calories. If your medium-sized dog weighs 20 pounds, it will consume 2% of the total calories. This translates to 8 percent.
Harmful Ingredients of Hash Browns for My Dogs
The Calorie and Carb Issues
It appears this is a huge problem: calories. Hash browns contain a lot of carbohydrates that can help give your dog a little energy. However, these foods do nothing for the dogs unless eaten at a high rate. Furthermore, consuming excess carbohydrates may lead to diabetes for certain animals and obesity.
Dog food doesn’t need to have extra calories because the food provides all of its needed nutrients. Sure, your dogs can eat Hash Browns. They need it. It has low calories. It is best to keep in mind that dogs should only eat around 20 g per kilogram of weight per day.
Dextrose is simply sugar that dogs don’t need
Dextrose is a significant ingredient in hash browns. Usually, corn sugars are sweetened. It can be anything like sugar corn syrup or a sugar substitute. Our furry friends never have sugar. They convert carbohydrates into sugar naturally and, therefore, no need to eat them.
A dog’s food intake is excessively high, and it may suffer health problems, including obesity, diabetes, and pancreatitis. It’s, therefore, best to keep human foods out of pets with sugar content. Also, keep a close eye on the sugar. Sweeteners such as xylitol can be toxic to dogs or small dogs.
Vegetable oils used in Hash Browns are harmful to dogs
You should avoid eating Hash Brown fried potatoes as potatoes can cause damage and cause allergic reactions to our furry friends. They have a high-calorie count making your pet’s health detrimental. The below vegetable oil is safe and a good choice for dogs as they are healthy to consume.
As many others know, I like McDonald’s Hash browns because they’re oily. Both McDonald’s Hash Brown and Trader Joes Hash Brown contain soybean oil. Some dogs may be allergic.
Raw potatoes are safe for dogs; fried potatoes with added salt are harmful to dogs
When cooking potatoes, you want to a good cooking time and proper cooking method. However, dogs must eat potatoes because of their solanine, which can harm dogs. So take precautions and don’t drop your mashed potato on a surface when you cook it. Plain potato is suitable for dogs.
If you fry them in hot vegetable oil (canola oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, dehydrated potato) with salt, it will be unsafe if dogs eat them too. So, can dogs eat hash browns? You can’t let your dogs eat hash browns as they are considered fried food, cooked deep fried, too many carbs, and mixed with other seasonings.
An excessive amount of salt in Hash Browns is harmful to dogs
Using hash browns for food may cause salt food poisoning in dogs as well. It’s salt that gives Hash a delicious brown color. Do not let your dog eat Hashed Browns. Stop allowing your dog eat foods with high amounts of salt, such as french fries, eggs and dairy, because they may cause severe salt poisons in its body.
Rice Flour is used as a filler ingredient
Many brands of store-bought hash browns use rice flour as a filler ingredient. Unfortunately, while rice is not necessarily bad for dogs, it’s not particularly good for them. It doesn’t provide any real nutritional value.
Worse, rice flour can be challenging for dogs to digest, leading to stomach upset. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to rice flour, try sweet potato flour.
Fatty Acids can cause digestive problems
Many brands of store-bought hash browns use unhealthy fats and oils in their ingredients list. These include things like soybean oil and palm oil – both of which can be harmful to dogs.
Not only can these oils cause digestive problems, but they can also lead to weight gain and other health issues over time. So when choosing hash browns for your dog, look for brands that use healthy fats like olive oil instead.
Can Dogs Eat Frozen Hash Browns?
No, frozen hash browns can no longer protect your pets. Many frozen foods at a depth of freeze are full of spices with huge amounts of salt (this may explain why salt is so pronounced when cooked). As most people put it in frying pans to heat, it complicates matters.
Frozen hash browns are not suitable for dogs because they contain potentially harmful ingredients like onions and garlic. Onions and garlic can cause anemia in dogs, leading to serious health problems like fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, onion and garlic poisoning can be fatal.
In addition to onions and garlic, frozen hash browns often contain salt, which can result in salt poisoning dogs when taken in large amounts. When dogs consume too much salt, it can cause excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures. If your dog has eaten frozen hash browns and is showing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to take them to the vet immediately.
What about Subway Hash Browns?
It will probably not surprise you, but your dog must also avoid Subway hash browns. These Hashbrowns are high in saturated fat and salts and are extremely calorie-rich. These typically contain about 200 calories, which is 34% of the daily calories of an average bulldog.
How Many Hash Browns Can You Give Your Dog?
Hashed browns don’t offer many nutritious snacks for dogs. Hash browns have high fat calories, which makes them a wrong choice for dogs. The same applies to frozen hash browns and fast-food hash browns.
Reducing sodium and fat in your cooking can avoid this salty fatting issue. You’d likely share one portion of your hash brown with your cat, but keep it simple and avoid any additives to salt, onion, garlic, or another product that is dangerous to a dog’s health.
Symptoms to Look for if My Dog Ate Hash Browns
Vomiting and Diarrhea
If your dog has eaten hash browns and then starts vomiting or has diarrhea, it may be experiencing an upset stomach. This is usually nothing to worry about and will resolve itself in a day or two.
However, if the vomiting or diarrhea is severe, lasts for more than a day, or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy or loss of appetite, it’s best to call your vet.
Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
Lethargy—or excessive tiredness—and loss of appetite are signs of something wrong. If your dog is ordinarily active but suddenly seems tired all the time, or if they’re not interested in their food, it’s worth checking in with your vet. Several things can cause these symptoms, so it’s best to get them checked out to be safe.
Allergies
It’s also possible that your dog could be allergic to hash browns. For example, if they start scratching excessively or have red, inflamed skin after eating hash browns, these could be signs of an allergy. But, again, it’s best to call your vet so they can advise you on the best course of action.
Abdominal Pain
One final symptom to look for is abdominal pain. This can sometimes be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea, but not always. If your dog seems uncomfortable or is whining more than usual, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this could be a sign of something serious like an obstruction in their digestive tract.
Dog-Friendly Alternatives to Hash Browns
#1 Sweet Potato Pancakes
These pancakes are made with whole wheat flour, almond milk, and shredded sweet potatoes. They’re hearty and filling but light enough that your dog won’t feel weighed down. Plus, sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C.
#2 Banana Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
These cookies contain healthy ingredients like oats, bananas, flaxseed meals, and peanut butter. They’re perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack; your dog will love the taste!
#3 Zucchini Carrot Breakfast Muffins
These muffins are made with whole wheat flour, shredded zucchini and carrots, and Greek yogurt. They’re moist and flavorful and full of healthy ingredients. Your dog will love them!
#4 Pumpkin Spice Breakfast Bowl
This bowl is made with oatmeal, canned pumpkin, almond milk, and spices. It’s the perfect fall breakfast (or any time of year!), and your dog will love the taste of pumpkin. Plus, oatmeal is an excellent source of fiber.
#5 Blueberry Almond Breakfast Quinoa
This quinoa dish is made with almond milk, blueberries, quinoa flakes, and chia seeds. It’s a healthy and filling breakfast that is perfect for you and your pup! And blueberries are a great source of antioxidants.
#6 Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Bars
These bars contain oats, peanut butter, bananas, honey, and vanilla extract. They’re chewy and satisfying and perfect for an on-the-go breakfast or snack. Plus, peanut butter is a great source of protein for your pup!
#7 Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This oatmeal is made with applesauce, cinnamon, rolled oats, and water (or almond milk). It’s warm and comforting and perfect for a chilly morning. The applesauce is a great source of vitamins A and C, while the cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties.
When to Contact a Vet?
If your dog has eaten a hash brown, the first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. While hash browns are not poisonous to dogs, they can cause an upset stomach or other digestive issues. Your vet can advise you on whether or not your dog needs to be seen and what steps you should take next.
In the meantime, you can do a few things to help your dog feel better.
- First, make sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. This will help prevent dehydration and flush harmful toxins from your dog’s system.
- Second, try feeding your dog small meals of bland food such as boiled chicken breast or white rice. These foods are easy on the stomach and help settle any nausea your dog may feel.
- Finally, monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress, such as vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive panting. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately.
Final Thoughts
So, can dogs eat hash browns? While they’re not poisonous to dogs, hash browns can cause digestive problems. Contact your veterinarian for advice if your dog has eaten a hash brown. In the meantime, ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water and try feeding them small meals of bland food. Monitor your dog closely for any signs of distress, and contact your vet immediately if you notice any.
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY DOG EATS HASH BROWNS?
Hash browns are a terrible treat for dogs. They contain lots of salt, saturated fats, and carbohydrates that can make your pup sick or develop health issues like pancreatitis in the future if they’re fed too often.
CAN I FEED MY DOG TATER TOTS?
Tater tots are bad for dogs but not necessarily toxic. They contain ingredients that your pup shouldn’t be eating in the first place so if you find him eatin’ them, then call up some vet!), bye-bye tatoes.
CAN DOGS EAT SHREDDED POTATOES?
Sharing your love of potatoes with the pup is a great way to keep them healthy and happy. There’s no need for guilty feelings when it comes down to how many slices or fry pieces you feed Fido.
