Can dogs eat ranch dressing? Maybe you’ve wondered if your dog could have a taste while drizzling some ranch dressing on your lunchtime salad. If humans can eat ranch dressing, can dogs safely eat it too?
The short answer is no, dogs can’t eat ranch dressing safely. Beyond the fact that ranch dressing is high in calories, fat and sodium, the popular dressing also contains onions and garlic, both of which can be very harmful to your dog.
So keep ranch dressing — and foods slathered in ranch dressing — well out of reach of your pooch’s paws.
If your dog manages to eat a lot of ranch dressing, call your veterinarian for advice. Here’s what you need to know about ranch dressing and dogs.
Why Is Ranch Dressing Bad For Dogs?
From a nutritional point of view, there’s little benefit in feeding ranch dressing to your dog. It’s high in calories, high in saturated fat, and usually contains way more sodium than is healthy for your dog.
This means that consuming too much ranch dressing could expose your dog to the risk of becoming overweight, developing pancreatitis, or even suffering from salt poisoning.
Beyond the lack of nutrition, ranch dressing also contains both onions and garlic. These can be harmful for your dog to consume and have no place in any canine’s diet.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Ranch Dressing?
If you notice that your dog is eating ranch dressing or scarfing down some food that includes ranch dressing, it’s smart to take the food away.
Try and figure out how much your dog has consumed, and keep an eye out for any immediate symptoms or signs that eating ranch dressing has aggravated your pup.
Thankfully, if your dog sneaks in just a lick or two of ranch dressing, they will likely be fine. But due to the presence of ingredients like onions and garlic, it’s best to consult with your vet straight away if you notice that your dog has consumed a fair amount of ranch dressing.
Has your dog ever tried to steal a taste of your ranch dressing? How did they feel after? Let us know in the comments below!
