Can Cats Eat Salt & Vinegar Chips? Vet-Reviewed Risks & FAQ
Does your cat inch towards you when they hear the crinkle of a chip bag? Felines are nosy creatures that are often intrigued by what they can't have. This may include salt and vinegar potato chips. While eating a couple of salt and vinegar chips will likely not hurt your cat, potato chips are not a healthy snack for them and should not be fed to cats intentionally. Plus, vinegar is commonly used as a natural cat repellent, so they aren't likely to enjoy the taste anyway. Let’s learn more.
Why Salt and Vinegar Chips Are Bad for Cats
Salt and vinegar chips aren’t toxic to cats, so if they accidentally eat one or two occasionally, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. While not toxic, potato chips aren't healthy for cats because they contain a lot of salt and fat, and the oil they are cooked in can upset their stomach.
Salt
Sodium is a vital component for life. Together with potassium, these electrolytes regulate your cat's bodily fluid balance. Sodium is a dietary requirement that is often easily met by feeding cat food that meets AAFCO standards. AAFCO-certified cat foods are formulated to meet their basic nutritional requirements.
Since cats get all the sodium they need from their diet, they don’t require extra salt found in salt and vinegar chips. If a cat was to eat a lot of salt, salt toxicity can occur, a condition that can be fatal. Signs of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Dehydrated pets are at the highest risk of salt toxicity, but it can also happen if they're eating large amounts of heavily salted human food.
Fat
Potato chips are cooked in oil, which gives your cat excess fat that they don’t need in their diet.Eating more than a couple potato chips may lead to signs of digestive upset, including vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain due to the oil content. Most of the time, these signs will go away within a day or two, but be sure to consult your vet if signs become severe or aren’t cleared up within 48 hours.
Consuming excess fat can also lead to weight gain and obesity if fed regularly over time. Obesity can contribute to other issues, such as diabetes and joint problems.
Is Vinegar Bad for Cats?
Vinegar isn't toxic to cats. In fact, many pet parents use it to clean their home because it's safer to use around felines than most commercial cleaning products and essential oils. However, cats generally dislike the taste and smell of vinegar—so much that it's actually touted as a natural cat repellent.
Due to its antibacterial properties, you may read that it can be a good idea to add apple cider vinegar to your cat's diet. However, before doing this, be sure to speak to your veterinarian as it may not be beneficial for every cat and the high acidity can upset their stomach.
Are Potatoes Healthy for Cats?
Plain, cooked potatoes aren’t toxic to cats, and may be found as an ingredient in commercially produced cat food. However, due to their high carbohydrate content, cats shouldn’t eat a lot of potatoes, especially those fried in oil as in potato chips. They also shouldn’t have any potatoes that are raw or served with butter, cream, or extra seasonings, such as garlic and onion, as these extra ingredients can upset their stomach or be potentially toxic in large enough amounts.
What Are Some Healthy Snacks for Cats?
The healthiest thing you can give your cat is their own food. If you need to provide treats for training purposes, consider using bits of their own kibble or small amounts of a healthy, commercial cat treat.
If your cat is at a healthy weight, you can feed their inner carnivore by giving them a little bit of plain, cooked meat such as chicken or fish. Just make sure to remove the bones and extra fat first to prevent possible digestive issues. Always talk to your veterinarian before adding anything to your cat’s diet.
Conclusion
Salt and vinegar potato chips may be what we reach for when hunger (or boredom) strikes, but they're not a good snack for your cat due to the high amount of salt and fat. However, if your cat happens to sneak a chip or two, they will likely be fine. Eating more than that may lead to an upset stomach complete with vomiting and diarrhea. Be sure to see your vet if your kitty gobbles a large amount of salt and vinegar chips and are experiencing any severe signs.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Pixabay
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Brooke Billingsley, a former veterinary assistant for nine years, became a nurse in 2013. She lives in Arkansas with her boyfriend of five years, surrounded by her beloved pets: three dogs, two cats, five fish, and two snails. Brooke has a soft spot for special needs animals, caring for a three-legged senior dog and a widely known cat with acromegaly and cerebellar hypoplasia. She has developed a keen interest in fish keeping and is always learning how to provide the best environment for her aquatic pets. In addition to her passion for animals, Brooke enjoys gardening and maintains a vegetable garden during the summer. She stays active with yoga and received her 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2020. Brooke also hosts a podcast that delves into folklore and myth, dedicating her spare time to research and writing. She embraces the philosophy that every day is an opportunity for learning and growth, continually working to acquire new skills and knowledge.
