Since ranch dressing is popular, one question dog owners often wonder: “Can dogs eat ranch?” Of course, you can use it on your salad or as a dip with your vegetables and chips. But, if you’re a Midwesterner, you probably put it on many other things as well.
As you are enjoying your ranch, you may notice your dog giving you some intense puppy-dog eyes. But, can dogs eat ranch? Well, as delicious as this food is and as much as you want to share it with your dog, you should not, and this guide will explain to you why.
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Is It Safe For Dogs to Eat Ranch?
Although the ranch is delicious, and your dog would probably enjoy it, you should not give it any. Dogs cannot eat ranch. In addition, there are many ingredients in ranch that are actually toxic to dogs.
These ingredients can make your dog extremely sick if they are consumed. That being said, if your dog accidentally has a lick or two of the ranch, there is no need to panic. A tiny amount of ranch is not likely to harm your dog.
It is large portions of this condiment that can cause problems. If your dog gets into the ranch and eats more than a lick or two, you should seek veterinary assistance.
You should be aware of how much ranch your dog ate, as the vet will likely ask you this and other essential questions to determine the best treatment for your dog. Other questions your vet might ask include when your dog consumed the ranch and whether it has any underlying health problems.
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Is Ranch Bad For Dogs?
As you can see, ranch is not meant for dogs. There are many ingredients in ranch that make this condiment extremely bad for canines. Some of these ingredients are actually toxic for dogs to eat and can cause serious health complications.
In addition to these toxic ingredients, ranch also carries no nutritional value. In fact, ranch is exceptionally high in cholesterol, sodium, and saturated fat. These things combined with the extra calories that ranch provides make this snack unsuitable for dogs.
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Ranch Ingredients
As we mentioned, many ranch ingredients are incredibly toxic for dogs. Below, we will have a look at the most common ranch ingredients and how they affect your dog’s wellbeing.
It is important to remember that some ingredients may be substituted depending on the recipe. Still, as a general rule, you should avoid giving your dog any ranch as best as possible.
- Buttermilk: Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product. This ingredient makes up a large part of the base of ranch salad dressing. It is primarily responsible for giving it a thick texture. Buttermilk is generally considered okay for dogs because it has lower amounts of lactose than other milk products. Unfortunately, if your dog is lactose intolerant, even the small amount of lactose in the buttermilk will negatively affect your dog. Lactose intolerant dogs who eat dairy products will experience digestive distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and flatulence.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is another part of the creamy base used for making ranch. Mayonnaise is not toxic to dogs. However, it does not provide any health benefits to dogs either. Mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, which both put your dog at increased risk for obesity and other weight-related illnesses such as diabetes.
- Sour Cream: Some ranch recipes call for sour cream instead of mayonnaise. Similar to buttermilk, sour cream is a dairy product that can negatively affect dogs who suffer from lactose intolerance. Sour cream is also highly fatty and calorically dense. Some sour creams also include preservatives to maintain shelf stability. So, sour cream is not toxic to dogs, but it also provides no nutritional benefits either.
- Garlic: Arguably, the most dangerous ranch ingredient to your dog is garlic. Garlic is highly toxic for dogs, especially in the powdered form, which is found in ranch. Garlic, along with onions, is part of a specific plant group called alliums. Alliums are toxic to dogs and can cause poisoning resulting in damaged red blood cells, liver failure, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Onion: Similar to garlic, onions are also alliums that are toxic to dogs. Onions, onion powder, and chives are often the main ingredients in ranch, contributing to the delicious flavor we all know and love. If your dog consumes ranch, it may begin displaying onion poisoning anywhere between 24 hours to 7 days after consumption. Onions are incredibly toxic to your dog’s red blood cells, often causing anemia.
- Salt: In moderation, salt is not toxic to dogs. However, overconsumption of salt can result in sodium poisoning. Ranch is high in salt, which can be risky in addition to your dog’s other salt sources for the day. Signs of sodium poisoning include confusion, vomiting, lethargy, increased heart rate, and difficulty breathing. Additionally, excess salt consumption can cause dehydration which can range in severity from mild to deadly.
- Mustard: Ranch contains dried mustard, also known as ground mustard seeds. Mustard seeds are toxic to dogs. Specifically, mustard seeds can lead to gastroenteritis which is the inflammation of the intestines and stomach. Dogs who are suffering from this condition will experience intense vomiting or diarrhea.
- Parsley: In small amounts, parsley is not toxic to dogs. But, the larger the serving size, the more at risk your dog becomes to poisoning. Parsley poisoning depends on the type of parsley given and the amount. This poisoning most commonly manifests as dermatitis resulting in swollen, sore, and red skin.
- Dill: Dill is actually one of the most dog-safe ingredients that ranch contains. Many people actually add dill to their dog’s everyday food because it is an excellent source of antioxidants that aid in digestion. However, the small amount of dill found in ranch does not counteract the harmful effects of the other ingredients found in this condiment.
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Side Effects of Ranch on Dogs
As you can see, there are many ingredients in ranch dressing that affect dogs in different ways. Small amounts of ranch are likely to leave your dog untouched from illness.
But, large quantities can cause many problematic symptoms. Below, we will list some of the most common side effects eating ranch has on your dog. It is essential to contact a professional veterinarian immediately if your dog has eaten ranch and begins displaying any of these symptoms.
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Excessive panting
- Pale or sticky gums
- Increased thirst
Can Dogs Eat Ranch-Flavored Products?
As a general rule, it is best to avoid feeding your dog any ranch-flavored products such as ranch dip or ranch chips. This is because these products will use the same toxic ingredients to get that pleasant ranch taste. For example, these products rely heavily on powdered garlic and powdered onion.
Therefore, it is best to avoid these products altogether for your dog’s health. If your dog accidentally consumes significant amounts of ranch-flavored products, you should contact your vet for further instructions.
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Conclusion For “Can Dogs Eat Ranch”
The next time you enjoy a tasty snack with ranch dressing, be sure to find your puppy an alternative treat. Dogs cannot eat ranch because many of the main ingredients are toxic to them. However, you can treat your dog to a different, healthier snack that will leave them feeling happy and healthy.
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You can learn more about dogs and human foods by watching “Common Foods That Will Kill Your Dog” down below:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=Hitw9XgLXk0
Andy is a full-time animal rescuer and owner of a toy doodle. When he’s not saving dogs, Andy is one of our core writers and editors. He has been writing about dogs for over a decade. Andy joined our team because he believes that words are powerful tools that can change a dog’s life for the better.
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