Can Dogs Eat Funyuns Safely? 4 Shocking Risks Revealed

Funyuns are a crunchy, onion-flavored snack that many people in the United States enjoy, especially during movie nights or as a quick treat. They do not have any real nutritional value and are made with artificial ingredients, but people still like to eat them now and then.

If your dog looks at you hopefully while you eat Funyuns, you might wonder if it is safe to share. It is important to know whether dogs can eat Funyuns without risking their health.

Many pet owners may not realize that Funyuns are not a safe snack for dogs. While it might seem harmless to share, these snacks can cause health problems for your dog. Below, I’ll explain the risks and suggest some safer options you can offer instead.

Table of Contents

• Can Dogs Eat Funyuns?
• What Exactly Are Funyuns, Anyway?
• Why Funyuns Are Dangerous for Dogs
• What Happens If My Dog Eats Funyuns?
• Are Funyuns Toxic or Just Unhealthy?
• What Should I Do if My Dog Accidentally Ate Funyuns?
• How much onion powder is dangerous for dogs?
• Prevention Tips
• Conclusion
• FAQS.

Can Dogs Eat Funyuns?

Dogs should not eat Funyuns. Even a small amount can make them sick because of the ingredients inside.

Funyuns are not safe for dogs because they have onion powder. Onions are poisonous for dogs and cats. Even a little bit can hurt their blood or upset their stomach. Onions and garlic are some of the top foods that can make pets sick.

Dogs can get sick from eating just a little bit of onion, about half a percent of their body weight. For example, one medium onion can harm a 20-pound dog. Small dogs are in even more danger. Onion powder, like what is in Funyuns, is even stronger than fresh onion.

Some dog breeds, like Akitas and Shiba Inus, are even more sensitive to onions. The chemicals in onions can break down red blood cells, which means the dog might not get enough oxygen. Sometimes, it takes a few days before you notice your dog is sick.

Funyuns also have way too much salt for dogs. Dogs only need a little salt, and too much can make them sick. Signs of salt poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, being very thirsty, feeling tired, shaking, or kidney trouble. The fake flavors and preservatives in Funyuns can also upset your dog’s stomach or cause allergies.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center sees more and more pets getting sick from eating human food. Onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins are some of the most common causes. In 2023, more than 16% of all pet poison cases were from human foods and drinks. This shows why you should never let your dog eat snacks meant for people.

Dogs that eat onions can get very sick. They might seem weak, have pale gums, breathe quickly, throw up, or have dark pee. Some dogs have died from onion poisoning, and others have needed emergency care like blood transfusions or fluids.

Since it can take a few days for signs of onion poisoning to show up, you might not notice your dog is sick right away. By the time you see symptoms, your dog might need emergency care.

Instead of giving your dog snacks for people, pick treats made just for dogs. These are tested for safety and health. If you want to share a snack, give your dog plain cooked chicken, carrots, or apple slices without seeds.

Do not give your dog Funyuns or any snacks with onion. Onion powder, too much salt, and fake flavors are not good for dogs. Stick to dog treats to keep your pet healthy and safe.

What Exactly Are Funyuns, Anyway?

Funyuns are those golden rings in the snack aisle that look a bit like tiny donuts. They’re a popular chip made by Frito-Lay, the same company behind Doritos and Lay’s.

Funyuns were invented in 1969 by George Bigner, who set out to make a snack that tasted like fried onion rings.

The name ‘Funyuns’ comes from combining the words ‘fun’ and ‘onions.’

Dog owners should know that these rings contain ingredients that can be harmful to dogs.

What’s Really Inside Funyuns?

Let’s break down what goes into these snacks:

The Main Stuff:

• Cornmeal (makes them crunchy)
• Vegetable oil (corn, canola, or sunflower)

The Problem Ingredients:

• Onion powder (big danger for dogs)
• Too much salt (280mg per serving)
• MSG (not good for pups)

Other Stuff Inside:

• Corn starch
• Sugar
• Buttermilk powder
• Garlic powder (also bad for dogs)
• Fake flavors
• Preservatives

How They’re Made

The process starts by mixing cornmeal with water. A machine heats the mixture, causing the dough to puff up into ring shapes.

After frying, the rings are coated with an onion-salt mix for flavor.

While Funyuns are a popular snack for people, several of their ingredients can cause problems for dogs. Onion powder is especially dangerous, and the next section explains why.

In short, these rings may look harmless, but they contain ingredients that can make your dog sick.

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Related Post: Can Dogs Eat Tuna? Exploring the Benefits and Risks of Feeding Tuna to Your Dog

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Why Funyuns Are Dangerous for Dogs

Funyuns might look like a harmless treat, but they are not safe for dogs. Here is why you should keep them away from your dog.

1. Onion and Garlic Powder Toxicity

The biggest problem with Funyuns is that they have onion powder and garlic powder. Both are toxic for dogs.

When a dog eats onions, a chemical called N-propyl disulfide gets into their body. This chemical damages their red blood cells and makes them break apart. This is called hemolytic anemia.

How much is dangerous?

Even a little bit can be dangerous. For example, just one medium onion can make a 45-pound dog sick.

It’s important to remember:

Onion powder is stronger than fresh onion. So even a small amount in Funyuns can hurt your dog, especially if they eat it more than once.

What to watch for:

1. Your dog seems tired or weak.
2. Their gums look pale.
3. You see reddish or dark urine.
4. They won’t eat
5. They’re drinking more water than usual.
6. Vomiting

You might not see symptoms for two or three days after your dog eats onions. This can make it hard to notice the problem right away.

2. Excessive Sodium Content

Funyuns have a lot of salt. This is much more than what is safe for dogs.

For example, 13 Funyuns have 280 milligrams of sodium. A medium dog should only get about 1300 milligrams in a whole day. So just a few Funyuns can add up fast.

What too much salt does:

• Causes severe dehydration
• Makes your dog vomit within hours
• Leads to diarrhea
• Creates extreme thirst

In more serious cases, too much salt can cause:

• Muscle tremors
• Seizures
• Loss of coordination
• Coma
• Death

If a dog gets dehydrated from too much salt and then drinks a lot of water, it can cause brain swelling. This is very serious and can lead to seizures.

3. Unhealthy Fats and Oils

Funyuns are cooked in oils like corn, canola, and sunflower oil. These are not healthy for dogs.

Why these fats are bad:

• They’re high in omega-6 fatty acids.
• They can make your dog’s body inflamed
• Eating these fats often can make your dog gain too much weight

Health risks from these fats:

• Pancreatitis (painful swelling of the pancreas)
• Digestive upset
• Weight gain and obesity
• Heart problems if your dog eats them often

Dogs do need some healthy fats. But the fats in Funyuns are not good for them and can cause health problems.

4. Artificial Additives and MSG

Funyuns also have MSG, which stands for monosodium glutamate. This can be harmful to dogs.

How MSG hurts dogs:

• It overstimulates brain cells.
• Can cause seizures
• May damage the liver
• Can harm the kidneys and other organs

What you might see if your dog eats MSG:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Drinking lots of water
• Acting tired or confused
• Loss of coordination
• Seizures or tremors

The problem is that these effects can build up over time. If a dog eats a little MSG often, it can cause health problems later on.

• Artificial flavors that can cause allergic reactions
• Preservatives that may irritate your dog’s stomach
• Chemicals that are hard for dogs to digest

Some studies show that MSG can cause obesity and diabetes in animals. We still do not know much about the long-term effects in dogs. It is safest not to give your dog foods with MSG.

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What Happens If My Dog Eats Funyuns?

If your dog managed to eat a few Funyuns, try not to panic. Most dogs are fine, but keep an eye on them for any changes.

Immediate Symptoms to Watch For

You might notice symptoms in your dog within a few hours. Here’s what you should watch for:

Mild symptoms:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Acting tired or lethargic
• Less interest in food
• Drinking more water than usual

More serious symptoms:

• Pale or yellowish gums
• Weakness or trouble standing.
• Rapid breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Reddish or dark-colored urine

Emergency symptoms:

• Tremors or shaking
• Seizures (usually within 3 hours of eating too much salt)
• Collapse
• Loss of coordination

When to Contact Your Veterinarian

Call your vet right away if:

• Your dog ate a whole bag of Funyuns
• Do you see any serious symptoms listed above?
• Your dog is acting strangely or unwell.

Call for advice even if:

• Your dog only had a few pieces.
• They seem fine right now.
• You’re not sure how much they ate.

Keep in mind that signs from onion powder might not show up for a few days, while salt problems usually happen much sooner.

Small Amount vs. Large Quantity Scenarios

If your dog ate just a few pieces:

• Watch your dog closely for the next two or three days.
• Ensure your dog always has access to fresh water.
• Contact your vet for professional advice.
• Look out for any changes in how your dog acts or eats

If your dog ate a lot of Funyuns:

• Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately.
• Do not wait to see if symptoms show up
• Be prepared to take your dog to the vet if needed
• Try to estimate how much your dog actually ate

Emergency Treatment Considerations

What your vet might do:

• Blood tests to check sodium levels and red blood cell count
• IV fluids to slowly rehydrate your dog (this must be done carefully)
• Medications to control vomiting or seizures if needed
• Activated charcoal, if it’s been less than 4 hours since eating
• Hospital monitoring for severe cases

Important: Never try to make your dog vomit at home. This should only be done by a vet.

What you can do at home:

• Keep your dog calm and comfortable.
• Provide fresh water (but don’t force them to drink)
• Watch them closely and note any symptoms.
• Keep the Funyuns package so your vet knows exactly what was eaten.

Acting quickly and getting advice from your vet is important. Some symptoms can take time to show up, so your vet can help you figure out what to do next.

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Are Funyuns Toxic or Just Unhealthy?

A lot of people wonder about this. Toxic and unhealthy aren’t quite the same thing when it comes to dogs.

The Simple Answer

Funyuns are not just unhealthy for dogs—they can actually be toxic, thanks to some of the ingredients and how little nutrition they offer.

What Makes Funyuns Actually Toxic

Onion powder is a big problem. It has thiosulfates, which can harm your dog’s red blood cells and lead to a type of anemia.

Funyuns also have a lot of salt. Dogs do need a little, but the amount in these snacks can actually make them sick with salt poisoning.

Can Funyuns Actually Kill Dogs?

It can happen, but a dog would have to eat quite a lot for it to be deadly.

Still, even smaller amounts can cause health issues if your dog eats them often.

Cumulative vs. Acute Effects

Here’s an easy way to picture it:

Acute effects show up quickly. If your dog gets into a big bag of Funyuns, you might see vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness in just a few hours.

Cumulative effects are sneakier. If your dog gets little bits here and there, the damage can build up slowly, and you might not notice until your dog isn’t feeling well.

Onion powder can stick around in your dog’s system, so even if they seem okay after a small bite, there’s still a risk.

Can dogs eat just one Funyun?

No, it’s not safe to give your dog even one Funyun. That onion powder is risky, and even tiny amounts can add up.

Just like you wouldn’t hand your dog a piece of chocolate, it’s best to skip the Funyuns, too. It’s always better to play it safe.

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What Should I Do if My Dog Accidentally Ate Funyuns?

Try not to panic, but do act quickly. Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Find out how much your dog ate. Was it just a nibble or did they get into the whole bag? This makes a difference.

Step 2: Call your vet as soon as you can. If it’s after hours, use the emergency number. Don’t wait for symptoms to show up.

Step 3: Keep a close eye on your dog. Watch for things like vomiting, weakness, pale gums, or any changes in how they act.

Step 4: Don’t try to make your dog throw up unless your vet says it’s okay. Sometimes that can actually make things worse.

Step 5: Hang on to the Funyuns bag. Your vet might want to check the ingredients list.

Keep in mind, symptoms might not show up for a few days. That’s why it’s so important to call your vet right away.

Are there any benefits of Funyuns for dogs?

Nope, there aren’t any benefits to giving Funyuns to dogs.

Some people might think that because Funyuns are gluten-free, they’re safe for dogs. But unless your vet says otherwise, dogs don’t need gluten-free snacks.

It’s good to remember that just because something is safe for us doesn’t mean it’s safe for dogs. Our bodies handle food differently, and some things that are fine for people can actually hurt pets.

Dogs do best with food and treats made just for them. Funyuns are made for people, and honestly, they’re not a healthy pick for us either.

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How much onion powder is dangerous for dogs?

Even a little can be risky, but here are some numbers to keep in mind:

Dogs can get sick from eating just 0.5% of their body weight in onions. For a 20-pound dog, that’s only about 1.5 ounces of onion. That’s less than half a medium onion.

Onion powder is way more concentrated than fresh onions, so it takes even less to cause a problem.

Small dogs are at even higher risk. Just a teaspoon of onion powder could make a little dog really sick. Some breeds, like Akitas and Shiba Inus, are even more sensitive to onions.

Bottom line: there’s no safe amount. It’s best to keep all onion products far away from your dog.

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Prevention Tips

The easiest way to keep your dog safe is to stop accidents before they start. Here are a few tips that really help:

Put your snacks away. Keep chips, crackers, and other people food in closed cabinets or the pantry. Dogs are clever when it comes to food, and if you leave a bag on the counter, they’ll think it’s up for grabs.

Get everyone on board. Make sure your whole family knows the rules. Kids especially need to know that sharing food with pets isn’t always a good idea. Try making a list of ‘never give to dogs’ foods and stick it on the fridge.

Set up a dog-safe snack spot. Keep healthy treats where everyone can grab them, so when your dog gives you those big eyes, you have something safe to offer. Carrot sticks, apple slices (no seeds), or plain cooked chicken are all good choices.

Be extra watchful during parties or gatherings. Guests might not know your house rules, so keep an eye on your dog when there’s more food around. If you need to, put your dog in another room for a bit.

Teach your dog the ‘leave it’ command. This simple trick can really help. Start with safe items, then practice with dropped food.

Check your floors often. Dogs are like little vacuum cleaners and will eat just about anything that falls. Quick clean-ups can stop accidental snacking.

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Conclusion

It’s best not to give your dog Funyuns, not even a little bit. Some of the ingredients in these snacks can actually be harmful to dogs.

Funyuns have onion powder and a lot of salt, and both of those are bad for dogs. The risks just aren’t worth it, even if your dog seems to enjoy the taste.

Your dog’s health comes first. Saying no to snacks that aren’t safe is one of the best ways to take care of your pet. There are plenty of healthy treats out there that your dog will love.

If you’re not sure whether something is safe for your dog to eat, it’s always a good idea to check with your vet. They can help you figure out what’s best for your dog. Part of being a good pet owner is making smart choices, even when your dog is giving you those big, hopeful eyes.

So, keep the Funyuns for yourself, and treat your dog to something that’s actually good for them.

FAQS.