Dogs are the only pets that tend to get close to their owners very quickly and like to share everything with them. This is especially true for the food that we eat.
At times, they steal a piece from your plate or give you an innocent look with those puppy eyes to persuade you into sharing your food. Whatever it is, it must leave you wondering if human food is even safe for your adorable furball.
And the same thought might also pop up when it comes to the salad dressing ranch!
Has your pup licked a little bit of ranch dressing from your plate? Are you wondering if it is safe?
While your dog might have enjoyed the delicious taste of ranch, it is unsafe for canines as it contains harmful ingredients and additives.
Keep reading this detailed review to understand why feeding ranch to your pup is not the right choice!
Is it Safe for a Dog to Eat Ranch Dressing?
No, ranch dressing is not safe for dogs to consume, and you must ensure they don’t consume it. The manufacturers make it specifically for human consumption using ingredients and flavors that aren’t quite pet friendly.
And that’s not all; ranch also contains a lot of salt, unsaturated fats, and calories, all of which can prove harmful to your pup’s health.
What Makes Ranch Bad for Dogs?
When we consider the nutritional viewpoint, ranch doesn’t offer much value to dogs. All it will give your dog is sodium, fat, and excess calories, which prove immensely toxic for canines.
Wondering what makes it so harmful for your pup? Well, it’s the ingredients present in ranch. Let’s discuss them in detail.
1. Sour Cream
Is your dog lactose intolerant? Well, then ranch might just end up upsetting their stomach because it is a dairy product that contains lactose.
Sour cream is also abundant in fats and obviously contains massive amounts of calories. In case a pup consumes a lot of it, it will lead to obesity as well as other weight-related health concerns like diabetes.
2. Mayonnaise
Next up on the list of ingredients is mayonnaise, and although it isn’t toxic to pups, it doesn’t offer any nutritional benefits either. In my opinion, what makes it even more undesirable is it’s excessive fat and caloric content.
If you don’t want your dog to gain a lot of weight, I’d suggest you keep mayonnaise far, far away!
3. Buttermilk
Ranch dressing gets its thickness and consistency from the buttermilk. You might think that since buttermilk doesn’t contain as much lactose as regular milk, it might be good for pups.
But that’s not true. Buttermilk would still impact your lactose-intolerant dog the same way regular milk does.
4. Garlic and Onions
When it comes to your dog’s food, garlic and onions are a big red flag. And since your favorite ranch dressing contains both, it’s a no-brainer that it is toxic for your beloved canine.
Are you wondering how much of these two condiments your pup’s stomach will accept before experiencing the side effects? Well, a dog’s size will appropriately determine that.
However, even a small amount of onion or garlic can cause hemolytic anemia or the destruction of red blood cells in your pets. And you would be shocked to know that the effects of allium toxicity will take at least a few days to show up and delay the treatment your pup will need.
You must look out for signs like diarrhea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and even shortness of breath. If you notice these symptoms, take your pooch to a vet immediately.
5. Mustard
True fans of ranch know that it is incomplete without mustard, which comes from ground mustard seeds. It is another ingredient that is toxic for your pooch, even in small amounts. This can irritate a dog’s digestive tract lining, causing pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
6. Salt
Dogs can easily digest a small amount of salt, but too much of it could lead to sodium poisoning. It’s a given that ranch dressing contains a lot of salt, and giving it to your dog would just increase the chances of poisoning.
If you are careful, your dog most likely will not consume enough ranch, but you can still keep a lookout for these signs of salt toxicity and go to a vet if you notice any of them.
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Excessive thirst
- Lethargy
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased heart rate
7. Parsley
Another ingredient that makes ranch delicious for you and equally unsafe for your pet dog is parsley. A dog might be able to consume a small amount of these leaves without falling sick. But if they consume more, it can lead to skin inflammations, making it red, swollen, and even sore.
8. Dill
It might come as a surprise to most pet parents, but the safest ingredient of ranch for a dog is dill. Even I try to include it in my pup’s diet as it is an antioxidant that improves digestion, promotes bone strength, and even helps prevent diabetes.
Just because dill is healthy, you can’t add it to all of your dog’s meals. Practice moderation and speak to your vet first.
What to do if My Dog Consumes Ranch?
Despite your best efforts, your dog has managed to get its paws on some ranch dressing. Wondering what to do now?
- Well, if you’re ever in such a situation and notice your dog eating ranch or stealing some food from your plate that includes ranch, quickly take it away.
- Next, you must try to figure out the quantity of ranch your pup has ingested.
- Look out for symptoms or side effects of eating ranch. They can be vomiting, diarrhea, pale gums, excessive drooling, and excessive panting.
- Most likely, your furry friend only sneaked in a lick or two of the ranch, and they will be fine.
- However, it’s best to consult a vet in case you feel your pup has ingested a fair amount of this dressing and needs immediate assistance.
Is There Any Healthy Alternative To Ranch?
When it comes to offering treats to dogs, you can skip ranch dressing and instead opt for delicious and healthy fruits or vegetables. There are numerous options for you, like strawberries, blueberries, melons, bananas, apples, cucumbers, and even carrots.
However, if you’re looking for a snack that has the same consistency as ranch, go for plain old yogurt. You can even try mashed bananas or try to find canine-safe ice cream for your pup!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens If My Dog Eats Ranch?
Although ingesting a small quantity of ranch might not harm your dog much, eating too much of it could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, lactose intolerance, and other issues.
Can Dogs Eat Mayonnaise?
Mayonnaise isn’t toxic to dogs, but it doesn’t offer any health benefits either. It is also rich in calories and fat, which could also lead to weight gain and obesity.
What Would Happen If A Dog Consumes Dressing?
If your dog consumes salad dressing, it will have an upset stomach and face various health issues. Consult a vet immediately if you see any side effects.
Final Thoughts
It might come as a shock to you that while ranch is a delicious dressing for you, it could be dangerous for your dog. The ingredients present in it, like garlic powder, onion, buttermilk, mayonnaise, and other condiments, can hamper a pup’s health.
If you ever notice your pet consuming a small amount of it, you must observe the dog for a few hours. Call a vet if the pup starts vomiting or even acting strangely.
Ankita is a passionate pet lover and head of content at Pet Food Brands. With her extensive knowledge and research, she provides pet owners with top-quality information on dog food and nutrition. Her dedication to improving the lives of dogs makes her a leading voice in the industry.
