You may be wondering what the answer to that question is, and whether or not it’s safe for your pup to chow down on some of these tasty snacks. As it turns out, the answer is a little bit complicated.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the nutritional content of Funyuns and discuss whether they’re safe for dogs to eat.
We’ll also provide some tips for how to safely feed your dog fun-shaped chips. So, whether you’re just curious about Funyuns or you’re looking for advice on feeding them to your dog, read on!
What are Funyuns Exactly?
Funyuns are a type of snack food that is made from cornmeal and fried onions. They were first introduced in the United States in the late 1960s and have been a popular snack food ever since.
While Funyuns are not specifically marketed as chips or crackers, they are often eaten as such. They are commonly found in convenience stores and gas stations.
What’s in Funyuns?
The ingredients list for Funyuns includes: enriched corn meal, vegetable oil, salt, onion powder, artificial flavor, and sugar.
When it comes to nutritional value, one serving of Funyuns contains:
- Calories: 140 (approximately)
- Fat: 7 grams (approximately)
- Sodium: 340 milligrams (approximately)
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams (approximately)
- Protein: 2 grams (approximately)
As you can see, Funyuns are not a particularly nutritious snack. They are high in calories and fat, and contain relatively little protein.
Are Funyuns Safe for Dogs to Eat?
Now that we know what’s in Funyuns, let’s take a look at whether or not they’re safe for dogs to eat.
In general, it is not recommended that dogs eat Funyuns.
The reason for this is that the high fat content in Funyuns can cause digestive issues for dogs. Additionally, the artificial flavors and onions in Funyuns can be toxic to dogs.
If your dog does eat Funyuns, it’s important to watch for signs of digestive upset, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog starts showing these symptoms, it’s best to contact your veterinarian right away.
Enriched Corn Meal is Not Safe for Dogs with Corn Allergies
Funyuns’ main component, enriched corn meal, is sourced from dent corn. It’s typically used to make dent corn, a category of maize with a hard starch that is simple to mill. Dent corn has a distinct flavor that makes it ideal for this snack.
Many of the beneficial bran and germs are removed during corn meal processing. The following vitamins and minerals are generally added to restore the nutrients in Enriched corn meal, therefore it is called “enriched” corn meal.
Please avoid giving your dog Funyuns if your dog is allergic to corn or has been sensitive to it. Corn ingredients are present in a variety of other crispy onion-flavored snacks, including:
- Corn Starch
- Corn Flour
- Maltodextrin
- Hydrolyzed Corn Protein
If you’re aware that your dog is allergic to corn, keep Funyuns away from him. If you’re not sure, get in touch with your veterinarian to find out if your dog has corn allergies. Serve the food in small amounts at first, and observe how your dogs react before offering them more of it. Avoid feeding them any more of the stuff if they dislike it.
Tips for Safely Feeding Dogs Funyuns
While we generally don’t recommend feeding Funyuns to dogs, we understand that sometimes it can be hard to resist those pleading puppy eyes. If you do decide to give your dog a Funyun, there are a few things you can do to help make sure they stay safe:
1. Only give your dog a small amount of Funyuns. A good rule of thumb is to only give them one or two Funyuns, depending on their size.
2. Avoid giving your dog Funyuns that are flavored with onions or artificial flavors. These can be toxic to dogs and could make them sick.
3. Be sure to monitor your dog for signs of digestive upset after they eat Funyuns. If they start showing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian right away.
4. Never give your dog Funyuns as a meal replacement. Funyuns are not a nutritious food and should only be given to dogs as an occasional treat.
The Bottom Line
Funyuns are not a particularly healthy snack for humans, and they certainly aren’t good for dogs either. The high fat content in Funyuns can cause digestive issues in dogs, and the artificial flavors and onions can be toxic.
If you do decide to give your dog a Funyun, be sure to only give them a small amount and to monitor them for signs of digestive upset afterwards. If your dog starts showing symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, contact your veterinarian right away.