Can Pigs Eat French Fries?

 

We all love to be treated to french fries once in a while and so do our pets. But can our pets, especially pigs, actually eat these french fries? To find out, keep reading.

First, what are French fries?

French fries, also known as finger chips or simply chips, are a type of food eaten almost all over the world, in places like America, India, France, and so on.

They are prepared simply by cutting potatoes into even strips, drying them, and frying them, usually in a deep fryer. Although, the drying step is optional. Pre-cut, blanched, and frozen potatoes are also widely used, and sometimes baked in a regular or convection oven like an air fryer.

French fries are usually served hot, soft, and crispy, and are generally eaten as part of lunch or dinner or by themselves as a snack. They are often salted and may be served with ketchup, vinegar, mayonnaise, tomato sauce, or other sauce. 

For a good number of us, french fries are a real treat because they are crunchy, salty, a little greasy, and oily. They are also an ideal comfort food for any occasion or mood.

Even our pets would want to be treated as equals but can they also be treated?

This would lead us to the topic of the day, Can Pigs Eat French Fries?

The short answer to this is No, but as you read along you would understand better.

I know it is a common belief that pigs can eat absolutely anything,  but I am here to tell you that is not true, and one of those things that they cannot eat is french fries. All pigs including guinea pigs should not be fed food like french fries. It is not recommended for them and some pet owners who have tried feeding them to their pigs have regretted it.  

Pigs cannot eat french fries simply because french fries is a processed food that has been fried and heavily salted or seasoned as mentioned earlier. For pigs like guinea pigs, the digestion of french fries will be slower and more complicated. Which could cause aches, gas, bloating, and in the worst cases, diarrhea and vomiting in them.

Nutrition Facts of French Fries

Indeed, French fries are not safe for your pets' consumption, but discussing the nutritional facts of these fries simply gives you an overview of what they are. These facts would also serve as a reference point throughout this article.

The nutrition facts for a 100 g (3 oz) of french fries fried from fresh potato goes thus:

Energy – 196 kcal

Protein – 1.93 g

Total lipid (fat) – 13.1 g

Carbs – 18.5 g

Dietary fiber – 1.6 g

Sugars – 1.25 g

Calcium – 9 mg

Iron – 0.64 mg

Magnesium – 23 mg

Phosphorus – 52 mg

Potassium – 401 mg

Sodium – 141 mg

Vitamin C – 9.7 mg

Vitamin B-6 – 0.265 mg

Vitamin E – 1.56 mg

Vitamin K – 16.3 µg

Riboflavin – 0.03 mg

Niacin – 1.215 mg

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It is also important to add that the nutrition facts of frozen fried potato and some brand french fries, such as McDonald’s or Burger King, are different from the above mentioned, so you have to be mindful and do your research if need be.

Some Complications that might arise in your Pigs from French fries Consumption 

Digestion Problems 

As you might have already known, the digestive system of animals, including pigs and especially guinea pigs, is not made to digest certain things like sugars, fast foods, seasoned and salty foods, and anything similar. These things cause a lot more discomfort to your pets than you can imagine. They cause bloating and sometimes constipation. Therefore, it is only best to avoid adding them to their food. 

Urinary Problem

From the nutritional facts above, it can be seen that french fries contain a good amount of calcium, and it is known that excess amounts of calcium result in bladder or kidney stones, also, painful urination, and even blood in the urine. 

In summary, for those of you that would still choose to feed your pets french fries, the least you can do is minimize the portion to avoid cases like this (urinary problem). 

Weight Problems 

From the nutritional facts,  it can be noticed that french fries have a high amount of fat. Although this nutrient is vital in excess, it’s very unhealthy. French fries contain bad types of fats, and hence once consumed in high amounts, your pig will have problems with weight gain.

Cardiovascular Problems 

French fries are known to be very caloric, and the amount of calories is even too high even for humans. The number of calories in 100 grams might not be a big deal to you, but consuming in large quantities would be a big deal to your cardiovascular health. 

Summarily, a lot of calories and fat aren’t good for healthy blood, blood vessels, and normal blood pressure levels.

The best trick to this is to avoid french fries in your pig’s diet. Also if your pig accidentally tries a small piece of french fries there is no need to panic as it is not the end of the world. All you need to do is keep your eye on the pig. If you notice some symptoms, like diarrhea and vomiting, you should immediately call your veterinarian.

Are other forms of potatoes also unsafe for Pigs?

Of Course not, boiled potatoes are safe for your pigs to eat if they want.

French fries are not exactly unsafe if the seasoning, particularly salt, and the sauce can be cut out. 

Although frying is not the best method of cooking, it is still not bad as long as you can keep everything in moderation.

In Conclusion, life is about balance and moderation. Everything needs a bit of moderation, and this is why I won't ask you not to feed french fries to your sweet pets. I will only ask you to cut out the salt, and other seasonings including the sauce that you would normally add to your serving. Your pigs need you to do this for them, they need it for good health. 

And lastly, if one way or the other your pig ate too many french fries, you don't have to panic, just be on the alert for any negative reactions.