Frito Feet: Why Does My Dog Smell Like Corn Chips?

Do you think your dog’s feet smell funny? Find out if your furry friend has Frito feet!

It started with the whispering. I knew something was about to happen, but I didn’t know what.

I was just minding my business, cuddling with my parents on the couch. My head rested on my dad’s lap, and my legs were stretched across my mom.

“Psst…” mom whispered, “Smell Napa’s feet.

“Why,” my dad asked, looking as confused as I felt. I had just came home from the groomers a few weeks ago. It couldn’t already be time to go back!

“I think his feet smell like…Fritos!”

Do you think your dog’s feet smell like corn chips?

Often, dog owners complain that their pet smells like corn chips. Most will even go so far as pinpointing their dog’s feet as the Fritos-smelling location.

There are many online forums where pet owners claim their animals feet smell of corn chips. At the Dog Forum, one reader reports,

After reading this post, I seriously grabbed my dogs and smelled their feet. They do smell different than the rest of the dog … but not … chip-y … paw jam? Like toe jam is for us?

Have you experienced this with your pet?

Have no fear, two legged mammals. Your dog didn’t stomp all over a chip factory without you.

This smell is actually quite a common occurrence with dogs, and unless it’s overpowering, it’s nothing to worry about.

So, what is Frito feet?

Even the cleanest and most well-groomed dog (like me!) has bacteria that grows on its skin. When that bacteria meets with outside sources, such as wet grass, dirty floors, or being licked, the bacteria will grow, letting off a slightly foul stench. Also, since the paws are where your dog’s sweat glands are located, sweat may play a role in the smell. With all of these factors coming together, your pup’s paws are sure to let off a scent!

Do you find that your dog’s feet let off more odor when they’re wet? Is your dog an obsessive paw licker? The moisture on your pet’s feet is what provides a suitable environment for bacteria to breed and grow.

This natural bacteria won’t hurt your dog, but its possible that in this warm, wet breeding ground, natural yeast can grow, and your dog could develop a yeast infection if an overgrowth of yeast becomes a problem.

How do you prevent Frito feet?

Keeping your dog clean and healthy are the best ways to make sure the smell stays under control and doesn’t develop into any other issues. Baths are always a good way to ensure that your dog is clean, but if you don’t have time, wiping your pooch’s paws is a good idea as well. This can be done with a warm, wet washcloth. Just hold off on the soap, humans. We like licking, but we don’t like the taste of soap. Plus, I hear it’s not good for us.

The next time you’re wondering, “Why does my dog smell like corn chips?” just keep in mind that Frito Feet is a natural phenomenon that many four-legged friends experience.

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