Apple Cider Vinegar Frito Feet

It’s not really surprising that dogs get smelly feet! After all, they are attracted to what we consider disgusting smells and like to roll around in them. They spend a lot of time tramping through the undergrowth and may even have to pick their way through garbage on the sidewalk. But there is one smell that puzzles owners more than any other and that is the unmistakable odor of corn chips. So, why do dogs smell like Fritos?

Dogs’ Frito feet odor is caused by bacteria and yeast (fungi) that thrive in between your dog’s paw pads. Two types of bacteria, in particular proteus and pseudomonas, produce a volatile chemical that has a salty/yeasty odor.

Let’s look a little closer at why this happens and whether you should be concerned about it.

To do so, create your own homemade Frito feet spray. fill a tray with 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of apple cider vinegar, and 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Have her stand in the mixture for five minutes. After her soak, rinse her feet and dry them well.

What Causes Frito Feet?

Dog’s internally cool themselves, or sweat, through panting and from the pads on their feet.

The pads on your dog’s feet are surrounded by fur, which can create a warm and wet environment that is perfect for retaining bacteria.

When your dog’s feet become wet from water, rain, or from licking, the fur in between their pads is moist, and the nooks and crannies of their paws are where bacteria thrives and multiplies.

Simply stated, yeast bacteria cause Frito feet.

More specifically, the yeast bacteria is called Pseudomonas and Proteus.

Pseudomonas bacteria overgrowth produces proteus bacteria, which is what generates the corn like odor.

So, there you have it. Dog feet have body odor, and that body odor tends to smell like Frito corn chips. At your next Super Bowl party try having people smell your dog’s feet, and take a vote on what they smell like. Most won’t be able to pinpoint it at first, but once you say FRITOS!, I all but guarantee they will agree.

So, its very normal to have Frito smelling dog feet. We do see issues such as infections on the feet of some dogs and infections in or on the nails, so if you ever have a concern, please let us examine your dog to be sure there is not an issue. Signs such as biting and licking excessively at the paws can indicate an abnormal issue, and not just the normal “Frito foot”. If for some reason, you dont like your dog’s feet smelling like corn chips, you can do something about it to reduce the scent. These tips won’t completely or entirely eliminate the scent, but it can diminish it for periods of time.

Why? It is caused by the microscopic organisms of bacteria and yeast. NORMAL bacteria and yeast that are on the skin of dogs, and these organisms give off an odor, and that odor tends to smell like corn chips. The smell is most noticeable when you spread the toes and get your nose right down in there. Some breeds of dogs will have a more odiferous corn chip scent to their feet than others, with characteristics such as the amount of fur and where that fur is located dictates if your dog has a snack bag Frito smell or a family sized Frito smell.

It’s ok. You can admit it. You likely have at one point in time smelled your dog’s feet. Most people have. I know someone who actually loved, I mean LOVED to smell her dog’s feet. Why? Because she loved the smell of Fritos! I’ve tried to come up with a solid name to submit to Webster’s Dictionary for this fetish that my friend has, but I can’t decide between cornchippawophilia or fritofeetophilia. If you are willing to admit that youve smelled and liked the smell of your dog’s feet, know that youre not alone. Many people have done it. Haven’t done it yet? Ok, go do it. We won’t look and we won’t tell anyone. Corn chips right?!

Ive gotten asked about the smell of dog’s feet by a great many people over the years. Usually, they tell me that their dog has smelly feet, not a bad smelly, just a smelly. They want to know that everything is ok with their dog’s feet. I first take a look at the paws to make sure there isnt an abnormality present, which usually there is not, and then I proceed to stick my nose near a paw and take a whiff. Ahhhh, Fritos!! I then tell the client that their dog has normal feet, and I ask them what they think their dog’s feet smell like. Usually, they don’t have an exact answer at the time, they try to explain it, but just can’t put an exact name on it. I then say the word “Frito”, and a light bulb goes off in their head. “YES! Thats exactly it” theyll say to me.

Are Frito Feet Normal

The faint aroma of Fritos or corn chips emitted from your dog’s paws is no cause for immediate concern.

It’s entirely normal for dogs and humans to have a small amount of yeast and bacteria on our bodies.

Some owners find it endearing, and others assume it’s natural and how the dog’s feet are supposed to smell.

As long as the smell is mild, there is no need to worry.

FAQ

How do you get rid of Frito smelling feet?

If you want to reduce the corn chip smell, wash your dog’s feet regularly with a gentle, pet-approved shampoo. Dry thoroughly, paying special attention to the areas in between the toes. Trim any long hairs in between the toes as well, and while you’re at it, clip the toenails if they are too long.

Can I soak my dogs paws in apple cider vinegar?

It’s common for dogs to get yeast infections in their paws; soaking your dog’s paws in ACV will relieve that too. When diluted and added to a spray bottle, apple cider vinegar is a strong disinfectant and even works as a mild flea repellent. See more ways you can use apple cider vinegar for dogs below.

How do I stop my feet from smelling like corn chips?

Apply an antifungal foot spray or medicated foot powder on your feet once daily. Insert medicated deodorant insoles into your shoes. If you need to quickly cut down on your foot odor, it’s safe to apply antiperspirant or deodorant spray to your feet.