Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fritos?

Reviewed by Rhiannon Koehler, DVM, MPH on 02/28/2025. Published on 02/28/2025

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No matter how perfect your pooch is (and aren’t they all?) dogs often smell a bit, well, doggy. Typically, these aromas vary from dog to dog. However, if you’ve ever caught a whiff of your dog’s paws and wondered, “Why does my dog smell like Fritos?” you’re not alone.

Many pet parents report this oddly familiar, corn chiparoma emanating from their pups’ paws. And that includes Dr. David Haworth, DVM, executive vice president of research and development at Embark Veterinary.

Dr. Haworth is a fan of the smell of Frito paws on dogs. “It’s corn chips, it’s Doritos. It’s an umami, salty, earthy flavor that, if you’re really lucky, has grass overtones and rosemary,” he says. “It’s a bouquet.”

So, what is this scent? Why do dogs smell like Fritos in the first place, and is it something to worry about? Let’s dig in and find out.

All About Dog Frito Smell

Pet parents have compared the smell of their dogs’ paws to all kinds of salty snacks — corn chips, popcorn, and even Cheetos.

In most cases, this odor comes from your dog’s feet or paws, rather than another part of their body. It’s often due to the sweat glands in the nooks and crannies of dog feet. These can create an ideal environment for microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, and algae to cultivate.

Two bacteria in particular — Pseudomonas and Proteus — are the most common culprits behind dog Frito paws. They tend to thrive on dog feet, where they produce the yeasty aroma that smells like corn chips to many pet parents.

However, these offenders rarely act alone. Dogs who spend a lot of time outside can collect microorganisms from the dirt, grass, and other natural materials. As Dr. Haworth puts it, outdoor dogs have the “highest concentration of ground smells.”

Although the corn chip scent is usually strongest on a dog’s feet, Dr. Haworth says that it can also occur elsewhere. You might also smell that Frito scent near your dog’s tail head (where the back meets the tail) or even on the ears. Essentially, the smell can develop anywhere yeast and bacteria thrive.

Some dog breeds may be more susceptible to Frito feet than others. For instance, breeds such as Bulldogs, Shar Peis, and Pugs are more likely to contract skin fold dermatitis. And this condition can contribute to that distinctive corn chip smell.

Breeds with extra-thick fur around their paws — such as Golden Retrievers or Bernese Mountain Dogs — also tend toward Frito feet. The more profuse the fur around their paws, the more likely it is to trap microorganisms.

Dr. Haworth adds that he thinks dogs have more strongly scented paws when they have big feet as opposed to small feet. “That’s just a mass effect, I would expect,” he says.

Why Does My Dog Smell Like Fritos?

In most cases, Frito-scented dog feet are completely normal and nothing to worry about.

However, a strong corn chip smell can also accompany infections on dog paws. This could happen if your dog has an infected nail bed, an infection within the paw crease, or even an infected paw laceration.

Dr. Haworth says the main signs of an infection are:

Pain
Redness
Swelling
Foul or yeasty odor
Excessive paw licking

So, while Frito paws on their own aren’t cause for concern, stay alert for other warning signs of infection.

In cases of infection, Dr. Haworth says, “You’d notice their discomfort. Or you’d see them licking their paws a lot more than usual because that’s the way that they scratch — with their teeth. They might hesitate to put their paw down,” he adds.

Some dog breeds are more susceptible to paw problems. For instance, one report noted that Labradors’ wide paws make them more likely to develop paw diseases. Similarly, Pekingese and some terriers are prone to foot dermatitis and other paw-related health issues.

If you think your dog might be suffering from some kind of paw infection, take them to the vet as soon as you can.

What to Do if Dog’s Paws Smell Like Fritos

As long as your dog’s Frito feet aren’t due to an infection or other paw health issue, there’s no need for treatment.

However, if the smell bothers you, Dr. Haworth offers a simple solution: bathtime.

“Make sure you like the smell of the shampoo and then give your dog a bath,” says Dr. Haworth.

And if your dog has extra fur around their paw pads that could trap microorganisms, consider trimming that fur. This is what Dr. Haworth does for his golden retriever.

“I take a pair of scissors to his feet because he gets what we call hobbit feet — tufts of fur coming out between his toes,” says Dr. Haworth.

“I find it adorable, but it can trap bacteria or other organics that we don’t want trapped in there,” he notes.

You may find electric shavers with a guard safer to use between the paw pads. If you are using scissors, be extremely careful to avoid accidentally snipping the paw pads or the skin webbing between the toes.

If the smell persists, you can try cleaning your dog’s paws with a solution of chlorhexidine diluted with water. However, it’s important to use caution, says Dr. Haworth.

Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant with antiseptic properties. Even when it’s diluted, it can be toxic if ingested. So Dr. Haworth recommends ensuring your dog doesn’t lick their paws when the solution is on them. And after you wash their paws, carefully dry your dog’s feet with a towel.

If you want more advice on how to clean your dog’s stinky Frito feet, always seek advice from your veterinarian. A reputable dog groomer may also have good recommendations for managing Frito feet.