You probably think that tortillas are one of those healthy alternatives to pastry — a bit bland, not bad in taste, but not spectacular either. I used to think they might even be an excellent addition to my dog’s diet because of the fiber.
But, can dogs eat tortillas? As with other foods, it depends on the ingredients.
I was curious about this healthy snack and decided to do a little digging. Just to be sure. And here’s what I uncovered.
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?
Yes, dogs can eat tortillas in moderation. However, if your dog is allergic to wheat or gluten, it’s best to avoid them.
Plain tortillas, with no extra salt and spices, are the best option. Do not give your pet tortillas with onions, garlic, spicy ingredients, or too much salt.
Are Tortillas Good For Dogs?
No, tortillas aren’t particularly good for dogs. They have no nutritional value. At the very least, they are high in carbs. Too many carbs lead to weight gain and contribute to obesity, diabetes, pancreatitis.
Additionally, they could contain excess salt, harmful and toxic spices, and too much fat. None of these are beneficial.
Are Tortillas Bad For Dogs?
How bad a tortilla will depend on the ingredients and the quantity our four-legged friends ingest. Any kind of tortilla is not recommended for dogs with pre-existing conditions, especially obesity and diabetes.
Let’s take a look at common tortilla ingredients and briefly discuss their effects.
Salt
One of the main ingredients in tortillas is salt. Tortilla chips are particularly high in salt.
Too much salt can cause dehydration in our pets. Excess salt can also lead to sodium ion poisoning and toxicity symptoms such as vomiting, seizures, tremors, weakness, stupor, and coma.
Corn or Wheat Flour
Tortillas are made either with corn or wheat flour. Some varieties include multigrain flour, too.
Corn flour is safe for dogs, but it has no nutritional value. It is typically used for homemade dog treats.
On the other hand, wheat flour can cause weight gain and allergic reactions in dogs. If your dog has gluten sensitivity, do not feed them wheat flour. While it is a relatively new thing in dogs, it can cause serious problems.
Want to learn more about common dog allergies? Check out this article.
Corn Kernels
Corn kernels are somewhat nutritious since they contain vitamins and minerals that may benefit dogs. However, before feeding them tortillas, make sure your dog is not allergic to corn.
If you don’t know your pet’s allergies, it’s always a good idea to take them to a vet. The vet can run tests and determine the foods and substances your dog should avoid.
Nixtamalization
Tortillas are produced via the process called nixtamalization. Nixtamalization is the chemical process of soaking and cooking corn in an alkaline solution. Calcium hydroxide is used to treat corn.
If the calcium hydroxide used is food-grade, your dog should be ok. However, if it’s an industrial variant, it could be poisonous.
The problem is: it’s almost impossible to tell which one was used in storebought tortillas. So feed them only a small amount.
Amylases and Xylanases
Amylases and xylanases are chemical compounds that extend the shelf life. They are mostly harmless for humans but can contribute to pancreas problems in dogs.
Proteases, Transglutaminases, Oxidoreductases
These compounds are used in tortillas for the right consistency. The chemicals in tortillas could hurt dogs’ stomachs and cause digestive issues.
You might want to opt for homemade tortillas instead. Dogs aren’t used to the chemicals above.
Other Ingredients
Tortillas are packed with various additives: preservatives, emulsifiers, gum. These help them last longer and retain flavor.
However, a study on lab mice and emulsifiers has shown that they may cause low-level gastrointestinal inflammation, increased appetite and weight gain, higher blood sugar, and insulin resistance.
So, tortillas may not be the best choice for our furry friends. It’s best not to risk it and feed them tortillas only rarely and in small amounts.
When Not to Give a Tortilla to Your Dog
In some cases, tortillas are particularly bad for dogs. You should not feed dogs tortillas if they have the following pre-existing conditions.
Overweight and Obese Dogs
Since they are made with flour, tortillas are high in calories, carbs, and fat. Too many tortillas will add to the weight and contribute to heart disease, arthritis, even pancreatitis. If your dog has any of these conditions, it’s best to refrain from this treat.
Diabetic Dogs
Tortillas are also very high in carbohydrates. Dogs don’t need many carbs in their diet — they thrive on protein and some fat.
For diabetic dogs, this can be particularly problematic. Carbs cause blood sugar spikes, which will only worsen the condition.
Gluten Sensitivity
Wheat flour is another ingredient that can cause health issues in dogs. If your furry companion is sensitive or allergic to gluten, it’s best to wrap those tortillas goodbye.
Flour can cause an allergic reaction with symptoms like difficulty breathing, asthma, rashes, and skin irritation. In severe cases, it can be fatal.
Different Types Of Tortillas
Are all tortillas bad for dogs? No, not necessarily. However, they vary in ingredients and nutritional value.
Let’s look at common types and whether dogs can eat them.
Can Dogs Eat Whole Grain Tortillas?
Yes, whole grain tortillas are safe for dogs in moderation.
The wholegrain flour even has some nutritional value for dogs, and it is high in dietary fiber. However, if your dog is sensitive to gluten, it’s best to avoid these tortillas. They might cause a severe allergic reaction.
Additionally, too much fiber is not suitable for any dog. Excess fiber leads to diarrhea, constipation, and other digestive issues. It’s best to give your dog only a small amount on a rare occasion.
Can Dogs Eat Multigrain Tortillas?
Yes, you can give your dog multigrain tortillas, but in minimal amounts.
Similar to wholegrain tortillas, multigrain ones are exceptionally high in fiber. Make sure you don’t feed your pooch too much, or they might end up defecating more than they would like.
Additionally, since they contain a mix of grains, make sure your dog is not allergic or sensitive to them since they might trigger an allergic reaction.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortillas?
Yes, dogs can eat corn tortillas, too, but also in moderation and rarely. In fact, corn is often found in many big tortilla brands.
Unless your pet is allergic to corn, corn tortillas are pretty neutral. However, how you prepare them and what you put in them could cause severe problems.
Generally, dogs shouldn’t eat deep-fried foods because of their high-fat content. High fat leads to weight and heart problems and could contribute to pancreatitis in dogs.
Also, don’t use spices that are toxic to dogs — too much salt or any garlic and onion. All of these could develop into severe toxicity and even be fatal.
It’s best to serve these tortillas plain and raw.
Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortillas?
Yes, you can serve your dog flour tortillas in small amounts.
Flour tortillas are typically used for burritos and soft tacos. They contain gluten, so don’t give them to gluten-sensitive dogs.
Also, always check for other ingredients. If there are harmful or toxic ingredients, like onion, garlic, or too much salt, it’s best to find a healthier treat.
Can Dogs Eat Fresh Tortillas?
Yes, dogs can eat fresh tortillas in moderation.
By fresh, I am referring to homemade tortillas. These are probably the best option for your furry companion because you control the ingredients.
Just don’t deep fry them, and don’t use any toxic or harmful ingredients.
Can Dogs Eat Fried Tortillas?
No, dogs should not eat fried tortillas.
Unlike fresh tortillas, fried tortillas are one of the worst options you can give your dog. Any fried food will have loads of fat which is extremely bad for your dog. Too much fat contributes to weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and arthritis.
It can also cause pancreatitis, a painful and severe inflammation of the pancreas. If left untreated, pancreatitis can even be fatal to our pets.
Can Dogs Eat Baked Tortillas?
Yes, baked tortillas are generally safe, but in moderation.
These tortillas are not deep-fried, so no excess oil can harm your dog. Also, there are usually no added ingredients that could be toxic or harmful.
However, always check the ingredients, and don’t forget they still have flour and preservatives. It’s best to feed them rarely and in small amounts.
Can Dogs Eat Flavored Tortillas?
No, your dog should not eat flavored tortillas. They are potentially the most dangerous.
As a matter of fact, it’s best to keep these far away from your pooch. Flavored tortillas often have garlic and onions, which are extremely toxic to canines. Even small amounts lead to toxicity, which can damage red blood cells and cause fatal anemia. If your dog eats garlic or onion, immediately take them to a vet.
On top of that, flavored tortillas could contain spicy and sugary ingredients, which are also dangerous for dogs. Always check for artificial sweeteners too. Xylitol, in particular, is highly toxic to dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Spinach Tortillas?
Yes, dogs can eat spinach tortillas in small amounts.
The spinach in these tortillas might even be beneficial for your furry friend since it contains loads of vitamins and minerals. However, if the dog eats too many tortillas, they will still contribute to weight problems and heart disease.
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Wraps?
Yes, you can give your dog a small amount of tortilla wraps.
The wraps themselves are suitable for dogs, but the ingredients can be harmful. Always check the ingredients for garlic, onion, or spicy peppers. Garlic and onion are toxic to dogs and can even be fatal in small amounts. Spicy foods are likely to cause digestive upset and burning sensations.
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Shells?
Yes, a small amount of tortilla shells is fine for your dog now and then.
Tortilla shells are crunchy, so dogs will surely love them. Still, soft options might be better and more digestible.
If your dog is sensitive to gluten, you should avoid them.
Can Dogs Eat Taco Shells?
Yes, plain Taco Shells are fine for dogs in moderation.
Just be careful with the salt and oil content. If they have too much salt, don’t feed them to your dog since they might lead to sodium ion poisoning.
Similarly, if Taco Shells are deep-fried, it’s best to avoid them. Too much fat brings about many health issues: weight gain, obesity, diabetes, arthritis, and pancreatitis.
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?
If you give your dog tortilla chips, make sure they don’t have a lot of sodium. Excessive salt can lead to sodium ion poisoning, which is dangerous and potentially deadly.
Tortilla chips are also high in fat, which leads to weight gain and related health issues.
In addition, always check the ingredients. Some tortillas have garlic and onion added to them. Should dogs eat tortilla chips with these? No — these ingredients are toxic to dogs and can cause anemia, pancreatitis, digestive upset, toxicity, and even the death of the pet.
Let’s look at the popular ones and see which ones suit your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortilla Chips?
Yes, dogs can eat a few corn tortilla chips on rare occasions.
Still, these chips are high in salt, so you need to be careful. A 30-pound dog needs only 100 mg of sodium per day. Excess salt can lead to extreme dehydration and salt poisoning, which can be fatal.
Can Dogs Eat Blue Corn Chips?
Yes, you can feed your dog a few bites of blue corn chips.
These chips usually contain only blue corn, sunflower oil, and salt. Be mindful of fat and salt content. If the dog eats too much salt and fat, it can cause loads of health problems and even be lethal.
Additionally, if your dog is allergic to corn, it’s best to avoid them.
Can Dogs Eat Doritos?
No, dogs should not eat Doritos.
Doritos are extremely unhealthy for dogs and potentially lethal. Many types of Doritos contain harmful and even toxic ingredients: salt, dairy, garlic and onion powder, spicy foods.
If your dog ate Doritos, check the ingredients and call the vet immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Tostitos?
Yes, Tostitos are safe for dogs as a rare treat.
If you are giving them to your dog, it’s best to choose the one with less salt. Too much salt causes health problems, such as dehydration and salt poisoning.
What Should You Do if Your Dog Ate a Tortilla?
If your pooch ate some tortilla while you weren’t around, it’s imperative that you find out when, how much, and what the ingredients are.
They are likely to be fine if they ate a bite or two. If the dog ate more, odds are they will experience digestive problems, like an upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting in severe cases. These usually resolve within a few hours — if they don’t, call the vet for further instructions.
However, if your furry friend ate tortillas with onions, garlic, or xylitol, it’s best to take them to a vet clinic immediately. Sometimes, even a small amount can be extremely toxic to dogs. General symptoms of toxicity are:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Wobbly posture and bad coordination
- Red urine
- Pale gums
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle weakness and tremor
- Seizures
- Coma
If you notice these symptoms, call the Pet Poison Hotline and take your dog to a vet as fast as you can. When it comes to toxicity, quick action is very important.
Alternatives
Tortilla is very low in nutritional value, and there are much better options for your dog. Choose one of the following alternatives:
- Apples
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Peanut butter (check for xylitol)
- Celery
If you are interested in human foods that dogs can safely eat, take a look at this awesome list.
Homemade Tortilla
Can dogs eat tortillas that you make? These tortillas are the best option for your furry friend. If you make tortillas at home, you control the ingredients and the portion you will give your pet.
Make sure to address any sensitivities or allergies your dog might have. If they are sensitive to gluten, avoid the wheat flour.
Also, don’t use too much salt or oil. It’s best not to deep fry the tortilla as this increases fat content and can lead to many health issues.
Finally, do not use any seasonings. Spices like onion and garlic powder are extremely toxic to dogs.
It’s a Wrap
So, can dogs eat tortillas? Yes, if they are plain and with no added salt and seasonings. Tortillas can even provide a little extra fiber to your dog’s diet.
However, they are always high in carbs, so eating tortillas regularly will lead to weight problems and heart disease. If your canine is sensitive or allergic to gluten, do not feed them tortillas, as they might induce an allergic reaction.
Finally, always make sure there are no toxic ingredients — onion, garlic, or too much salt — as these can be fatal to your pet.
Tortillas may be appealing because of their crunchiness and taste to some extent. They are alright every now and then, but your dog’s diet should be much more nutritious. Such a diet will let your furry friend live a long, healthy, happy life.
