Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? | Are Tortillas Bad For Dogs?
In 2015 tortilla sales surpassed the sales of white bread in the United States! Originating in Mexico, tortillas have become increasingly common in the everyday American diet. While celebrating Taco Tuesday, you may be wondering if your pup can enjoy some of this delicious food. Are tortillas safe for dogs? Can dogs eat tortillas? Read on to find the answers to these questions and more!
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? (The Short Answer)
Yes. In short, dogs are not exposed to any major health risks if they are given tortillas. If your dog is in otherwise good health, an occasional tortilla shouldn’t pose any health risks. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or gluten allergy on the other hand, it would be best to avoid giving them tortillas. Even with completely healthy dogs, there are some things to consider before feeding your fluffy friend a tortilla. Keep reading to learn the pros and cons.
It’s important to remember, that even with the best of intentions, accidents happen and dogs can easily eat things they shouldn’t. Unfortunately, even if those accidents aren’t fatal, they can result in huge, unexpected veterinary expenses. That’s why we recommend all responsible dog owners get a free, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws.
Are Tortillas Good For Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat tortillas?” Now, let’s learn about the benefits of feeding your dog this food! Are tortillas good for dogs?
Tortillas do not contain much nutritional value that could be considered beneficial for dogs. While they may not necessarily cause harm, they also do not provide any benefits. That being said, if you choose to give your dog tortillas, they should be given in moderation.
Corn tortillas tend to have less sodium and calories in them than flour tortillas. Both corn and flour tortillas are pretty equal in providing a few grams of fiber, a few grams of protein, and small amounts of minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. The small amounts of these nutrients are not significant and do not balance out the significant amount of calories and carbohydrates in tortillas.
Are Tortillas Bad for Dogs?
We’ve already answered the question, “can dogs eat tortillas?” Now, let’s learn about the dangers of feeding your dog this food! Are tortillas bad for dogs?
There are a few things to consider before allowing your dog to snack on a tortilla. The lack of nutritional value is important to remember when portioning out the serving size to give your dog.
Just like humans, some dogs can have a gluten allergy, intolerance, or Celiac’s disease. If this is true for your dog, you should not give your dog any amount of tortilla. Giving a dog that is unable to process gluten foods that contain gluten can result in allergy-like symptoms such as itching or vomiting and can become worse over time. If you are unsure if your dog can process gluten products it is best that you talk to your vet before proceeding.
Tortillas are also a processed food which, generally speaking, aren’t good for dogs. They tend to contain added preservatives that are unhealthy for dogs.
As with most foods we give our dogs, it’s important to consider that they should be receiving all their daily calories and nutrients from their dog food. So by giving them a tortilla you’re potentially giving them excess calories that they don’t necessarily need. In dogs that are overweight this can be detrimental to weight loss. In healthy dogs, this can increase risks of obesity and pancreatitis if they’re not given sparingly and in small quantities.
Alternative Options
These foods are similar to tortillas and can be fed to your dog. However, much like tortillas, they may not always be the healthiest options!
Yes! In moderation, flour tortillas are safe to feed to your pet. Once again, if your pet has a gluten intolerance, they should not be given any form of tortillas.
Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortillas?
Yes! Corn tortillas are also safe for pets as long as they’re given infrequently. For more information about the benefits and drawbacks of corn products, see our article “Can Dogs Eat Corn?”
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?
No, it is not advisable to feed your dog tortilla chips. Tortilla chips are potentially more unhealthy for your pup than a plain tortilla. If you’re tempted to give your pet a tortilla treat it’s best to stick with a plain tortilla. Tortilla chips contain high salt contents which is detrimental to kidney health. They’re also generally fried so they contain high amounts of fat and oils which also aren’t healthy for your pup. Most tortilla chips also have additional seasonings on them, such as garlic powder or onion, that are toxic to dogs. Due to all of these factors, the answer to “can dogs eat tortilla chips” is “no.” However. if your dog happens to catch a plain tortilla chip that fell on the floor, you should not panic as that small amount shouldn’t hurt them.
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Wraps?
Yes, depending on what is inside the wrap. Corn and flour tortillas are safe for dogs in small quantities. If you have anything in them as a wrap, make sure that what is inside is safe for dogs. This could include things such as plain, cooked turkey or cheddar cheese! It isn’t advisable to give your pet a bite of what is on your tortilla wrap because that increases the risk of giving your dog a seasoning or a spice that isn’t safe for them. The soft tortilla shells are safe for dogs in small quantities, but you should be extra cautious if you choose to put other items inside.
In Conclusion: Can Dogs Have Tortillas?
Dogs can have tortillas in moderation depending on your dog’s overall health. While tortillas don’t provide any nutritional value, they also are not especially harmful to your pup either. If your dog has a gluten allergy or sensitivity, you should not give them any tortilla in any form, as they will not be able to properly digest it.
Disclaimer: We are not veterinarians and this article should not be taken as medical or veterinary advice. If you have any questions about your pet’s health or dietary needs, please contact your local veterinarian.
