Tortillas can be a healthy addition to meals for people. They offer carbohydrates for energy, some fiber, and minerals like iron and calcium, especially if you choose fortified flour tortillas or whole-grain corn varieties. Corn tortillas are usually lower in sodium and higher in magnesium and fiber, which help with digestion and heart health. Still, many store-bought tortillas have about 20% of the daily sodium value per piece, so it is important to check the label.
But what about dogs? Can dogs eat tortillas? The short answer is to be careful. Even plain tortillas can add extra salt and refined carbs that dogs do not need. Flavored tortillas may contain seasonings that are not safe for pets. Tortilla chips are often high in oil and sodium, which can be harmful to dogs.
Read the full guide to find out if tortillas are safe for dogs and to learn about seven important risks. You will see quick do’s and don’ts, ingredient warnings, and advice from vets if your dog has already eaten tortillas or chips. The article also explains how the nutrition in tortillas, like sodium content and the differences between corn and flour, does not always match what dogs need.
What Are Tortillas?
Tortillas are thin, round flatbreads that have been a staple in kitchens for generations. They’re typically made from simple ingredients, such as flour or corn, water, salt, and a small amount of fat, like oil, lard, or shortening. The two main types of tortillas are flour tortillas and corn tortillas, but variations also exist, including whole wheat, blue corn, white corn, and specialty options such as nopal (cactus) and amaranth tortillas. Most store-bought tortillas are processed foods that may contain preservatives, chemical leavening agents like baking powder, and sometimes seasonings to extend shelf life and enhance flavor.
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?
The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Tortillas are not toxic to dogs, so if your pup sneaks a piece off the counter, there’s no need to panic. However, they’re not exactly healthy food for our four-legged friends either. Plain tortillas in small amounts might be safe as an occasional treat, but they shouldn’t become a regular part of your dog’s diet. The main concerns with dogs and tortillas include high-calorie content that can lead to weight gain, excess sodium that may cause dehydration or upset stomach, and potential allergens for dogs with gluten sensitivities (especially with flour tortillas). Additionally, processed tortillas may contain seasonings such as garlic or onion powder, which are toxic to dogs. While tortillas are generally safe for dogs in moderation when plain and unseasoned, they offer little nutritional value and should be limited to just a small bite here and there.
Shocking Risks of Feeding Tortillas to Dogs
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Feeding your dog a piece of tortilla may seem harmless, but there are several risks to consider. Although tortillas are not toxic, they can present health concerns for dogs. Here are seven potential risks associated with giving tortillas to dogs.
High Calorie Content Leading to Weight Gain
Tortillas are calorie-dense, and feeding them to dogs can contribute to weight gain. Even small amounts can add extra calories to your dog’s diet, especially if given in addition to regular meals.
Dogs should only get about 10% of their daily calories from treats, and tortillas can easily exceed that limit. When pets consume too many calories regularly, those extra pounds can lead to chronic health problems, including joint issues, heart disease, and diabetes. Even a small piece of tortilla might seem harmless, but repeated snacking can contribute to obesity over time, making it crucial to keep these treats to an absolute minimum.
Excessive Salt (Sodium) Content
Store-bought tortillas often contain high levels of sodium, which can be harmful to dogs. Dogs require much less sodium than humans, and excess salt can negatively affect their health.
Excessive salt intake can lead to dehydration in dogs, especially if they do not have access to fresh water. Severe salt toxicity may result in symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, seizures, and in rare cases, death. Signs can develop quickly or over several days and may include excessive thirst, increased heart rate, and neurological symptoms. If your dog eats several tortillas or shows signs of salt poisoning, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Additives, Seasonings, and Preservatives
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Processed tortillas may contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, such as garlic and onion powder. These seasonings are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.
Garlic is actually 3 to 5 times more toxic than onion, and even small amounts can be harmful. The compound N-propyl disulfide found in these ingredients destroys oxygen-carrying red blood cells, which can lead to severe organ failure or death. Signs of toxicity include lethargy, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine, increased heart rate, and lack of coordination. Additionally, many tortillas contain artificial preservatives, colors, and other additives that can irritate your dog’s stomach or cause more serious health issues.
Potential Allergies or Gluten Intolerance
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Some dogs have wheat allergies or gluten intolerance, so flour tortillas may not be suitable for them. Although grain allergies are usually mild, they can still cause symptoms that require attention.
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Dogs with gluten intolerance may experience vomiting, diarrhea, skin sensitivities, excessive scratching, and weight loss after consuming wheat products. Other signs include dry, flaky skin, red and inflamed paw pads (which dogs may repeatedly lick or chew), a dull coat, chronic ear infections, and stomach problems such as loose stools or excessive mucus. Certain breeds, including Irish Setters, Scottish Terriers, and Great Danes, are more prone to sensitive stomachs and may not handle grains well. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms after consuming tortillas or other wheat-based products, it’s essential to consult your veterinarian for proper diagnosis and testing.
Digestive Upset and Stomach Problems
Tortillas can cause digestive issues in dogs, even if they do not have allergies. The high carbohydrate content and processed ingredients may lead to gastrointestinal upset.
Digestive problems such as vomiting, diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, and indigestion can occur after eating tortillas. Symptoms may appear soon after eating or develop over several hours. Eating too many tortillas can irritate the digestive tract and may require veterinary care. If your dog has ongoing vomiting or diarrhea after eating tortillas, monitor their condition and contact your veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Choking Hazard with Large Pieces
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Tortillas can be a choking hazard, especially if dogs eat large pieces without chewing thoroughly. Smaller dog breeds may have more difficulty swallowing large pieces of food.
Tortillas may break into pieces that could scratch a dog’s throat or become stuck in the airway. Dogs often eat quickly when given human food, which can increase the risk of choking. If you do offer tortillas, it should be in very small pieces, but it is generally best to avoid giving tortillas to dogs.
Fillings and Toppings Contamination
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? The main risk is often not the tortilla itself, but the fillings or toppings. Many common additions such as cheese, salsa, avocado, and seasoned meats can be harmful or toxic to dogs.
Cheese is high in fat and may contribute to pancreatitis and obesity. Spicy salsa can upset a dog’s digestive system. Avocado contains persin, a toxin present in all parts of the fruit, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other health problems in dogs. The high fat content in avocado can also increase the risk of pancreatitis. Many tortilla fillings also contain garlic, onion, or other seasonings that are toxic to dogs. If your dog eats a tortilla with toppings, the fillings are often more dangerous than the tortilla itself.
Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?
If your dog grabs a tortilla chip off the floor during movie night, don’t worry. They’ll probably be fine. Still, tortilla chips shouldn’t be a regular treat for your dog.
Are Tortilla Chips Safe?
Technically, dogs can eat tortilla chips because the basic ingredients—corn, vegetable oil, and salt—aren’t toxic to pets. If your dog munches on one or two chips, there’s no immediate danger. The simple recipe means there are no poisonous components that can harm your canine companion immediately.
But just because tortilla chips aren’t toxic doesn’t mean they’re good for dogs. They’re junk food with no real nutrition and lots of unhealthy ingredients.
Health Risks to Consider
- High salt: Tortilla chips have a lot of sodium. Too much salt can make dogs thirsty, cause them to pee more, and lead to dehydration. A few chips probably won’t hurt, but eating a lot is risky.
- Too Much Fat: Since most tortilla chips are fried in oil, they’re loaded with unhealthy fats. Regular consumption can contribute to obesity and potentially trigger pancreatitis, a serious condition causing severe abdominal pain and requiring veterinary care.
- Empty Calories: Dogs should get their daily calories from nutritious dog food, not snacks. Tortilla chips provide carbohydrates and calories, but lack vitamins and minerals, which can lead to weight gain over time.
- Dangerous Seasonings: Flavored varieties containing onion powder or garlic powder are particularly hazardous, as these ingredients are toxic to dogs.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats a Tortilla
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Did you find an empty tortilla wrapper and your dog looks guilty? Don’t worry. Tortillas are not toxic to dogs, but they’re not healthy either. Most dogs will be fine after eating a tortilla, but there are a few things to watch for.
Stay Calm and Assess
First, take a deep breath. A plain tortilla will not poison your dog, so you usually don’t need to rush to the vet. Check how much your dog ate and if the tortilla had any toppings like garlic, onions, or spicy seasonings. Those can be dangerous.
Watch for These Symptoms
Keep a close eye on your dog for the next 24 hours. Here’s what to look out for:
- Upset stomach or vomiting
- Diarrhea or excessive gas
- Increased thirst (from salt content)
- Signs of discomfort or unusual behavior
- Allergic reactions like itching or skin irritation (rare, but possible with wheat allergies)
When to Call the Vet
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Contact your veterinarian if your dog shows persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or seems lethargic. Dogs with wheat allergies or gluten sensitivities may require extra attention, especially if they have eaten flour tortillas. If your pup consumed a large amount or ate tortillas with harmful fillings, a quick call to the vet is always a good idea.
Prevention Tips
Keep tortillas where your dog can’t reach them. If you want to give your dog a small piece as a treat, make sure it’s plain and unseasoned. Homemade is best. Corn tortillas are usually easier for dogs to digest than flour ones because they don’t have gluten. Still, there are better treats made just for dogs that they’ll love.
Healthier Alternatives to Share With Your Dog
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Looking for better snack options for your furry friend? Skip the processed treats and reach for these nutritious alternatives that will keep your pup happy and healthy.
Fresh Fruits Your Dog Will Love
Apples are a good choice if you remove the core and seeds. They have vitamin C and fiber, and most dogs like the crunch. Bananas are also a nice treat with potassium and vitamin C, but they’re high in sugar, so give only a little. Blueberries and strawberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants, and most dogs love them. Watermelon is great on hot days. Just take out the rind and seeds first.
Veggie Treats That Pack a Punch
Carrots are one of the best vegetables to share with your dog. They’re crunchy, low in calories, and great for dental health while providing beta-carotene for bright eyes. Green beans are another winner—they’re fiber-filled and contain vitamins A and K, and can be served raw, steamed, or cooked without seasoning. Broccoli offers fiber, vitamins C and K, iron, and potassium in small florets that your dog can enjoy raw or cooked.
Protein-Rich Options
Cooked chicken is safe and gives your dog lean protein. It’s easy on sensitive stomachs. Eggs are also a good choice, scrambled or hard-boiled. They have protein, vitamin D, and selenium. Cooked fish like salmon is another option. It has omega-3s and protein, but make sure it’s boneless and plain.
Cooked Veggies Worth Trying
Sweet potatoes are easy to store in the fridge and make good treats during the week. Just cook them and don’t add seasoning. Pumpkin is also a good choice. It’s low in calories and can help with mild stomach problems.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat tortillas? The simple answer is yes, but only occasionally and in small amounts. While tortillas won’t poison your furry friend, they’re not exactly a nutritional powerhouse for dogs either.
Keep It Simple and Safe
If you give your dog tortillas, follow these tips:
- Limit portions to 1-2 small pieces per week maximum.
- Select plain, unseasoned tortillas that are free from added flavors or fillings.
- Opt for corn tortillas over wheat, as they’re gluten-free and easier to digest
- Avoid processed store-bought versions with preservatives when possible.
Tortillas are fine as a rare treat, but your dog’s main food should be healthy and made for dogs.
FAQ
Can dogs eat tortillas safely?
Dogs can eat small pieces of plain tortillas, but it’s not healthy. Tortillas have too many carbs and salt, which can upset your dog’s stomach or cause weight gain. It’s better to offer healthier treats like plain rice or dog-safe biscuits.
Are corn tortillas better for dogs than flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are slightly better because they’re gluten-free, but they can still cause digestive problems. Both types are high in carbs and calories, so it’s best to give them only as an occasional treat, not a regular food.
What happens if my dog eats too many tortillas?
Eating too many tortillas can cause stomach upset, bloating, or diarrhea in dogs. Over time, the high carbs and salt may lead to obesity or heart issues. Always watch your dog for any signs of discomfort after eating.
Can dogs eat tortilla chips?
No, dogs should not eat tortilla chips. They are fried, salty, and often seasoned, which can harm your dog’s stomach and kidneys. Even a few chips can raise your dog’s sodium levels and cause dehydration or vomiting.
What are safe alternatives to tortillas for dogs?
You can give your dog healthy snacks like cooked sweet potatoes, rice cakes without salt, or dog-friendly treats. These options are easier to digest and safer for your dog’s long-term health than tortillas or chips.