Can Dogs Eat Tortillas? Are They Good or Bad For Dogs? (Flour vs Corn vs Chips)

Can dogs eat tortillas made from corn or flour? What about tortilla chips and other tortilla-derived foods?

Dogs can consume a single tortilla without causing harm. However, it is not recommended due to the high carbohydrate content of flour and corn, which offers no nutritional benefits. Overconsumption of tortillas can lead to rapid weight gain in dogs. It is important to read the label carefully, as some ingredients in tortillas could potentially be deadly to dogs.

Although occasionally feeding your dog one or two tortillas poses no threat, you should avoid giving your dog processed tortillas made from corn, flour, or in the form of a chip. Processed foods are not recommended for our furry friends. We also uncovered during our research that some tortillas might carry toxic ingredients for dogs. Here is everything you need to know about tortillas and dogs, including ingredient safety, nutrition, health risks, and everything in between. Let’s dive right in!

Are Tortillas Good For Your Dog’s Health?

Tortillas are traditionally made from corn or flour, but can dogs eat them without experiencing health issues? Tortillas can make your dog overweight fast. Flour tortillas pack more fat because they’re usually made with lard or shortening.

Corn tortillas are considered whole grains and generally lower in carbs, calories, and fat than flour tortillas. However, corn kernels may pose a threat to smaller dogs who can choke on the grains, so be sure to keep an eye on them if they eat them.

More importantly, dogs don’t process grains the same way we do. Some pups may present allergic reactions or cereal sensitivities. Tortillas lack nutrition and are best avoided.

Tortilla Ingredients: Toxic to Dogs?

Can dogs safely enjoy tortillas? For starters, tortillas can be either processed tortillas or homemade tortillas.

Let’s learn about the most common ingredients found in processed tortillas and why they may be dangerous to your pup.

We recommend avoiding feeding processed tortillas to dogs. Some preservatives may be fine for humans, but they can harm your dog.

For instance, food emulsifiers are essential for producing many processed foods. A study that released tested emulsifier health effects on lab mice found that they acquired low-level gastrointestinal inflammation, more appetite, and gained weight. Mice also had higher blood sugar levels and resistance to insulin.^[5]

Now that you know what goes into making processed tortillas, ensure you are cautious when your dog is around store-bought tortillas.

Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?

So, can dogs have tortillas? Are tortillas good for dogs?

Corn tortillas are better for dogs than flour, but that doesn’t mean either is suitable for dogs. Feeding tortillas to your dog in moderation is unlikely to harm him. Although tortillas are not dangerous or highly unhealthy for dogs, they do not contribute to a healthy and balanced dog diet. Tortillas offer minimal nutritional value for your pup, so why compromise his health?

For these reasons, feeding Fido tortillas is not worth risking his health. Feeding the wrong food can also cause allergic reactions in dogs. Before feeding your dog any food, we highly recommend doing an at-home dog food allergy test to avoid feeding him foods that could cause allergies or other problems.

Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortillas?

A flour tortilla is usually made from finely ground wheat flour. Wheat is not gluten-free. As mentioned above, dogs don’t digest grain as well as we can. If your dog has a sensitive stomach or is allergic to gluten, you should avoid feeding him this tortilla.

Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortillas?

Are corn tortillas bad for dogs? Corn-based tortillas are gluten-free and easier to digest. However, it’s still not recommended. Corn tortillas contain added preservatives, like flour tortillas, that are unhealthy for dogs.  

Can Dogs Eat Homemade Tortillas?

The only tortillas dogs can occasionally eat homemade because you can control all the ingredients in the recipe. Plus, they don’t contain the preservatives and chemicals added by manufacturers for longer shelf life and other purposes.

Sharing one isn’t terrible; make sure it is homemade and all the ingredients are safe for dogs.

If you don’t feel like cooking, we recommend keeping your dog satisfied with an organic, no wheat, corn, or soy dog treat like this one from Riley’s. Unlike tortillas, this treat promotes a healthy vision and a strong immune system and is 100% human-grade.

Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?

If chips are bad for us, can dogs have tortilla chips? Are tortilla chips bad for dogs?

Tortilla chips are usually made from a corn base, fried (fat and oils), loaded with salt, and then flavored with different seasonings depending on what flavor you buy. For instance, common chip flavors are onion, garlic, bacon, and barbeque, among others. On top of that, corn or flour can cause allergies in dogs, and their high carb content makes them unsuitable for dogs. The answer to “can dogs have tortilla chips” is a big “NO.” 

What happens if a dog eats tortilla chips? If your dog eats a tortilla chip accidentally, a small amount shouldn’t hurt them. Anything in exceeds should not be allowed.

Can Dogs Eat Corn Chips?

Corn kernels are the main ingredient in both corn chips and tortilla chips. However, the corn in tortilla chips undergoes nixtamalization, making them milder in taste and smell and more flexible in texture. Additionally, tortilla chips tend to be larger, thinner, and lower in fat and salt content compared to corn chips. We do not advise feeding corn chips to dogs.

Health Risks of Feeding Tortillas to Dogs

Tortillas may cause the following problems if eaten in excess

Tortilla-based food should be given to dogs daily or regularly. Once in a blue moon may be okay.

Are Tortillas Bad For Dogs?

Processed products like tortillas contain many preservatives, toxic ingredients, and artificial ingredients that may harm your dog. Most tortilla chips are loaded with salt, which is unsuitable for dogs. Flour tortillas and corn tortillas are unhealthy for dogs if eaten in excess. Tortillas are also high in calories, with few additional nutrients that can increase a dog’s risk of developing health problems.

Tortillas & Dogs Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions dog parents ask about dogs eating tortillas.

Can Dogs Have Tortillas? — Conclusion

The bottom line is that you should give your canine food that is beneficial.

Flour or corn-based food could disturb your dog’s digestive system. If your dog loves corn or wheat flour-based foods, there are several better options than tortillas, especially if they are made with corn or wheat flour.

You should never regularly give your dogs flour tortilla chips or corn tortillas. Usually, I eat a few tortillas, and it worries me that my dog may inadvertently eat a whole bag of flour. It is much safer to give him a tasty treat made for dogs.

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