Yes dogs can eat corn tortillas considering they are made from starch. Corn tortilla chips are also gluten-free, which is good for those dogs with allergies. It is probably why corn starch is used to thicken dog foods. Dogs eat flour tortillas as well, though they have wheat so it is a less recommended option. Their safety does not mean dogs should be fed large quantities of corn tortillas, though, as it does not have a significant nutritional value.
Aside from feeding your dog tortillas in moderation, watch out for the fillings included and how they are prepared. Say if you deep fry the tortilla chips in avocado or vegetable oil; these are unhealthy catalysts. Others may also add onion or garlic to tortillas, which are toxic to dogs, causing red blood cell damage.
Nutritional Benefits of Corn Tortillas
Most human foods have little or minimal nutritional value, but tortillas are one of the exceptions. They have fibre that assists digestion and may even assist with constipation and high blood pressure, so they are good for both humans and dogs.
Corn tortillas also have a low amount of sugar compared to other foods, which is advantageous as the dog is at low risk of developing diabetes or obesity. These tortillas have a good quantity of potassium and phosphorous, which are great for nerve as well as bone development. Magnesium, another key ingredient, aids in energy production at the cellular level.
Similarly, grain tortillas types are rich in sodium, like flour tortillas which is hazardous to dogs. Dogs have a low sodium tolerance, so too much can cause nausea, vomiting, and seizures. The low levels of corn starch make it one of the ideal options for your canine friends. It also helps that some of the minerals in the ingredients assist with blood pressure, thereby reducing the chances of heart disease.
Risks of Feeding Dogs Corn Tortillas
The way dogs respond to small quantities of tortillas does vary. Some may be able to digest one or two bites, but it can cause problems in dogs with sensitive stomachs. For one, tortilla chips are not organic, which means several processed ingredients can cause health hazards.
These preservatives and seasonings do not fit the approval requirements for dog food, so they can upset the digestive system. Particular preservative agents like xylanases and amylases may cause damage to the dog’s pancreas when consumed.
Tortilla chips also have a large amount of carbs and fats. They may not have high sugar levels, but carbs and fats have similar detrimental effects on the dog’s health. When taken for lengthy periods, these cause rapid weight gain and other long-term health problems.
A healthy large dog weighing about 25 kilograms only needs 500 grams of food or 700 calories daily. Vets recommend that the treats they take should not exceed 10 percent of the daily intake. That means if they eat a plate of corn tortillas, those are hundreds of extra calories, which will be hard to break down, so they stack up and increase the chances of obesity.
Thirdly tortillas may trigger an allergic reaction in some dogs. The main ingredient in corn tortillas is corn, of course, and some dogs are allergic. That means ingestion can cause a stomach upset, making corn tortillas bad for your pup. Fortunately, these are fairly easy to tell off the bat as the reactions are immediate.
How Many Tortillas Can My Dog Eat?
Dogs eat tortillas but not in large quantities as they quickly become detrimental to their health. The reason a corn tortilla would be categorized as high-energy food because of the carb content.
Excess calories within the tortillas need to be worked off though it also depends on the dog’s breed and size. Large breed dogs can take more tortillas, especially if they exercise a lot. Though, the same is not the case for smaller dogs with lower energy requirements and do not work out as much. Find out here how much exercise a dog needs.
Dogs with health issues or require 10 to 20 minutes of exercise may find eating tortillas hazardous. That also applies to dogs with a slow metabolic rate. The rule of thumb with treats is they should be 10 percent of a dog’s caloric intake.
A small dog taking 400 calories per day would only need 40 [1]. One corn tortilla is 218 calories, so it would be advisable to feed them less than a half. Larger dogs taking 700 calories of food may take a half or one tortilla.
FAQs
What happens if dogs eat tortillas?
Dogs eat tortillas, provided it is in moderation. There is nothing toxic or unsafe about tortillas unless the dog has corn or wheat allergies.
Can dogs eat tortilla wraps?
Dogs eat tortilla chips or wraps in moderation. It is usually the seasoning or what is in the wraps that pose the problem. Your dog should not eat any onions or spicy bell peppers because these are toxic to them.
How many corn tortillas can dogs eat?
If it is an occasional treat, your dog can eat one without harming the system. It should be less though if the dog is small or inactive because they require less calories and exercise less.
Can dogs eat taco shells?
It is possible for dogs to eat taco shells provided they are plain. Dogs should not eat too much of anything that is deep-fried or has too much salt.
