Can Dogs Eat Corn Tortillas?

Even though you may occasionally feed your dog one or two tortillas, it is best to avoid giving it any processed snacks made with corn or flour. Our furry friends should not be given processed foods.

If you keep reading, you will also discover that some tortillas could contain harmful ingredients for dogs.

Although dogs can eat one tortilla without any harm, it is not recommended. Tortillas are mainly made of corn and flour, which both have high carbohydrate content and provide no nutritional value to dogs. Your dog could become obese quickly if they ingest too many carbs. You should carefully read the labels on tortillas to ensure that your dog is safe.

Dogs are more sensitive to food than humans, so it is important to remember that their digestive systems can be much more sensitive than those of humans.

This article covers everything you need to know regarding tortillas and dogs, including safety information, nutrition, health hazards, as well as everything in between. Let’s get started!

Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?

No, your dog shouldn’t eat tortillas.

Vets do not advise feeding dogs tortillas because they are high in carbs and can pose a health risk to dogs.

It is not a good idea to include tortillas in your dog’s routine meals. Although they are not toxic or poisonous, tortillas will not meet a dog’s nutritional needs.

Are Tortillas Healthy for Dogs?

Tortillas can be harmful to dogs.

To find out what makes tortillas so unhealthy for dogs, we need to look at the nutritional content of tortillas.

Tortillas Nutrients

Flour Tortillas vs Corn Tortillas

There are generally two types of tortillas on the market: flour and corn. To see if dogs can eat tortillas, let’s compare them.

• Macronutrients

Flour tortillas have a high proportion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats and have more calories than corn tortillas.

This may make you think flour tortillas are better. However, flour tortillas have about 5g more fats and carbs than corn, and this can lead to obesity and other cardiovascular problems in dogs.

Flour tortillas contain just 3g more protein, which is a critical macronutrient for dogs’ muscles and organs.

It’s not healthy to feed your dog food, thinking it’s providing protein and not realizing that it also contains non-required fats or carbs.

• Fiber

Fibers are essential as they help dogs maintain a healthy weight, digest food quickly, and control diabetes. Corn tortillas deliver more fiber than flour tortillas, which gives it an advantage.

• Sugars

For humans and for dogs, sugars are considered extremely unhealthy because they can lead to obesity, diabetes, liver problems, and other health issues.

Corn tortillas have significantly fewer sugars than flour tortillas, which gives it an advantage.

• Minerals

Corn tortillas contain a greater amount of magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus than other foods. This is essential for optimal body function.

On the other hand, flour tortillas are high in calcium, iron, and sodium. Calcium and iron are essential for bone growth and certain enzyme functions, while sodium is vital for body development.

However, sodium is only necessary for small amounts. The 736mg of sodium in a flour tortilla is much higher than the 45mg found in a corn tortilla. This makes it dangerous for dogs and can lead to seizures, depression, high temperatures, and tremors.

Salt is a sensitive topic for dogs because much can cause sodium poisoning.

This fact-based analysis shows corn tortillas outrun flour tortillas. However, because they contain fats and sodium as well as sugars, it is not possible to conclude that corn tortillas are good for dogs’ health.

Tortilla Ingredients: Toxic for Dogs?

To start, you can choose from either prepared tortillas or homemade tortillas.

These are the standard ingredients in store-bought tortillas and the possible dangers for your dog.

• Corn kernels

Before giving your dog a corn tortilla, make sure that he isn’t allergic to corn.

• Corn flour

Corn flour can be used in pet food, but it doesn’t add much nutritional value.

• Nixtamalization

It is a process that involves boiling corn in an alkaline solution containing calcium hydroxide or limewater. The food-grade calcium hydroxide is generally safe. On the other hand, industrial-grade calcium hydroxide can cause severe injury and death.

• Xylanases and amylases

They are often used in corn and wheat tortillas to increase textural shelf-life. A high level of amylase may indicate a medical condition such as a disorder in the pancreas or another medical condition.

• Proteases, transglutaminases and oxidoreductase

They are used for modifying the rheological properties in wheat flour tortilla doughs.

• Salt

Dogs who overeat salty foods can become dehydrated and develop more serious health problems.

• Preservatives, gums, emulsifiers, and acidulants

They are all used to extend the shelf life of table tortillas.

Dogs should avoid processed foods. While some food preservatives are suitable for humans, they can cause severe health risks in dogs.

Emulsifiers are essential for the production of processed foods. A study published tested the health effects of emulsifiers on laboratory mice. It found that they had lower levels of gastrointestinal inflammation, increased appetite, and gained weight. They also develop insulin resistance had higher blood sugar levels.

You now know the process of making tortillas, so be careful when your dog comes into contact with store-bought tortillas.

Related: Can Dogs Eat Cornbread?

How to Feed Tortillas to your Dog?

Tortillas come in two varieties: tortilla chips and tacos. Tortilla wraps can be eaten with or without guacamole, but they will be too dry and tasteless for your dog.

Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Wraps?

Dogs can eat corn tortilla wraps in moderation but should not eat any other food encased in these wraps. The fillings for tortilla wraps include tasty sauces, fried meats, and salts that increase the fat- and sodium content in your dog’s diet.

Flour tortilla wraps can also contain gluten, making them toxic for dogs suffering from gluten intolerance or other allergies. However, 100% corn tortillas can be safe for dogs with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Can Dogs Eat Doritos?

Dogs shouldn’t eat Doritos. They can be very toxic because they contain unhealthy oils that can cause dogs to become sick.

Doritos are also toxic to dogs because they contain artificial flavorings, color enhancers, and preservatives.

Dogs will ask for more Doritos after they have finished one packet. Some tortilla chips contain onion powder and garlic, which can be quite toxic to dogs.

How Many Tortillas Can My Dog Eat?

Tortillas can be toxic to dogs if they are consumed in large quantities. Tortillas are high-energy food items and can pose a danger to dogs. Tortillas can be dangerous for dogs because they are high in calories and are loaded with minerals and salts that could increase their risk of developing severe health problems.

• Moderate tortilla intake might not be a problem for an active dog that runs extra to stay fit.
• Tortillas can be dangerous for lazy dogs who need extra exercise. Even if it’s just one wrap, eating tortillas is dangerous for most small and medium-sized dogs.

Another factor to consider is age. Senior dogs may have food allergies that make it difficult for them to eat high-calorie foods.

Related: Best Senior Dog Food Reviews – 2022

Are Tortillas Bad for Dogs?

Yes, tortillas can be harmful to dogs. We have already given an overview of potential health issues.

Here are the details:

Obesity

A Dorito pack provides almost 260 calories for a dog. It’s not a regular meal for the dog, it’s a snack. Simple tortilla wraps, on the other hand, contain between 230 and 330 calories per 56g. They can be used in meals but will not provide the right nutrition and calorie intake as regular meals. As a result, your dog will become obese.

Pancreatitis

Both corn and flour tortillas contain Amylase or Xylanase enzymes that enhance the tortilla’s textural shelf-life. Infection in the pancreas and pancreatitis can result from an increased amount of these enzymes.

This disease is persistent and can cause pancreas damage over time.

Diabetes

While we’ve already discussed how much sugar is in tortillas, we haven’t talked about how dangerous sugar can be for dogs.

Although natural sugar is good for dogs, artificial sugar can cause diabetes in dogs. Diabetes can cause death in dogs within two to three years.

Heart Diseases

Because of the high amount of calories and lipids in tortillas and the saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in them, dogs can’t eat tortillas. This can lead to heart disease in senior dogs.

Upset Stomach

The dough for tortillas may contain yeast, which can lead to dog stomach problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

If tortillas are grizzled in extra oils and flavored with cheese, onions, and garlic, stomach upset can worsen, leading to permanent damage.

Allergies

Gluten in flour can be a significant allergen. However, other allergens like artificial preservatives and wheat grains can also cause gastrointestinal upset, itchy skin, or ear infections.

Dehydration (Salt Consumption)

High sodium levels (hypernatremia), in addition to blood pressure problems, can lead to dehydration. The kidneys must work hard to flush out the salts.

Your dog might become susceptible to kidney disease if he is overeating salt.

If you are faced with a dilemma between tortillas and white bread, you can give your dog the former, but only in small amounts. We recommend that you feed your dog a healthy and balanced diet.

So, can dogs eat tortillas despite all the problems and harmful ingredients? No.

Frequently Asked Question

These are some questions that dog parents often ask about their dogs eating tortillas.

Can Puppies Eat Tortillas?

No. Not really. They are still in a developmental stage and shouldn’t be fed food that could cause future health problems.

Can Dogs Eat Wraps?

If you’re sure the food inside is safe for dogs and that the tortilla wrap is homemade, it might be okay for your dog to have a small amount. Do not give your dog store-bought wraps as they may have unsafe ingredients. Make sure you cook a dog-friendly wrap.

Can Dogs Eat Taco Shells?

Taco shells are similar in their construction to tortilla chips. Although small amounts may not be harmful to your dog, you should be more cautious about what’s in the taco shell. Tacos often contain condiments and spices that are not appropriate for dogs.

Can Some Breeds Eat Tacos?

We don’t recommend feeding tortillas to any breed of dog. Some ingredients in tortillas are unsafe for dogs, especially if they are consumed in large quantities.

Further Reading:

• Can Dogs Eat Slim Jims? Should You Feed Your Dog Beef Jerky?
• Can Dogs Eat Pastrami Meat?
• Can Dogs Eat Cheetos?
• Can Dogs Eat Cereal?
• Can Dogs Eat Corn flakes?