Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortillas? A Look at This Human Food

Whether you have some extra food you want to give to your furry friend or you're just interested in some of the strange things dogs can and cannot eat, you may have asked yourself - can dogs eat flour tortillas? While flour tortillas are not poisonous or immediately harmful to dogs in small amounts, they are high in carbohydrates and don't offer much nutritional benefit to dogs. Consuming too many tortillas can cause weight gain and other digestive problems and can even lead to diabetes and pancreatitis in dogs in the long run.

To answer this question, we'll share insights from veterinary nutritionists, take a look at the nutritional content of flour tortillas, and discuss research on how a dog's ancestral history can impact their ability to digest certain foods. After reading this article, you'll be able to decide whether or not you want to give your dog tortillas as an occasional treat or as a regular part of their diet.

Nutritional Analysis: What's Inside a Tortilla?

Flour tortillas are made from enriched wheat flour, water, vegetable oil or shortening, and salt. As Britannica explains, they may also include leavening agents such as baking powder. A standard flour tortilla has about 36 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of protein, and 4 grams of fat per serving.

The high carbohydrate content is worrisome for dogs because, as Dope Dog points out, too many carbs can lead to weight gain and don't offer much in the way of nutrition. In addition, flour tortillas don't include many of the essential nutrients that dogs need in their diets.

On top of that, the wheat in flour tortillas can cause food allergies or sensitivities in some dogs. Rover.com explains that dogs with grain allergies need to stay away from tortillas that are made with wheat.

On the other hand, corn tortillas are made from masa harina (corn that has been dried and treated with lime water). They tend to have fewer calories and fewer carbs and more fiber than flour tortillas. However, some dogs may have trouble digesting corn. For dogs that don't have a problem with grains, corn tortillas are probably the better choice between the two because they have fewer calories and carbs.

While not toxic, the nutritional content makes it clear that tortillas should be an occasional indulgence for dogs, not a regular part of their diet, due to the potential for weight gain, lack of nutrition, and allergens.

Digestive Risks: Potential Issues from Consuming Tortillas

As noted by Petlife, one of the most common risks of feeding tortillas to dogs is gastrointestinal upset, which can manifest as an upset stomach, diarrhea, and in some cases, vomiting. This is because the high carbohydrate and low fiber content of tortillas can cause digestive issues.

Per Bond Vet, symptoms of digestive upset in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, increased gas, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. Dog owners should be on the lookout for these signs if their dog has eaten tortillas.

If a dog does experience digestive upset, JustAnswer suggests that owners can help their pet recover by reintroducing fluids and feeding them a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. In addition, antacids and probiotics can be used to help soothe the stomach and restore the dog’s digestive system. If the dog’s symptoms don’t go away, or if they get worse, it’s important to take the dog to the vet.

Although tortillas aren’t necessarily toxic to dogs, their high carbohydrate content and potential to cause digestive upset mean that they should be avoided or only fed to dogs in small amounts and on an occasional basis as a special treat. Dog owners should be aware of the potential for digestive upset and be prepared to help their pet if they experience any issues after eating tortillas.

Tortilla Chips: A Healthier Alternative or Junk Food for Dogs?

If flour or corn tortillas aren’t the healthiest choice for your dog, you may be wondering if tortilla chips are a better option. According to Hepper, tortilla chips are safe for dogs to eat because they’re made from simple ingredients like corn, vegetable oil, and salt. However, the Rover.com article warns that tortilla chips are still dangerous because of their high sodium content and unhealthy fats.

The Therapy Pets Unlimited article notes that the sodium and calorie content in tortilla chips can cause problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity if they’re consumed in large quantities. In addition, some tortilla chips are flavored with garlic or onion powder, which are toxic to dogs.

While tortilla chips may be a better option than regular potato chips, they should still be considered junk food for dogs. The Hepper article suggests that tortilla chips should be given to dogs as an occasional small treat rather than being included in their diet. Like any human food, it’s important to feed tortilla chips to dogs in moderation and control their portion sizes.

Healthy Alternatives: Healthy Snacks for Dogs

Because tortillas and tortilla chips don't have much nutritional value for dogs, pet parents can opt for healthier snack alternatives. According to DogFood.Guide, some of the best alternatives are crispy dog treats that are made from dehydrated or air-dried meats such as pork, beef, lamb liver, or chicken breast. The Dogster piece also suggests crunchy dog biscuits, including grain-free and gluten-free options, and homemade veggie or fruit chips/crisps that don't contain any seasoning.

For a dog-friendly snack, the Real Advice Gal recommends apple rolls made with flour tortillas, apples, honey, and cinnamon. Applesauce or diced pears can be used as a healthy alternative to apples. The most important thing is to use natural, whole ingredients that offer dogs some nutritional value.

No matter what the snack is, it's important to remember that dogs should be given human food in moderation and with portion control. As the American Kennel Club points out, pet parents should always talk to their vet or a canine nutritionist to find out what the best snacks are for their dog's specific dietary and health needs.

Wrapping Up: Flour Tortillas and Your Dog

While flour tortillas are not poisonous to dogs, they don't have much nutritional value and can lead to a number of health problems if they are eaten in large amounts. The high carbohydrate content and low nutritional value of tortillas can lead to weight gain, digestive problems, and even contribute to the worsening of conditions like diabetes and pancreatitis in the long run.

It's important to feed dogs tortillas and other human foods in moderation. The best way to keep dogs safe from potential health problems is to make sure that tortillas are an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a dog's diet. Dog owners should focus on feeding their pets a well-balanced, species-appropriate diet and work with their veterinarians to find the best snacks for their dog's unique needs and health concerns.