Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in the United States. People love their tacos, tortillas, and fajitas, but what if you are feeding a dog?
Many people have reported that dogs seem to go crazy for tacos. Dogs seem to love the smell of the meat and tortilla. They also enjoy licking off the toppings like cheese and guacamole.
Since dogs have evolved as carnivores, their digestive systems can handle meat much better than plants such as grains. That is why many commercial dog foods contain meat proteins instead of plant proteins.
So, can dogs have flour tortillas? Well, it depends. Plain flour tortillas are plant based, so no dogs can have them. However, you can make corn tortillas instead, which are animal-friendly.
Can dogs eat flour tortillas
Unfortunately, flour tortillas are not dog-friendly foods. Most pets do not have the capacity to digest wheat, which is a key ingredient in flour tortillas.
Additionally, wheat can cause mild intestinal irritation and inflammation. Since dogs generally do not have strong immune systems like humans, they can develop symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting when exposed to wheat.
Even small amounts of wheat can have serious effects on a dog. Since flour tortillas contain gluten, your dog should not have any exposure to them.
Chihuahuas are one of the few dog breeds that can have some sensitivity to gluten. If your Chihuahua has developed symptoms like weight loss or diarrhea after eating gluten, they should be avoided entirely.
Otherwise, having a little bit of rice in their food will not hurt them. Rice is a safe alternative to wheat for dogs.
Yes! Flour tortillas are safe for dogs to eat
Many people assume that dog food is made from garbage, meaning any kind of food is okay to be fed to a dog. This is not true.
Dogs have special dietary needs that are different than humans and cats. Dogs need more protein, fewer carbohydrates, and no grains. Because of this, dog foods are made with different ingredients and in different ratios.
Baked tortillas are made of wheat flour which is a grain and therefore not suitable for dogs. However, plain tortillas without any fillings or toppings can be safely eaten by dogs.
Bread can be hazardous to dogs due to the high protein content but plain old fashioned tortillas are just made of only two ingredients: wheat flour and water. Both of these are acceptable for dogs so long as the amount given is small enough.
They make great treats
While tortillas can make for a good dog treat, you have to be careful. You can only give them plain white wheat tortillas, not flavored or spicy ones.
Traci, the blogger behind Dog Food Logic, says dogs can have corn tortillas, but only if they’re gluten free. The same goes for flour tortillas unless your dog is allergic to wheat.
If your dog enjoys playing with dough or toys made of dough, then a homemade flour tortilla could be a fun treat. Traci says they can also be used as a training reward.
Unfortunately, if your dog likes eating plastic, then they will enjoy biting into a flour tortilla. Because of this, you should not use them as a training reward unless you want to replace the smell and taste of the food with the smell and taste of the plastic it contains.
Gluten-free foods are becoming more common in our diets, so it is important to know if your dog can have them or not.
Contains carbohydrates
Although tortillas are a staple in many dog owners’ diets, they contain carbohydrates that most dogs do not digest well. Plus, they are very high in calories.
Most dogs have a hard time breaking down complex carbs, so unless your dog needs the extra calories, stay away from tortillas. If you need to feed your dog a tortilla, just make sure it is a small, thin one.
Because they are made with wheat flour, tortillas contain gluten. Dogs who suffer from gluten sensitive enteropathy (a digestive disorder) and/or dermatitis herpetiformis (a skin disorder) should avoid gluten.
However, most dogs can have small amounts of gluten without any adverse effects. So, if you need to give your dog a tortilla, make sure it is very small and makes up only a small part of their diet.
Good source of vitamins and minerals
While tortillas may not be the healthiest food, they can be good for your dog in small doses. Made from a mix of wheat and maize, tortillas contain vitamins and minerals your dog needs.
They also have little fat, which is an important quality when feeding dogs. Of course, you should not give your dog too many tortillas or make them the main food source, but once in a while, it is fine.
Tortillas contain almost no protein, so dogs cannot survive on them. However, they do have enough to partially fill the need for protein in your dog’s diet.
The main problem with giving your dog a tortilla is the high level of carbohydrates it contains. Dogs do not need many carbs, so this may cause some issues.
Flour tortillas are made from wheat flour
While many people with allergies recognize wheat as an allergen, few recognize its potential harm to dogs. Dogs do not need wheat in their diets, and exposure can result in allergic reactions and even veterinary expenses.
Although you can find gluten-free tortillas, they are rarely dog-safe since no animals eat wheat exclusively. So, if you have to pick between the two, go with the corn tortilla!
Since dogs tend to love meat and cheese filled tortillas, it can be hard to know if your dog had exposure unless there are noticeable symptoms. If your dog seems off or has vomiting or diarrhea, then considers taking them to the vet.
We hope you learned that dogs can have flour tortillas too! Let us know if your dog likes them in the comments below.
They make great sandwich wraps
While tortillas make great dog treats, you can also use them as a replacement for bread on your dog’s lunch sandwiches.
Canine lunch classics, like dogs and burgers, pair well with tortillas. You can also use them as walking trail maps when you’re exploring new places with your dog.
Overall, tortillas are a neutral food that both dogs and dogs like. They are also easy to store and clean up after use. Most dogs will not care if they are a corn or flour tortilla either!
Both brown and white tortillas are wheat products, so both of these can be used for your dog’s lunch.
Dogs can have a small piece of a tortilla
While tortillas are dog-friendly, you should be careful about what you put on them. You can give your dog a plain tortilla with no fillings, but anything more complicated and you run the risk of an allergic reaction.
The same goes for the filling you put on the tortilla. If your dog is allergic to chicken, for example, give them the tortilla without the chicken and everything will be fine.
As with any food item, watch your dog for any weird behavioral changes after giving them a tortilla. If they seem sick or uncomfortable, take them to the vet!
If you want to have your dog try out a burrito, by all means do so! Just make sure to cut off the ends of the wrap so that there is nowhere for the filling to get stuck. You can also give your dog some of the toppings like guacamole or jalapenos if they like those flavors.
