It is a common attitude among pet owners to experiment with introducing new foods into a dog diet once in a while. Dogs are keen to have a taste of whatever is on our plate, and often, tortillas come with that curiosity. But what about tortillas, are they safe for dogs?
What pet owners really need to realize is that human meals affect canine health adversely. Now, let us go into some of the basic starting points.
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?
As far as Mexican people are concerned, the simple answer is that dogs can eat tortillas but it has its limitations. Corn as well as flour tortillas are normally safe and secure for pets if offered periodically. Nevertheless, there are reasons to think twice before offering them tortillas consistently.
If there is one thing in the world that you need to know and have from New Mexico, it’s corn tortillas.
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are generally the safest bet as they contain less ingredients. They are usually more digestive-friendly for dogs, especially if prepared without preservatives or additives.
Flour Tortillas: Flour tortillas, however, can be trickier. Usually, they are prepared with refined flour, which may cause bloating and digestive upset for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Risks of Giving Your Dog Tortillas
Tortillas in themselves are not an immediate danger, but they do come with some serious risks.
Carbohydrate Overload
Tortillas are a very high carbohydrate food. Canines do not need a carb-laden diet, and over-abundance of carbs can promote weight gain, as opposed to humans. This can increase the risk of obesity and all those other nasty health problems associated with diabetes and joints over time.
Preservatives and Additives
Commercial tortillas will have preservatives and other harmful inhibitors. We should avoid any ingredients such as hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors, excess salt etc. in our dog diet as it also contribute to some GI problems or even toxic reactions in some cases.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Other dogs may be allergic to the ingredients in the tortilla, primarily wheat or corn. Symptoms vary from less severe itch and skin irritations to more serious gastrointestinal upsets. If you are not sure, it is better to talk to your veterinarian before introducing tortillas to dog food.
The Role of Tortillas in a Dog’s Diet
Consider them an occasional meal, not a dietary staple. Frequent feeding gives way to shortages, as they do not contain any of the required nutrients necessary for a balanced dog diet.
Portion Control Matters
When you give your dog a tortilla, be sure to serve it in moderation. And a tiny morsel from time to time won’t hurt most dogs, however, larger parts or repeated feasting can motive gastrointestinal upset or even help from obesity.
Talk to Your Vet
The best thing you can do if you are ever unsure about whether to give your pet a specific human food or not is just ask your veterinarian. Tortillas are not totally as evil as crispy fried tortilla chips, but they are similarly useless and can cause trouble when eaten too regularly. It is always safest and healthiest to choose fruit, vegetables, or treats designed for dog consistency!
Conclusion
Although, we might be tempted to share tortilla chips with our furry friends because dogs sniff around for food often, moderation and mindfulness are essential. Tortillas do not offer much value in a dog diet, and feeding them frequently can be a risk. Dogs need balanced nutrition in the amounts that are appropriate for them, and treating them within the safety ranges helps you keep your best friend around longer.
