We all know that dogs love to eat just about anything, but is a tortilla okay for them? Can dogs eat tortillas? In this article, we will explore the answer to that question and more. We will also discuss what to do if your dog happens to eat a tortilla. So, can dogs eat tortillas? Keep reading to find out!
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?
Yes, your dog can enjoy tortillas in moderation. This snack is made out of cornmeal, water, and salt, so it is not harmful to your furry friend. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you do decide to share your tortilla with your dog.
First of all, avoid feeding your dog tortillas that are high in fat. Too much fat can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas. This can be a very serious condition that may require veterinary care.
Secondly, make sure the tortillas you feed your dog are plain. Tortillas that are flavored with spices or contain fillings such as cheese and beans can cause digestive upset in dogs. If your dog does eat a flavored tortilla, watch out for signs of gastrointestinal distress such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Finally, don’t deep fry the tortillas before feeding them to your dog. Deep-fried foods are high in fat and can be very dangerous for dogs. If you want to give your dog a tortilla, simply bake or grill it.
Now that you know the answer to the question, “Can dogs eat tortillas?” you may be wondering what to do if your dog does. We will discuss that next.
What Happens if a Dog Eats Tortillas?
If your dog does eat a tortilla, don’t panic. Most likely, he will be just fine. However, it is important to keep an eye on him for any signs of digestive distress. This will likely happen if there are toxic ingredients in the tortilla, or if your pup ate too many.
Look out for the following signs:
Bloating and Gas
The most common side effects of eating a bunch of tortillas will be bloating and gas. Many dogs struggle with breaking down carbohydrates, so this is to be expected. Just keep an eye on your pup to make sure he isn’t in too much discomfort.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
If your dog eats a tortilla that contains spices or other fillings, he may experience vomiting and diarrhea. This can also happen if he eats too many tortillas at once. If your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away.
Lethargy and Loss of Appetite
If your dog ate a deep-fried tortilla, he may experience lethargy and a loss of appetite. This could be a sign of pancreatitis, so it is important to
Loss of Appetite
If your dog ate a deep-fried tortilla, he may experience lethargy and a loss of appetite. This could be a sign of pancreatitis or food poisoning, so it is important to keep an eye on this and make sure they don’t stop eating for more than a day or two.
What to Do if My Dog Eats Tortillas?
If your dog eats tortillas and is experiencing some signs of distress, there are a few things you can do to make it feel more comfortable:
Give Your Dog Some Physical Activity
Just like when humans become bloated and overly full, dogs sometimes need a bit of movement to help digest their food. A short walk or some playtime in the yard should help your pup feel better. Just don’t overdo it, which could make your dog feel even sicker or vomit.
Feed Your Dog Smaller Meals
If your dog is having trouble digesting tortillas, it may be helpful to feed him smaller meals more often throughout the day. This will help his stomach break down the food more easily.
Add Some Probiotics to Your Dog’s Diet
Probiotics are live microorganisms that help improve gut health. Adding some probiotics to your dog’s diet may help him digest tortillas more easily and reduce any gastrointestinal upset. You can find probiotic supplements at most pet stores or online.
Give Your Dog Some Extra Water
Water helps dilute any toxins in the gut and also aids in digestion. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink throughout the day. You may even want to add a little bit of water to his food bowl to help him stay hydrated.
Massage Your Dog’s Belly
Sometimes, a little bit of belly rub can help relieve some of the gas and bloating that comes with eating tortillas. Just be gentle and avoid pushing too hard on their stomach, which could make them uncomfortable or even vomit. They will let you know what feels good and what is too much.
Isolate Your Dog From Other Pets
If your pup is feeling under the weather after eating the tortillas, give them a bit of time alone to rest, especially if there are other active pets in the house. This will help them feel more relaxed and comfortable while their stomach settles down. Cuddle up with them and provide a calm and quiet environment.
Monitor Your Dog Closely
As tortillas are not a part of a dog’s normal diet, it is important to monitor your pup closely after he eats them. This way, you can catch any potential problems early on and get him the treatment he needs.
Contact Your Vet
If you notice more severe signs of distress, such as vomiting or diarrhea that lasts more than a day, loss of appetite for more than a day or two, lethargy, or bloating that is accompanied by pain, it is important to contact your veterinarian right away. They will be able to give you specific advice on what to do and may need to see your dog in person to rule out any other potential health problems.
How to Keep Tortilla Snacks Dog-Friendly
Here are a few ways to make tortillas more dog-friendly:
Only Use Dog-Friendly Fillings
When making tortillas for your dog, only use stuffings that are safe for them to eat. This means avoiding onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, and anything else that is toxic to dogs. You can find plenty of recipes online for dog-friendly tortilla fillings.
Go Easy on the Spices
While some spices are okay for dogs, others can be harmful. Avoid using any spices that are not safe for dogs, such as onions, garlic, and chili peppers.
Choose a Plain Tortilla
There are many different types of tortillas available, but it is best to choose a plain variety to feed your dog. This will help prevent any stomach upset that could come from added ingredients.
Avoid Deep-Frying
Deep-fried tortillas are not good for dogs or humans. The oil can be hard to digest and may cause gastrointestinal problems. Stick to plain, fresh tortillas instead.