Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?

Believe it or not, corn tortilla chips are not that bad for dogs, but the problem is that they’re too salty! So dogs shouldn’t eat tortilla chips, especially if they’re salty, spicy, and flavorful.

tortilla chips and a dog

Are tortilla chips safe for dogs?

Most dogs are not allergic to corn and will be fine if they eat some of your tortilla chips. However, processed snacks are not a good treat for our dogs. When we started this journey, talked to vets, and learned about canine nutrition, we discovered that foods high in sodium are one of the biggest culprits for dehydration and stomach issues.

Corn tortilla chips are usually high in sodium and often have crazy flavors, like BBQ, paprika, and bacon… they are full of artificial flavors.

So, even though tortilla chips are not toxic, we can’t say they are entirely safe for dogs.

If your dog has some, don’t panic; everything will be fine. But try to teach them not to steal tortilla chips from your table!

What you need to know about dogs and tortilla chips

High in salt: Tortilla chips are typically high in sodium, which is not good for dogs. Too much salt intake can cause dehydration and sodium ion poisoning in dogs.

Spices and flavorings: Many tortilla chips are flavored with spices, garlic, onion powder, and other ingredients that can be harmful to dogs. Onion and garlic, for instance, are toxic to dogs. They can cause anemia if consumed in large quantities.

Fat content: Like many processed snacks, tortilla chips can also be high in fats, which isn’t ideal for a dog’s diet. High-fat intake can lead to obesity and pancreatitis in dogs.

Avoid Giving Dogs Artificial Flavors Found in Tortilla Chips

Health Risks: Artificial flavors can cause digestive issues and allergic reactions in dogs.
No Nutritional Value: These flavors offer no benefits and can lead to unhealthy eating habits.

Help, my dog is begging for some tortilla chips and salsa!

A rule of thumb is that no human food is healthy for dogs. When we say human food, we mean the junk that we usually eat, full of oils, preservatives, additives, and whatnot. But we dedicated our entire blog to dogs’ nutrition, so we analyze all common foods and research if they are safe or not.

And how about Doritos?

If you’re wondering if dogs can eat Doritos, the answer is an absolute no! These popular snack chips are high in sodium and loaded with artificial flavors and seasonings, including onion and garlic powders, which, in high quantities, can be toxic to dogs.

It’s highly unlikely that your dog can eat that much Doritos for the onion powder to be toxic, but still, those additives are not good for them.

The cheesy or spicy varieties can be especially harmful, potentially leading to stomach upset or more serious health issues like sodium ion poisoning. While the occasional small piece might not cause immediate harm, Doritos should not be considered a safe treat for your dog. It’s best to stick with snacks specifically formulated for dogs to ensure their health and safety.

See below a colorful comparison that shows just how mush salt there is in Doritos!

an infographic that shows safe sodium limits by dog weight in doritos

Is it okay to give dogs unsalted tortilla chips?

Now, unsalted tortilla chips seem like a safer bet since they don’t have all that salt. But even then, they’re not exactly what you’d call healthy for your dog. They don’t really offer anything good, nutrition-wise, and can just add to their calorie count without any benefits. If you really want to give them a chip, make it a rare treat and keep it super small. But honestly, there are tons of healthier choices that’ll make your dog happier and keep them in tip-top shape.

So, make some better choices, and happy snacking!

Love, life, and fur forever.

FAQs

Can dogs munch on blue corn tortilla chips?

So, blue corn tortilla chips might catch your eye because they’re a different color, right? Well, just like the regular kind, they’re not really great for your dog. Sure, the blue corn itself isn’t the problem, but these chips usually pack a lot of salt and sometimes things that aren’t good for your pup. It’s better just to skip sharing these with your four-legged pal.

What about plain tortilla chips for dogs?

You might think, “Hey, if they’re plain, they must be okay for my dog,” but hold on. Even the plain ones have a bunch of salt, and too much salt isn’t good for dogs at all. It could make them really thirsty or even sick. So, giving them plain tortilla chips? Maybe think twice and only consider it once in a blue moon.

Can dogs have tortilla chips at all?

Whether they’ve got flavors or they’re just plain, tortilla chips generally aren’t the best snack choice for your dog. They’re salty and can have stuff that’s not great for their health. We love our dogs too much to give them snacks that don’t do them any good. There are way better treat options out there that they’ll love and that are good for them.

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