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Can Dogs Eat Takis?

How should I put this – Takis are high in sodium, spicy, full of artificial flavors, hot, and greasy – so the answer is no, dogs absolutely cannot eat Takis. Ulrta processed snacks are really not good for dogs, and you should never give your dog Takis.

takis on a plate and a dog
Table Of Contents
  1. Are Takis safe for dogs? Are they toxic?!
  2. Takis Ingredients
  3. FAQs

Of course, this advice is for you not to give your dog Takis deliberately, but if you left a bag on the table and they ate it, the good news is that they will be fine. You may have to help them overcome some stomach issues, but it’s highly unlikely that anything bad will happen. However, if you have a small dog and they ate a whole bag, they might have issues with garlic and onion powder, which can cause digestive issues.

Are Takis safe for dogs? Are they toxic?!

Takis are not toxic for dogs, and even if you have a small dog, they probably can’t eat that much for Takis to be toxic. However, there are risks, especially for small dogs. Takis contain onion and garlic powder, which can be toxic to dogs in large quantities. For a small dog to experience toxicity from these ingredients, they would need to consume an insane amount – really a lot of Takis, but still, it’s better to be careful.

Another concern is sodium poisoning. Takis are super salty, and excessive salt intake can cause sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of sodium poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and even death in severe cases. The high salt content in Takis makes them a dangerous snack for dogs, and it’s best to keep them far out of reach to prevent any accidental ingestion.

Takis Ingredients

Corn masa flour
Vegetable oil (palm oil and/or soybean oil and/or canola oil)
Seasoning (maltodextrin, salt, citric acid, sugar, monosodium glutamate, artificial color [Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake], hydrolyzed soybean protein, onion powder, yeast extract, partially hydrogenated soybean oil, chili pepper [Chile], sodium bicarbonate, soybean oil, artificial flavor, disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate)

Corn masa flour

What it is: Ground corn treated with lime.
Where it’s found: Tortillas, tamales, other corn-based snacks.
Impact on dogs: Generally safe in small amounts, but not nutritionally beneficial.

Vegetable oil (palm oil, soybean oil, canola oil)

What it is: Fats used for cooking and frying.
Where it’s found: Various processed foods and snacks.
Impact on dogs: High in fat; excessive consumption can sometimes lead to pancreatitis and other digestive issues.

Maltodextrin

What it is: A food additive made from starch.
Where it’s found: Processed foods, candies, sodas.
Impact on dogs: Can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels.

Salt

What it is: Sodium chloride, used for seasoning and preservation.
Where it’s found: Nearly all processed foods.
Impact on dogs: High amounts can lead to sodium ion poisoning, causing symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

Citric acid

What it is: A natural preservative and flavoring agent.
Where it’s found: Citrus fruits, candies, sodas.
Impact on dogs: Large amounts can cause stomach upset and tooth enamel erosion.

Sugar

What it is: Sweetener.
Where it’s found: Sweets, snacks, processed foods.
Impact on dogs: Can lead to weight gain, dental issues, and diabetes.

Monosodium glutamate (MSG)

What it is: A flavor enhancer.
Where it’s found: Processed foods, snacks, canned soups.
Impact on dogs: Can cause symptoms like lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea in large amounts.

Artificial colors (Red 40 Lake, Yellow 6 Lake, Yellow 5 Lake, Blue 1 Lake)

What they are: Synthetic dyes used to enhance color.
Where they’re found: Candies, snacks, beverages.
Impact on dogs: Can cause allergic reactions and hyperactivity.

Hydrolyzed soybean protein

What it is: A flavor enhancer made from soy.
Where it’s found: Processed foods, sauces, snacks.
Impact on dogs: Can cause allergic reactions in some dogs.

Onion powder

What it is: Dehydrated ground onion.
Where it’s found: Seasonings, soups, processed foods.
Impact on dogs: Toxic to dogs; can cause hemolytic anemia, leading to weakness and vomiting.

Yeast extract

What it is: A flavor enhancer made from yeast.
Where it’s found: Processed foods, savory snacks, soups.
Impact on dogs: Generally safe in small amounts, but can cause digestive upset in large quantities.

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil

What it is: A type of fat used to extend shelf life.
Where it’s found: Processed foods, baked goods, snacks.
Impact on dogs: High in trans fats, which can lead to heart disease and obesity.

Chili pepper (Chile)

What it is: Spicy seasoning from dried chilies.
Where it’s found: Spicy foods, seasonings.
Impact on dogs: Can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and irritation.

Sodium bicarbonate

What it is: Baking soda, used as a leavening agent.
Where it’s found: Baked goods, processed foods.
Impact on dogs: Large amounts can cause electrolyte imbalances and metabolic alkalosis.

Artificial flavor

What it is: Chemically synthesized flavors.
Where it’s found: Various processed foods and snacks.
Impact on dogs: Can cause allergic reactions and other health issues.

Disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate

What they are: Flavor enhancers.
Where they’re found: Processed foods, snacks, seasonings.
Impact on dogs: Generally safe in small amounts, but can cause digestive upset in large quantities.

Overall, Takis contain multiple ingredients that are harmful to dogs, including high levels of sodium, artificial additives, and toxic seasonings like onion powder. It’s best to keep these snacks far away from your dog.

A word on artificial colors and flavors

Artificial colors, artificial flavors, and ultra-processed foods are really bad for dogs. These additives can cause all sorts of health issues, like allergic reactions, hyperactivity, and digestive problems. Artificial colors are synthetic dyes that can trigger allergies and behavior changes. Similarly, artificial flavors are chemically made to mimic natural tastes, and they can lead to health complications. 

Ultra-processed foods, which mix these additives with high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and salts, offer almost no nutritional value and can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and heart disease in dogs. Feeding your dog these kinds of foods regularly can seriously impact their overall health. It’s always best to stick to natural, whole foods to keep your dog happy and healthy.

In conclusion, while a bit of salt in tortilla chips won’t hurt your dog, you should know the risks with ultra-processed snacks like Takis. We’ve debunked the myth that tiny amounts of onion and garlic powder, like what’s in Goldfish crackers, will harm dogs. But it’s still important to check what’s in these snacks. Understanding the ingredients in ultra-processed foods helps you make better choices for your dog and yourself. Always go for natural, whole foods to keep your dog happy and healthy.

Love, life, and fur forever!

FAQs

Can dogs eat blue Takis?

No, dogs should not eat blue Takis. These snacks are high in sodium, artificial colors, and spices that can be dangerous to dogs.

Can a dog eat one Taki?

While one Taki is unlikely to cause serious harm, it’s not recommended. The spices, salt, and artificial ingredients can upset your dog’s stomach.

Can dogs eat spicy chips?

Dogs should avoid spicy chips. The spices and high salt content can cause gastrointestinal issues and, in large amounts, lead to more serious health problems. Always opt for healthier, dog-safe treats.

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