Tortilla chips are great snacks because they’re easy to prepare, conveniently available almost anywhere, and can be paired with different dips. You can basically eat tortilla chips anytime, anywhere — when you’re watching a movie in your living room, having a BBQ party with your friends, and craving some munchies in the middle of the night.
And because you love your dogs so much, you might be thinking of giving them some tortilla chips. Your dogs deserve to be given everything in this world — and you’re probably thinking that this includes giving them tortilla chips.
Unfortunately, tortilla chips and dogs don’t sit well together. You should never give tortilla chips to your dogs because they contain the following ingredients:
Sodium
In general, dogs can tolerate sodium in their kibbles or treats. However, when consumed in large amounts, sodium can cause health issues, namely heart diseases and high blood pressure.
According to the Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources, a 33-pound dog only needs 100 milligrams of salt every day. However, one ounce of tortilla chips already contains 120 to 180 milligrams of salt (the amount may vary depending on the brand).
Calories
Eating tortilla chips can expose your dogs to excess calories. Most dogs need between 25 to 30 calories per pound to remain healthy and maintain their weight. One ounce of tortilla chips already contains ten calories. Add that to the calories found in your dogs’ kibbles and treats and your furry friends will be at risk of excessive weight gain and obesity.
Fats
Corn, in general, is safe and healthy for dogs. But because tortilla chips are deep-fried in oil, their fat and calorie content can veer into the unhealthy side. Oil contains high levels of trans and saturated fat, which can put your dogs at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Garlic And Onion Powder
Tortilla chips often use onion and garlic powder. These ingredients are highly toxic to dogs as they contain chemicals that can damage their red blood cells. This can result in hemolytic anemia that can lead to sudden death when not treated immediately.
What Happens If Your Dogs Ate Tortilla Chips?
If your dogs ate tortilla chips, they might exhibit the following symptoms in the next 12 – 24 hours:
- Disorientation
- Excessive thirst
- Frequent urination
- Scratching and itching
- Vomiting
Once your dogs show any of the symptoms mentioned above, rush them to the vet immediately. Don’t wait for these symptoms to worsen, as your dogs will have lesser chances of surviving the ordeal. The sooner your dogs can see the vet, the better.
Can Puppies Eat Tortilla Chips?
No, you should never offer tortilla chips to your puppies as they’re more vulnerable to health issues. Puppies’ digestive tracts are still developing, and feeding them tortilla chips can lead to an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, and even dehydration.
Can Dogs Eat Flour Tortilla Chips?
No, dogs should never eat flour tortilla chips because they’re loaded with too much salt. As mentioned, excessive sodium consumption can cause several health problems in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Blue Corn Chips?
No, your dogs can’t still eat blue corn chips. Although presented as a healthier alternative to typical yellow tortilla chips for humans, corn chips are still processed and contain unhealthy levels of oils, spices, and salt. These ingredients can make your dogs sick.
Can Dogs Eat Doritos?
No, you should never feed Doritos to your dogs because it contains high amounts of sugar and salt. Some flavors of Doritos, such as Cool Ranch and Nacho Cheese, also use garlic and onion powders, ingredients that are highly toxic to canines. Doritos also use lactose, which can cause stomach upset if your dogs are sensitive to dairy.
How About Cheetos?
No, Cheetos are a no-go for your dogs because of their high fat and sodium content. Long-term, these ingredients can cause dehydration and heart problems. Cheetos also have corn and lactose that can cause stomach upset in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pringles?
No, you shouldn’t offer Pringles to your dogs. Pringles contain the same ingredients as Doritos and Cheetos, making them equally unhealthy and unsafe.
Can Dogs Eat Plain Potatoes?
The answer to this question depends on the type of potato you’re going to feed them. Green potatoes often cause symptoms in dogs, such as weakness, confusion, and gastrointestinal distress. Sweet potatoes, on the other hand, are healthy snacks for your dogs because they’re packed with essential vitamins and minerals.
What Are Canine-Friendly Alternatives To Tortilla Chips?
Because of the ingredients of tortilla chips, it’s best not to give any to your furry friends. If you want them to snack something crunchy and healthy at the same time, you can give them the following instead:
Artichokes
Artichokes are healthy snacks for dogs because they contain vitamin C, potassium, folic acid, and tons of antioxidants. Feeding artichokes to your dogs (in moderation) can prevent illnesses, keep their immune systems strong, and alleviate symptoms caused by irritable bowels.
Turnips
Turnips are an excellent source of folic acid and magnesium to dogs. This vegetable also supports a healthy metabolism, keeps your dogs’ nervous systems healthy, and stimulates proper kidney functions.
Papaya
Looking for a sweet and healthy snack for your furry friends? Add papayas to their diets. This fruit contains vitamins A, C, E, and K that can strengthen your dogs’ immune systems and boost their energy. The high fiber content of papayas can also prevent obesity and ensure a healthy digestive tract in dogs.
Banana
Bananas are excellent sources of biotin, copper, and vitamin B6. All of these nutrients promote healthy bone growth and help your dogs absorb more vitamins from other food. Bananas also have potassium that can relieve muscle cramps and symptoms of arthritis.
Carrot
Carrots have vitamin A that boosts the immune system, and improves the skin health of your dogs. This vitamin also plays a significant role in maintaining a healthy vision in dogs, especially during their senior years.
Partner With A Vet
Tortilla chips are unsafe and unhealthy for your furry friends, so discipline yourself not to give them any. Resisting their cute eyes as they beg you to give them tortilla chips is challenging, but this sacrifice will be worth it in the long run.
If you’re looking for canine-friendly alternatives to tortilla chips, ask for recommendations from your vet. They can create a healthy diet for your fur babies to ensure that they’re spoiled and will remain healthy for years!