Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips? Vet Reviewed Risks & Safety Guide

Many dogs are talented at begging, and it doesn’t take much to convince a human to part with a chip, or many chips. Whether you’re munching on some chips and dip, or digging into some nachos, it can be second nature to offer some to your dog. But should you? Can dogs eat tortilla chips? Are they healthy for dogs?

Dogs can eat tortilla chips, but they’re not exactly healthy for them, so they shouldn’t make a habit out of it. This guide will cover the health facts, ingredients, and nutrition facts of tortilla chips so you will have all of the information you need before feeding your dog from the table.

Can Dogs Eat Tortilla Chips?

Yes. Dogs can technically eat tortilla chips. Tortilla chips have simple ingredients. They are largely made from salt and corn, which means there’s no harmful ingredients, but they have no benefit for dogs. However, they aren’t toxic, they aren’t poisonous, and they aren’t dangerous.

If your dog eats a tortilla chip, or even a bag of tortilla chips, they aren’t going to be severely affected. Although they do contain a moderate amount of sodium, it’s not a dangerously high amount. That doesn’t mean you should make a habit of sharing your guilty pleasure with your dog. You should refrain from feeding your dog human food like tortilla chips as it is not healthy or beneficial for them.

What Are Tortilla Chips Made From?

Tortilla chips have very simple ingredients. Processed chips will be made from corn, cornmeal, or maize. Homemade or organic tortilla chips are sometimes made from homemade corn tortillas. The base is corn. The mixture is then either baked or fried. Tortilla chips are very basic, but they do have high instances of sodium, salt, and oil. Tortilla chips can either be baked or fried. Fried chips are fattier and have more oil than baked chips.

None of the ingredients in tortilla chips are toxic to dogs. The primary ingredients in tortilla chips are corn, vegetable oil, and salt.

Are Tortilla Chips Unhealthy for Dogs?

Yes. Tortilla chips are unhealthy for dogs. While tortilla chips are not overtly harmful or toxic, they are by no means healthy. Dogs do not need corn, salt, or oil in their diets. Corn provides empty calories and carbohydrates that dogs do not need. Eating too many tortilla chips will overload your dog with sodium and fat. These things can cause gastrointestinal problems and obesity in large quantities.

What Are the Risks of Feeding Tortilla Chips to Dogs?

The main risk of feeding your dog tortilla chips is the fact that they are unhealthy. They offer no benefits for dogs. It is much better to feed dogs treats that are specifically formulated for dogs. Eating tortilla chips, especially on a regular basis or in large quantities, can contribute to obesity, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues.

Another potential issue that can arise from allowing your dog to indulge in treats like this is that it can make them more reluctant to eat their regular, healthy food. The occasional chip here and there won’t hurt, but it’s not something you want them becoming accustomed to.

Are Tortilla Chips Healthier Than Potato Chips?

Tortilla chips are technically healthier than potato chips. Tortilla chips have simpler ingredients and are based on corn rather than potatoes. However, tortilla chips still aren’t healthy. At the end of the day, both tortilla chips and potato chips are considered to be junk food, and neither should be fed to dogs on a regular basis or in large quantities.

Conclusion

Tortilla chips are a simple snack food that is not dangerous for dogs, but they are considered junk food. Tortilla chips might not be toxic or dangerous to dogs, but they are basically empty calories in terms of benefits or nutrition. You can feed your dog a tortilla chip every once in a while, but you should not make a habit of it. Refrain from feeding your dog tortilla chips, or any unhealthy human food, and give them healthy dog snacks instead.

See Also:

• Can Dogs Eat Takis?
• Can Dogs Eat Doritos?