We all have a tangled relationship with junk foods. The chip’s cracking sound is a piece of music to our ears. People want to go on the right balanced diet, yet often don’t have second thoughts about opening a bag of chips. It is a temptation we often cannot resist.
But what is most tempting is seeing your dog beside you, having this pitiful puppy-eyed look whilst begging for a bite. One little bite?
This article will answer the question if dogs can have tortilla chips.
Tortilla chips and potato chips both are okay to feed your dog, or aren’t they? If nothing happens, can I give my dog even more chips? Read on to find out!
CAN DOGS HAVE POTATO CHIPS?
Some fur parents tend to forget that any salty product has side effects. Salt is an additive that makes potato chips seem mouthwatering and flavorful. It may satisfy your salty cravings, but what about fur baby’s little tummy?
When dogs eat potato chips, they will consume too much salt. If a dog consumes too much salt, drinking water will be its next base to combat the effects. However, if a dog has already had an extreme amount of salt in a short time, it may lead to sodium poisoning.
WHAT IS SODIUM POISONING?
Sodium poisoning (also known as salt poisoning) is an excessive salt intake, which leads to the condition known as hypernatremia or water deprivation-sodium ion intoxication.
This kind of poisoning has historically been more common in the more sensitive species like swine, cattle, and poultry. But increasing reports have shown up regarding adverse effects in dogs from acute excess salt consumption.
Symptoms of Salt Poisoning include:
- Diarrhea
- Bloating
- Dizziness
- Dehydration
- Vomiting
- Seizures
There is no specific cure yet for that kind of poisoning. Taking away suboptimal food or drink is a must.
If you think these symptoms are happening to your dog, you should go to a clinic and let your dog be checked by a trusted veterinarian as soon as possible.
CAN DOGS EAT TORTILLA CHIPS?
Most people say tortilla chips seem way better than potato chips. Is it just a myth or a truth?
“There is not a tremendous difference nutritionally between standard potato chips and tortilla chips”, said Alicia Romano, a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and registered dietitian at Tufts Medical Center.
“Its only difference is the potato base (potato chips) versus corn base (tortilla chips)”, she continued.
In short, if tortilla chips only have a little difference from potato chips, it is still not good for your dogs to have them.
Above that, tortilla chips also contain some of the same ingredients potato chips have. An extreme amount or maybe a little bit of salt, onion, garlic, and any other flavoring powder you put on your chips can mess up your dog’s health.
MY DOG ATE CHIPS, AND HE WAS STILL FINE, SO WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL?
Remember, symptoms do not occur immediately. Fur buddies may tolerate a high concentration of salt only if they have continuous access to freshwater. But having water beside them does not mean they can eat whatever they want. Prevention is always better than cure.
HOW ABOUT GIVING MY DOG A PLAIN TORTILLA OR POTATO?
Corn and potatoes supply is beneficial to humans. However, if we’re talking about our fur best friends, the answer to the question goes in different ways.
Let’s talk about potatoes first. It is advisable not to give a dog any part of a raw potato or potato skin because of the toxins potatoes contain.
Raw potato, potato skin, and the foliage from the potato plant can poison your dogs, and they can even suffer from symptoms on this list:
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizziness
- Excess drooling
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Headache
- Heart problems
- Loss of sensation
- Numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth, and lips
- Seizures
- Swelling of tongue or lips
- Trembling
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
If symptoms are present, bring your dog to a nearby clinic immediately once you noticed these symptoms.
On the other hand, plain flour tortillas are unlikely to harm a dog. However, it is still best not to allow your dog to have it regularly. Maybe think of this flatbread as a special treat for your pet.
HAVING A HARD TIME NOT TO RESIST THOSE PITIFUL PUPPY EYES?
GIVE THEM THESE TREATS TO MAKE THEM HAPPY
Oh no! Did your dog catch you eating chips without him? Don’t worry! Here’s the list of dog treats you can easily find in your home to make your dog happy, satisfied, and not feeling betrayed even if you are not sharing those tortilla chips you secretly eat.
- Give them carrots as an alternative for chips – unlike the potatoes, both raw and cooked carrots are great for dogs. Carrots are low in calories and a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
- Leave a large amount of peanut butter on a spoon – peanut butter is a healthy, tasty, and great treat for dogs. Just make sure to get plain unsalted peanut butter.
- Cook eggs for them – cooked eggs are nutritious for dogs. Remember not to put salt on that egg.
- Slice them some fruits – fruits such as pineapple, blueberry, blackberry, and even watermelons are good, safe, and nutritious for dogs. They will enjoy eating it.
CONCLUSION
Let’s face it, our dogs love us. They sway their tails every time they see us. They enjoy spending time with us as this makes them happy and lively.
Yes, we can spoil them. But let’s not forget about what makes our dogs happy and is actually beneficial for them.
Giving in to the begging puppy-eyed look to the extent that we put our dogs in danger isn’t part of being a responsible fur parent. Choose one of the suggested healthy snacks such as carrots, peanut butter, or eggs instead of the salted chips.
Your dog will greatly appreciate it. And maybe it would be a good thing for you to second-guess your nutritional choices from time to time also.