Dogs · Guide
Can Dogs Eat Tortillas?
Yes, a small piece of a plain corn or flour tortilla is fine for most dogs. Here is what to check for, what to skip, and how corn and flour tortillas compare.
Yes, dogs can eat a small piece of a plain tortilla, corn or flour. The ingredients are not poisonous to dogs. The trouble is what comes with them: salt, fat, and onion or garlic. Our sources don’t talk about tortillas by name, so this answer comes from what they say about corn, wheat, and people food in general.
Are corn tortillas okay for dogs?
Corn tortillas are made from corn, and the AKC says corn is fine for dogs in small amounts. It describes corn as a source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and other nutrients. The AKC also says vets who study dog nutrition generally consider corn a fine part of a balanced diet.
The AKC adds one note: make sure your dog isn’t allergic to corn before you feed it. Try a small bite first.
Are flour tortillas okay for dogs?
Flour tortillas are made from wheat. The AKC says the gluten in wheat isn’t harmful to dogs by itself. But wheat is one of the foods dogs react to most often. The AKC puts it third on the list, after beef and dairy.
Most dogs have no problem with it. If your dog gets repeated diarrhea or other stomach trouble after eating wheat, talk to your vet.
What makes a tortilla a bad choice for dogs?
A plain tortilla is simple. A tortilla dish is not. Watch for these:
- Onion and garlic. The Merck Veterinary Manual says these can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. Signs often show up days later, so watch your dog closely. Garlic is more toxic than onion. Read more in our guide to whether dogs can eat garlic.
- Salt. The ASPCA says too much salt can make dogs very thirsty and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures. Fried chips and salted shells add up fast.
- Fat and processed foods. The AKC says high-fat and processed foods should be limited, even when they aren’t toxic. Butter, oil, and fried shells fall in this group.
- Fillings. Cheese, beans, meat, sauce, and seasoning mixes can all hide salt, onion, or garlic. Tacos, burritos, and quesadillas are not good dog snacks.
How to give your dog a tortilla
- Pick a plain tortilla. Check the ingredients for onion or garlic powder.
- Tear off a small piece, about the size of a treat.
- Skip butter, oil, salt, sauce, and fillings. The AKC says to share people food plain and in bite-size pieces.
- Try one new food at a time. Then watch for stomach upset or itching over the next day or so.
The AKC says people foods can be occasional treats but should never replace your dog’s balanced dog food. The AKC doesn’t give an exact amount of tortilla, so keep it small.
What if my dog ate a whole tortilla?
Our sources don’t say how much tortilla is too much, so call your vet for advice, especially if your dog is small. Call sooner if the tortilla had onion, garlic, lots of salt, or xylitol (a sweetener that is poisonous to dogs, which the ASPCA lists as a danger in some baked goods).
See your vet right away if your dog vomits again and again, seems weak, has pale gums, or won’t drink.
Other bread-like treats to consider
If you want to share a bread-type snack, plain options are best. Our guides to corn and bread cover more details. For the full list of foods to avoid, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.
Common questions
Are tortilla chips okay for dogs?
Chips are usually fried and salted. The AKC says to limit high-fat and processed foods, and the ASPCA warns that too much salt can make dogs sick. A plain tortilla is a better choice than chips.
Can dogs be allergic to corn or wheat?
Yes, any food can cause an allergy. The AKC says wheat is the third most common food that dogs react to, after beef and dairy. It also says to check that your dog is not allergic to corn before you feed it. If your dog gets repeated diarrhea after a food, ask your vet.
Can dogs eat tortillas with cheese or beans inside?
Better not. Fillings and sauces often have salt, fat, onion, or garlic. Onion and garlic can damage a dog's red blood cells. Share a plain piece of tortilla instead.
Are tortillas a good treat for dogs?
They are not harmful in small amounts, but they do not add much. The AKC says people foods should be occasional treats and should never replace balanced dog food.