Tacos are one of the most famous Mexican dishes that we can find around us easily. For various reasons, this falls into the category of healthy dishes. But being healthy doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone out there. Well, here we are discussing whether your canine friend can have it or not.
When considering feeding tacos to your dog, keep in mind that doing so in moderation and only once in a while (if prepared at home) will not harm your dog. But higher quantities may lead to an upset stomach. Thus, it is advisable to have a word with the veterinary doctor before introducing the same to your dog. Also, there are some ingredients in it that are potentially toxic to dogs. So, the ratio is 80/20. Try not to feed them tacos.
Let’s discuss whether dogs can eat tacos or not in detail so that next time you purchase a taco, you will not face the same confusion about whether to give it to your dog or not. Let’s get started!
Can dogs eat Tacos?
Tacos are a safe option for dogs (in moderation or, say, a small bite only when prepared at home) if you keep the ingredients under consideration and do not let them have harmful ingredients like onions or others in the same. In general, there are certain ingredients in tacos that make them a harmful treat for your dog. Thus, try to avoid it.
Ingredients used in a Taco
In this ingredients list, we will also mention whether the particular ingredient is safe for your canine or not:
Onion powder
Onion powder or onions belong to the Allium family and do know that the other species that are part of this family are toxic to dogs. Well, the taco you are getting from any food outlet has onion powder in abundance, so do not think of feeding your dog with it. It will have an adverse effect on your dog’s health.
Garlic powder
Garlic is also a part of the Allium family, so like onions, this too has an adverse effect on your dog’s health. In some cases, dogs suffer from garlic poisoning, and it leads to anemia in them.
Cream and Cheese
Cream and cheese are also used in tacos, which are not safe for dogs. It leads to an upset stomach and can cause allergies too. Some dogs have lactose intolerance, and if your dog eats any of the ingredients with lactose, they will suffer from digestive issues.
Chili pepper
Spices are not allowed in dog food, and tacos have them in abundance. As a result, if you want your dog’s safety, don’t feed him with it. Also, if your pup is eating highly spiced foods, not only tacos, they will suffer from different issues like stomach pain, diarrhea, bloating, and gas.
Sea salt
The presence of too much salt in a taco is harmful and leads to sodium ion poisoning as well. Along with that, it leads to high blood pressure in dogs.
Beef
The beef used in preparing tacos is safe for dogs, but unfortunately, while preparing tacos, it needs to be sautéed with oil and other ingredients. So, yes, if you are thinking of feeding your dog beef, you can go with it. But if you are thinking of feeding your dog with ground beef like in tacos, kindly avoid the same.
Corn Tortilla
Corn tortillas are not harmful to the dogs that are used in tacos, but due to the presence of other ingredients, they become so. So don’t feed it to your dog.
Note: Overall, it is right to conclude that it is not safe to give your dog tacos. But if you are preparing them at home without any seasoning or any other particular ingredient harmful to them, then you can only think of feeding them with it.
What would happen if my dog had a taco?
There are some health conditions your dog probably suffers from after having a taco. These are as follows:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Salivation
It is important for you to monitor your dog closely to know whether they are doing well or not. Also, if you feel they are behaving strangely after having tacos, do reach out to the veterinary doctor immediately.
How to prepare tacos at home for dogs?
As we have said, only homemade tacos are safe for dogs. But that too is acceptable when it is prepared without any additional seasoning, and you have taken your pup’s dietary habits into consideration.
Steps for preparing tacos at home for dogs:
- Boil the beef before preparing the tacos.
- Take the tortilla and place the beef inside with some safe veggies for dogs.
- Give it to them without any seasoning or any other ingredient.
Can taco consumption kill my dog?
Well, tacos are not that dangerous to dogs that they will cost them their lives. But yes, it is harmful and can lead to some other health-related issues. Thus, do not think of feeding your dog a taco.
The takeaway from all this
Taco is not advisable for dogs. As a result, do not feed it to them until you are ready to prepare it at home. A homemade taco, made as per the instructions above, is safe for dogs. Also, if your dog is extremely sensitive to such foods, consult with a veterinarian before feeding it to him.
Well, it is advised that there are some other dog food options available that are safe for dogs. Try them instead of tacos.