Quesadillas are a tasty snack for people, but what about dogs? But Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas? Is it Safe? This blog will take you through what quesadillas are made of, whether it is safe for dogs?
What effect can a quesadilla have on your dog and some alternative snacks for your dog?
If you’re a dog owner, you’ve likely been tempted to share your quesadillas with your furry friend. After all, they look so cute waiting patiently for a bite of your dinner. But before you do, you should know that quesadillas are harmful for dogs. Here’s why: quesadillas are high in fat and sodium, which can cause digestive problems and other health issues in dogs.
What Are Quesadillas?
Quesadilla is a Mexican dish made of corn, vegetables and spices. Most people don’t know that there are so many variations of quesadilla. They usually think it is just cheese and tortillas, but in Mexico, they put vegetables like onion, tomato, beans, and chilies to make the dish more interesting.
The Mexican quesadillas are made with corn or wheat tortillas; while the Tex-Mex versions use flour tortillas.
The most popular ingredients in a Mexican Quesadilla are
- Cheese (usually cheddar)
- Minced onion, garlic
- Tomato sauce (or salsa)
- Green chilies
- Vegetables
- Spices
There’s also a dessert version of this delicious dish which includes sweet fillings such as apple pie filling or chocolate pudding mix. It is only recently that these quesadilla desserts have become popular.
Can A Dog Eat Quesadillas?
Dogs cannot eat Quesadillas. Quesadillas can be harmful to your dog since they contain ingredients like cheese and tortillas that are not good for them.
Even the spices are harmful to your furry friend. quesadillas can be dangerous for dogs in more than one way. Even lactose intolerance could occur in dogs.
Quesadillas contain a lot of salt which is also not good for our furry friends. Let us have a look at the side effects of quesadillas on dogs.
Harmful Effects of Quesadillas For Dogs
- Higher Cholesterol levels: Many people enjoy quesadillas because of their cheesy goodness, but what most owners don’t know is that quesadillas have excess cheese in them which can be bad for your dog. Excess cheese can up cholesterol levels in your dog.
- Obesity leading to other health complications: did you know that the cheese in quesadillas could cause obesity in your dog? The excess cheese in the quesadillas can lead to an increased appetite and weight gain which can increase their risk of diabetes and other health problems including heart-related issues.
- Pancreatitis: Your dog is probably not going to complain about the extra cheese in your quesadillas, but if they eat too much of it, it can cause pancreatitis. This is more so in cases of breeds that are genetically prone to pancreatitis.
- Lactose Intolerance: Some dogs are lactose intolerant. Cheese is a dairy product and therefore, dogs cannot process the lactose in it. This means that when cheese is in a quesadilla, the dog’s body will not be able to break down the lactose, which can lead to stomach issues for your dog.
- Sodium Toxicity: Too much salt is harmful to dogs and their sensitive stomachs. The high levels of sodium and other minerals in the quesadillas can make it difficult for dogs to urinate, which may lead to a condition called ‘sodium toxicity’ or ‘salt poisoning’.
- Dehydration: Quesadillas contain salt both from the cheese and salt in itself. This is too much sodium for the dog and can lead to dehydration in the dog. The loss of moisture in the body can cause the dog to have jerks or become shaky.
- Higher Heart Rate & Blood Pressure: Did you know that the high salt in the quesadillas can increase your dog’s heart rate and blood pressure, which is not good for them? The problem with excess salt is that it doesn’t just go away after one meal.
- Stomach Pain & Gas: Spicy foods can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided. Dogs are known for eating just about everything they can get their paws on, which is why it’s important to know what foods should be avoided. Eating spicy food can cause stomach pain and gas in dogs.
- Vomiting & Diarrhoea: Paprika can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. It can also cause gastrointestinal issues for your furry friend. So if that furry guy is trying to get your sympathy to have a quesadilla, make sure you stay firm and say no to him.
- Anemia:– There is a reason why you don’t want your dog to munch on onions in the quesadillas – they contain a toxin called N-propyl disulfide which can break down red blood cells thus causing anemia. So keep your beloved pet away from both onions and excess garlic.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Quesadillas?
- Get your dog to drink Some water: If a dog eats something salty, like a quesadilla, they might need to drink even more water than usual to flush out the salt. Give your dog some water while you try and reach your vet.
- Observe your dog for any changes: It is important you observe any changes in his or her behavior. The sooner you catch the problem, the less likely it will be serious. Noticing things like increased thirst, disorientation or diarrhea can help you catch potential health problems early on and get your dog the treatment they need. So be sure to keep an eye on them.
- Contact A Veterinarian: Dogs will eat just about anything, but that doesn’t mean you should take chances with their health. If your dog eats a quesadilla, the best thing to do is contact your vet. Quesadillas can be dangerous for dogs because they contain onions and peppers, which can cause stomach upset and even poisoning. Your vet will be able to tell you what to do if your dog has eaten a quesadilla and whether or not he needs any treatment. So call your veterinarian right away.
A Word About Cheese In Quesadillas For Dogs:
Quesadillas contain too much cheese and it is not good for your dog. Having said this I would also like to say that it’s not a big no-no to give your dog a wee little bit of cheese (a tiny bit)as a snack on an occasional basis.
But, remember, the quantity is the key. Especially when it comes to excess cheese for dogs. So make sure that we don’t get too much of it but at the same time, it’s okay for them to have it is a treat occasional basis.
- A little bit of cheese can provide your dog with valuable nutrients like vitamin A and calcium.
- Cheese contains essential fatty acids that help maintain healthy skin and coats!
- Did you know that B-complex vitamins are also found in cheese? This means that your dog is getting some vitamins from cheese when in the right quantity.
Pro Tip 1: Remember to consult your vet before introducing anything new to your pet’s diet.
Pro Tip 2: Try a very small piece of cheese while introducing it for the first time because even small quantities of cheese can cause lactose intolerance in dogs.
A Word About Onions & Garlic In Quesadillas For Dogs:
Although it is okay to feed your dog with a little bit of cheese, onions, garlic, and other spices don’t partake the same character. Onions and garlic are not good for dogs and they must be avoided in any form whether raw or cooked. Onions are totally toxic for dogs even in the smallest quantity. Garlic does have medicinal value but that can be only based on medical advice and not otherwise.
What Are Other Healthy Options To Quesadillas?
- Ready-made vet-approved dog treats
- apples(without the seed), bananas, and carrots in moderation
- pumpkin-based treats
- Beans & cooked sweet potatoes
- mangoes
- Oatmeal treats
- salmon
Wrapping Up:Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas? Is it Safe?
Dogs can’t eat quesadillas. They are harmful to their health and should not be offered as a treat or reward. There are better alternatives that will just make your pup happier than the tortilla-based snack. All the ingredients in the quesadilla make it a no-go for your canine companion so you may want to consider other options if you have been giving them this type of food because now you know better and your dog trusts you.
Related Questions:
Can I Give My Dog Home Made Low Fat Cheese Quesadillas?
Even low-fat quesadillas are not good for your dog because of the salt spices, paprikas, onions, and garlic. More so when there are healthy alternatives for your dog quesadilla is not a compulsion.
While you may enjoy the quesadillas and your dog me enjoy them too, the poor thing does not know the consequences of eating them. And then the consequence of rushing to the veterinarian can be avoided if you take care. As it is always said prevention is always better than cure.
Can I Give My Dog The Dessert Quesadillas?
The Apple quesadilla can be okay for the dog but not the chocolate filling. You have to remember that too much sugar is not good for dogs so it is better to avoid giving your dog either the desert version or the normal quesadilla.
There are a whole lot of healthy options to give your dog and the Apple as a fruit is a better option than an apple quesadilla.
Related Links :
Here are three recommended links for general dog nutrition advice:
- VCA Hospitals offers “General Feeding Guidelines for Dogs,” which includes insights into the nutritional needs of adult dogs, how to choose the right food, and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. VCA Hospitals – Nutrition
- American Kennel Club (AKC) provides comprehensive information on “Dog Nutrition: What & How Much To Feed My Dog.” This guide discusses the fundamental aspects of a healthy dog diet, including essential vitamins and nutrients. AKC – Dog Nutrition
- ASPCA offers “Dog Nutrition Tips,” which gives an overview of adult dog nutrition, addressing caloric intake based on size and activity level, and the essential nutrients required for health and maintenance. ASPCA – Dog Nutrition Tips
