It’s true that dogs can safely eat cheese and tortillas, but the high fat and calorie content of quesadillas can lead to health problems.
Onions, peppers, and cheese are just some of the ingredients and toppings used to give quesadillas their distinctive flavor. Don’t give quesadillas to your dog if you’re wondering if they can or if they’ll choke on them.
If you’re curious about what kinds of foods your dog can eat or if you’re looking for a new treat to spoil him with, read on!
What Is Quesadilla?
A quesadilla is essentially just a folded tortilla with cheese and other fillings inside. It’s versatile enough to function as either a starter or a small meal. You can use any vegetable or cheese you like in this recipe.
Cornmeal, flour, and water make up the standard ingredients list. Products made from processed meat can also be used. You can put those leftovers to good use in this way.
Spice it up with some garlic, cumin, or chili powder. Guacamole is a popular accompaniment to quesadillas for some diners. Because they only take a few minutes to prepare, these recipes are fantastic. Your quesadilla will taste great cooked either on the grill or in the oven.
Can Dogs Eat Quesadillas?
No, quesadilla is not good for a dog’s digestive system and should not be fed to one. Quesadilla cheese could upset your dog’s tummy if he has a delicate stomach.
Dogs’ digestive systems can’t handle the lactose found in this product. Your dog should not eat quesadillas because of the high salt content.
Dehydration may result. It’s also possible for it to trigger stomach cramps and diarrhea. Garlic is another substance that could be harmful to your dog.
Are Quesadillas Good for Dogs?
Really, it doesn’t.
Quesadillas may not be the worst food for dogs if you are determined to feed them to your pet and you take care to leave out any potentially harmful ingredients (like onion or garlic sauce).
The problem is that many people nowadays buy ready-made quesadillas that they can heat up in the microwave or grill.
Many of the ingredients in store-bought quesadillas are not suitable for canines. While each brand’s recipe may be slightly different, store-bought pet foods are rarely a healthy choice.
More information on the dangers of feeding your dog quesadillas can be found in the following section.
Are Quesadillas Bad for Dogs?
This is true the vast majority of the time!
Seasonings
Whether or not quesadillas are prepared at home has a significant impact on the types of seasonings and condiments that are used.
On the other hand, you can usually find a wide variety of seasonings and condiments, such as chili powder, jalapeos, mustard, and more, in a quesadilla.
They can cause a variety of uncomfortable side effects, including gastrointestinal distress, and should never be given to a dog. Some people may experience fatigue or loss of appetite for a few days as a result of taking them.
Onion or garlic
Both of these can cause severe intoxication in canines and should be avoided at all costs.
If you find out your dog ate a quesadilla, seek immediate veterinary care; excessive consumption of garlic or onion powder can be fatal for some pets.
Chives, which are sometimes included in quesadillas, come from the Allium family, which also includes onion and garlic, and thus pose a health risk.
Dairy intolerance
Many canines suffer from lactose intolerance, and cheese is an ingredient in every quesadilla.
Cheese of any kind, whether cheddar, American, or otherwise, can be harmful to your dog’s health and will almost certainly cause gas, bloating, and diarrhea.
Too much salt
Although quesadillas aren’t traditionally made with a lot of salt, many brands now include more than would be considered healthy.
The cheese we just mentioned is not the only source of sodium in this dish; it is also an added ingredient. The truth is that most modern dog kibble varieties already contain trace amounts of salt, so it’s best to limit the amount of salt your dog gets even more.
Dogs are susceptible to developing cardiovascular pathologies when exposed to high levels of sodium.
Grains
Corn quesadillas may seem like a better option than regular wheat quesadillas, but the truth is that neither is good for dogs.
Grains are genetically incompatible with this species. Though dogs are more like omnivores than felines, that doesn’t give them a pass on avoiding grains like wheat, barley, oats, corn, and the like.
While most pets can enjoy a tasty tortilla without any adverse reactions, some may be allergic or experience stomach issues after eating them.
Artificial chemicals
Quesadillas purchased from a store likely contain additives that are harmful to a dog’s health, such as preservatives, artificial colors, binders, and other similar substances.
These aren’t the healthiest ingredients, and some of them are even known to cause cancer in dogs.
Too many calories
A quesadilla is not a healthy option for a quick bite to eat. For this reason, it is problematic because it raises your dog’s calorie intake for the day.
Quesadillas should never be given to dogs that are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight, and this is especially true if the dog has a history of high blood sugar and could develop diabetes.
What Can Go Wrong If My Dog Eats Quesadilla?
All of these issues can arise if you feed quesadillas to your dog.
High Cholesterol Levels
It’s important to monitor your dog’s diet regardless of whether you own a dog or not. Cholesterol levels in dogs can rise when they eat any of several foods.
The quesadilla is one example of this type of dish. They contain a lot of salt and cheese in the preparation. They are also not always healthy for your dog.
Your dog’s health will suffer if you feed it quesadillas, which can cause them to gain weight and develop high cholesterol.
Obesity
Your dog will get calories and potentially harmful ingredients whether you feed him a healthy home-cooked meal or a fast-food quesadilla. There are, thankfully, better options available.
Because of the high calorie and fat content of quesadillas, they should be avoided if you don’t want your dog to gain weight. You should avoid feeding your dog high-fat foods because of the link between obesity and heart disease.
Lactose Intolerance
Ingesting cheese in the form of a quesadilla may cause your dog to develop lactose intolerance. Those who are lactose intolerant may experience abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and excess gas.
In addition to bacterial overgrowth and digestive disorders, consuming dairy products can bring on these symptoms.
Pancreatitis
Quesadillas for dinner with your doggie pals may sound like a fun idea, but they could be harmful to your pet’s health. Purchasing tortillas from the store often results in gastrointestinal inflammation due to their preservatives and acidulants.
Quesadillas are dangerous due to the presence of potentially harmful ingredients that can cause illnesses like pancreatitis.
Sodium Toxicity
When your dog consumes too much sodium, as can happen when it eats a quesadilla, the results can be fatal. A dog may die in extreme circumstances. If you notice any of these signs in your dog, don’t delay in taking him to the vet.
If your dog eats a quesadilla, they may experience the classic signs of sodium toxicity, including vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating.
Stomach Pain
Quesadillas may look appetizing, but they aren’t good for your dog. Frequently, they have ingredients that are dangerous to your pet’s health and should be avoided.
Your dog’s tummy might not appreciate that quesadilla it was fed. Cheese, onions, and fat are staple ingredients.
How Many Quesadillas Can My Dog Eat?
None!
It doesn’t matter if you make your quesadillas from scratch or buy them already made, the tortilla and the other ingredients are very bad for this species.
Why put your dog’s health at risk by feeding it quesadillas when they can do fine without them?
What Should You Do If Your Dog Eats Quesadillas?
If you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful, you should always consult a veterinarian.
Observe The Dog For Changes
First things first if your dog ingests a quesadilla by accident: keep an eye on him. Check for signs of toxicity or GI distress, like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Offer Your Dog Plenty Of Water
It’s not a good idea to give your dog a lot of cheese because it could cause stomach issues. The high sodium content of quesadillas comes from the abundance of salt and cheese used in their preparation. In order to flush it out of his system, your dog will need to drink a lot of water.
Talk To Your Vet
Dogs should not eat quesadillas despite their tempting aroma and flavor. Indeed, they may be harmful to your dog’s health. If you suspect that your dog has eaten quesadillas, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian immediately. Your pet may require an electrolyte supplement, depending on the nature of the problem.
What Treats Are Safe For Dogs?
The key to finding the best dog treats or the healthiest foods for your kids is locating the right ingredients.
- Apples
- Pears
- Carrots
- Beans, Green
- Watermelon
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Bananas
- Sweet and tart, these berries come in both strawberry and blueberry varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can dogs eat cheese quesadillas?
No. If your dog is lactose intolerant, it may take up to two hours after eating the quesadilla before you notice any negative effects.
Can dogs eat chicken quesadilla?
No. To be fair, chicken quesadillas that aren’t seasoned in any way aren’t as bad as the rest. However, in practice, most people who eat this dish add things like onion, garlic sauce, cheese, jalapenos, and more.
Summary
So, are quesadillas doggy-friendly? No.
They’re not the healthiest treat options, and giving them to your dog could land you both in the emergency vet’s office. It’s not worth the risk of spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on treating a dog for indigestion or intoxication.
If you have guests over, tell them that your dog is allergic to quesadillas.