Did someone say burrito? Burritos have become a desired cuisine in the U.S., and we’re sure no dog would turn their nose up at the chance for a taste. However, burritos cooked for humans are not particularly friendly for dogs, but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your pooch a dog-friendly burrito that’s both delicious and healthy.
The problem with the burritos you prepare at home is that they often include harmful ingredients to canines, such as onions, garlic, and spices. This is especially true with store-bought burritos or burritos you’ll find in a restaurant. However, if you want to make a dog-friendly burrito for your pooch, you’ve come to the right spot.
In this guide, we’ll list five dog-friendly burritos you can make at home that will make your dog as crazy for Mexican cuisine as you are. Let’s check them out but keep in mind that some dogs may have health conditions that make these recipes unsuitable, so run it past your veterinarian if you are unsure.
The 5 Dog-Friendly Burrito Recipes
1. Dogster Beef Burrito Recipe
Dogster Beef Burrito Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 small organic corn tortillas substitute 1 plain large corn, flour, or wheat of your choice to make burritos instead of tacos
- ½ pound grass-fed lean beef
- 1 cup chopped organic romaine lettuce
- 1 teaspoon organic coconut oil consider whether this is ok for your dog, see discussion about oils below
Instructions
- Add coconut oil to a sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add beef to the same pan and cook thoroughly.
- Let cool slightly to a safe temperature.
- Chop romaine lettuce into small pieces.
- Fill the tortilla with beef and sprinkle the top with lettuce.
- Wrap the burrito and then cut it in half or into smaller pieces and serve.
Notes
2. PB&K Burrito
This PB&K burrito incorporates xylitol-free peanut butter (usually a dog favorite) and your dog’s kibble for a tasty little treat. Your pet will think it’s mouthwateringly yummy, and it’s super easy to make. All you need are a few ingredients.
A word of caution: ensure the peanut butter you use is free from xylitol, which is a sugar substitute sometimes found in peanut butter and is highly toxic to dogs.
- 1 soft taco-sized wheat burrito (can use a plain flour or corn tortilla if your dog has a wheat or grain allergy)
- Dry kibble, dog biscuits, and any other treat your dog loves
- Spread a small amount of peanut butter onto the tortilla—just enough to apply a thin coating.
- Sprinkle pieces of kibble, a dog biscuit, or whatever dog treats you have on top.
- Wrap into a burrito shape and cut into bite-sized pieces before serving.
3. Pupparito Burrito Bowls
We love this recipe because it does not include a tortilla. What’s more, you can even share it with your dog and make it a family affair. We think this recipe is a little heavy handed with the oil and yogurt, especially for smaller dogs so we have modified it slightly.
- 2 cups of cooked brown rice
- 2 cups chopped chicken breast (can use white fish or turkey breast if you prefer)
- 1 cup chopped bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped carrots
- ½ cup chopped finely baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon organic, plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (consider whether this is ok for your dog, see discussion about oils below)
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bake chicken, carrots, pepper, and spinach for 35 minutes on a non-stick baking sheet (you can lightly spray the baking sheet with coconut oil, olive oil, flaxseed oil, or fish oil)
- Remove from the oven and let everything cool completely.
- Place 1 cup of cooked brown rice in a bowl.
- Top with the chicken and veggies.
- Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt.
- Garnish with cilantro.
4. Arizona Breakfast Burrito for Dogs
Breakfast burritos are the perfect morning pick-me-up if you’re a breakfast person. When it comes to eating, dogs can’t tell if the dish is specific to the time of day, and that’s why your dog will love this special morning treat.
- 1 organic, whole wheat flour tortilla
- 2 eggs, scrambled
- ½ teaspoon organic turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon organic curly-leafed parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped bell pepper
- Scramble the eggs together with all the ingredients.
- Cook the eggs until fully cooked. Remove from the heat and allow to cool.
- Spoon the cooked mixture into the tortilla.
- Slice into bite-sized pieces and serve!
5. Dog-Friendly Beef and Sweet Potato Burrito
Our last recipe uses sweet potatoes as the burrito or “shell,” which makes this dog-friendly burrito recipe even healthier, and it’s super easy to make.
- 2 large sweet potatoes, cooked
- 1 pound of lean ground beef
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, julienned
- Cook sweet potatoes in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
- Cook lean ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until thoroughly cooked.
- Add bell pepper and zucchini to beef and cook until soft.
- Once sweet potatoes are soft, cut them open, and allow them to cool down to a safe temperature.
- Fill sweet potatoes with beef mixture.
- Cut into smaller portions for your dog before serving.
How to Make Dog-Friendly Burritos for Your Dog
When making homemade dog-friendly burritos, or any homemade goodies for your pup, it’s best (but not essential) to buy organic when you can. For all produce, regardless of being organic, wash according to the US Department of Agriculture guidelines.
Before making any homemade treat for your dog, you must be aware of any food allergies your dog may have. Some dogs have wheat or grain allergies, and in that case, you’ll want to steer clear of wheat or corn tortillas. Flour tortillas are safe for dogs but should only be given in moderation, as they hold no nutritional value for them.
Remember that treats should account for only 10% of your dog’s diet, and extras should be kept to a minimum. It’s vital to feed your dog a complete and balanced meal made with high-quality ingredients for optimum health.
Cooking Oils to Avoid
Some recipes call for cooking oils, and if you’re making a homemade treat for your pooch, it’s important to use only dog-friendly oils. Some cooking oils even provide a few health benefits.
- Fish oil: Contains omega-3 fatty acids, natural anti-inflammatory
- Flaxseed oil: Boosts heart health, aids in kidney function
- Krill oil: Aids in joint and skin health
All oils can be harmful if too much is given. The fats may lead to digestive upset or pancreatitis, especially in more sensitive dogs. The key to giving oils is to only offer in small amounts. Even coconut oil, which is relatively safe, is not completely risk-free.
Conclusion
There aren’t too many dog-friendly burrito recipes out there; however, as long as you don’t use harmful or toxic ingredients, and offer others in moderation, you can stuff a dog-friendly tortilla with any of your dog’s favorites. Or you can omit the tortilla altogether and place the safe ingredients in a bowl for your pup to enjoy.
It’s important not to overfeed your dog, and these special treats are just that—special. So, these dog-friendly burritos should not be fed every day. Instead, only offer them as a very special, occasional treat.
Featured Image Credit: Rasulov, Shutterstock
