Can Dogs Eat Takis? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Risks
Takis are rolled corn chips that are fried and then coated with one of many flavorings, including Blue Heat, Nitro, Crunchy Fajitas, Guacamole, and Fuego. All the flavors are spicy (and quite salty), but they're available in various heat levels, but can dogs eat Takis? Your dog isn't likely to become seriously ill after eating a few of these rolled chips, but these treats aren't healthy, and many flavors feature products such as garlic and onion powder that are toxic to dogs.
These chips also contain a stunning amount of salt, which can be problematic if a dog consumes them in large portions. However, your dog probably won't be able to consume enough sodium, garlic, or onion powder in just a few chips to make themselves seriously ill.
Reach out to your veterinarian if you have any concerns or see any signs of poisoning—such as vomiting, diarrhea, or a lack of appetite—particularly if you have a small dog or a pet with medical issues such as kidney disease, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Do All Takis Contain Garlic and Onions?
The five most commonly available choices in the United States—Fuego, Nitro, Blue Heat, Crunchy Fajitas, and Guacamole—all contain either onion or garlic powder. And recipes regularly change, so the only way to know what you and your dog are eating is to read the nutritional analysis on the label.
The amount needed to induce toxicity depends on several factors,1 including the dog’s weight, breed, and whether what they got into was fresh or powdered.
Do Takis Have Other Problematic Ingredients?
Yes. Takis are spicy, and some contain capsaicin and chili peppers. Although they are not toxic to dogs, they can cause an upset stomach, vomiting, and diarrhea.
While dogs require a certain amount of fat in their diets, just 12 of these Nitro chips (1 serving according to the manufacturer's nutritional information) deliver 8 grams of fat. And high-fat foods are notorious for causing canine stomach trouble.
Takis also have a ton of salt. Dogs require salt to survive, but this flavor-enhancing dietary staple can induce toxicity if consumed in sufficient quantities. Salt toxicity usually involves consuming large amounts of salt at one time and is unlikely to result from a pet eating just a few Takis.
Precisely how much salt your dog can safely consume depends on factors such as its weight and general health. Contact your veterinarian or pet poison helpline to find out if your pet needs medical attention.
If you have a question about your dog's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for free? Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your dog.
Are Takis Okay as Occasional Treats?
No, Takis fall firmly into the human food category. Human food is problematic because it contains more fat, salt, and calories than dogs need while at the same time not providing all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that should be included in a healthy canine diet. Chips are also incredibly high in calories.
Dogs require specific amounts of fat, protein, and select vitamins and minerals to be healthy, and they need to obtain all these nutrients in a way that doesn't involve eating more calories than their bodies need. Pets that eat regular meals, enjoy dog treats, and occasionally snack on human food often eat far too many calories and consume more food than they need.
Anywhere from 25–30% of North American pet dogs are obese, and dogs that weigh too much are at heightened risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, cancer, breathing difficulties, and arthritis. Some evidence shows that overweight dogs may even live shorter lives. Takis don't fit into a healthy canine diet, which is fundamental for your pet's optimal health.
Don't Forget the Exercise
Exercise also plays a vital role in canine weight management. Not only does it help pets burn calories, but it is also great for their hearts, minds, and joints. Exercise can mean anything from leisurely low-impact walks to flyball. Swimming, hiking, and agility training also count!
Most dogs require anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours of daily physical activity, depending on their breed, age, and general health.
Conclusion
Takis are tasty human snacks but aren't great for dogs, as they contain tons of fat, calories, garlic powder, salt, and onion powder. However, you probably don't have to worry if your dog has a few of these rolled corn chips, but dog treats are a much better choice!
You can limit your pet’s treats to around 5–10% of its diet to maintain a healthy weight.
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Lorre Luther is a writer from Rotterdam. A former lawyer from the United States, she moved to the Netherlands to follow her dreams and become a writer. Lorre enjoys traveling and reveling in the astonishing beauty of our world. She has a soft spot for animals and is firmly convinced that cats are smarter than humans.
