· 8 min read
Can Dogs Eat Burritos? A Pet Parent’s Guide to Sharing Your Favorite Wrap Safely
Picture this: You’re home after a long day, unwrapping a warm, fragrant burrito—soft tortilla, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, maybe a drizzle of salsa. Suddenly, you feel a wet nose nudge your hand. You look down to find your dog, tail wagging furiously, those irresistible puppy eyes locked on your meal. “Just a bite?” they seem to beg. As a pet parent, it’s hard to resist—after all, sharing food is a way we show love. But before you hand over a piece of your burrito, there’s a crucial question: Can dogs eat burritos safely?
Burritos are a beloved staple in many households, but their mix of ingredients (some tasty, some tricky) makes them a complicated treat for our four-legged friends. In this guide, we’ll break down the risks, potential benefits, and how to decide if sharing your burrito is a good idea—plus healthier alternatives to satisfy their cravings without the worry.
Table of Contents
- Can Dogs Eat Burritos? The Short Answer
- Potential Benefits of Burritos for Dogs (Yes, There Are Some!)
- The Risks: Why Most Burritos Are a Bad Idea
- Safe Feeding Guidelines: If You Must Share
- Healthier Alternatives to Burritos
- FAQ: Your Burrito-and-Dog Questions Answered
- Conclusion: Love Them, But Feed Them Wisely
Can Dogs Eat Burritos? The Short Answer
No, most burritos are not safe for dogs—but it depends on the ingredients.
Burritos themselves aren’t inherently toxic, but the typical components of a store-bought or restaurant burrito (think onions, garlic, spicy seasonings, cheese, and fatty meats) can harm your pup. However, a plain, homemade burrito with vet-approved ingredients (like cooked chicken, brown rice, and steamed veggies) might be okay in tiny, occasional portions.
The key is to treat burritos like junk food for dogs: fun for humans, but often packed with ingredients that are unhealthy (or even dangerous) for our pets. Let’s dig deeper into why.
Potential Benefits of Burritos for Dogs (Yes, There Are Some!)
Before we focus on the risks, let’s acknowledge the hypothetical benefits—because not all burritos are created equal. If you were to make a “dog-safe burrito” from scratch (more on that later), it could offer some nutrients. Here’s what to look for:
1. Lean Protein (When the Meat Is Safe)
A burrito with cooked, unseasoned chicken, turkey, or lean beef can provide protein—essential for muscle maintenance, energy, and a healthy coat. For example, chicken is a staple in many dog foods because it’s easy to digest and rich in amino acids.
2. Fiber from Veggies
If your burrito includes dog-friendly veggies like spinach, carrots, or bell peppers (steamed or cooked, not raw), they add fiber. Fiber supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps your dog feeling full (which is great for weight management).
3. Potassium and Vitamins from Veggies
Veggies like sweet potatoes (a favorite in dog diets!) or green beans are rich in potassium, which supports heart health and muscle function. They also offer vitamins A, C, and K—boosting immunity and eye health.
4. Whole Grains (In Moderation)
A whole wheat or brown rice tortilla (or filling) adds complex carbs, which provide sustained energy. Unlike white flour tortillas (empty calories), whole grains offer B vitamins and fiber.
But here’s the catch: These benefits only apply if the burrito is plain, unseasoned, and free of toxic ingredients. Most burritos (especially from restaurants) fail this test. Let’s talk about why.
The Risks: Why Most Burritos Are a Bad Idea
Restaurants and grocery stores load burritos with ingredients that taste great to humans but spell trouble for dogs. Here are the biggest risks:
1. Toxic Ingredients: Onions, Garlic, and Chives
Many burritos include onions, garlic, or chives (think pico de gallo, salsa, or seasoned meat). These belong to the Allium family, which is highly toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia (symptoms include weakness, lethargy, and pale gums). According to the ASPCA, onions are toxic in all forms—raw, cooked, or powdered.
2. High-Fat Ingredients: Cheese, Sour Cream, and Greasy Meats
Cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and fatty meats (like chorizo or carnitas) are staples in burritos—but they’re a disaster for dogs. High-fat foods can trigger pancreatitis, a painful (and potentially fatal) inflammation of the pancreas. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Dogs with sensitive stomachs may also suffer from gas or diarrhea after eating dairy (most adult dogs are lactose intolerant).
3. Spices and Seasonings
Cumin, chili powder, paprika, and hot sauce add flavor for humans, but they irritate dogs’ digestive systems. Spices can cause stomach upset, diarrhea, or even burns in the mouth/throat. Some dogs are also sensitive to salt—burritos are often high in sodium, which can lead to dehydration or kidney issues over time.
4. Choking Hazards
Burritos are often packed with large, tough ingredients: raw veggies (like celery or uncooked carrots), bones (if the meat isn’t deboned), or even corn kernels. These can get stuck in your dog’s throat or cause intestinal blockages—especially in small breeds.
5. Empty Calories from Refined Carbs
Most burritos use white flour tortillas, which are high in refined carbs and low in nutrients. Feeding these regularly can lead to weight gain, diabetes, or dental issues (from the starch sticking to teeth).
Bottom line: A typical burrito is a minefield of toxic, high-fat, or irritating ingredients. It’s better to avoid sharing store-bought or restaurant burritos entirely.
Safe Feeding Guidelines: If You Must Share
We get it—sometimes those puppy eyes are impossible to resist. If you want to let your dog try a “burrito experience” (once in a blue moon), follow these strict rules:
1. Make It at Home (Never Restaurant-Bought)
Restaurant burritos are off-limits—you can’t control the seasonings, oils, or hidden ingredients (like onions in the rice). Instead, make a dog-safe burrito from scratch.
2. Stick to These Safe Ingredients
Your dog’s burrito should be simple and unseasoned. Here’s a safe combo:
- Tortilla: Small piece of whole wheat tortilla (no salt, no added sugar).
- Protein: Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey (boneless, skinless).
- Veggies: Steamed carrots, spinach, or green beans (chopped small to avoid choking).
- Filling: Cooked brown rice or quinoa (a spoonful—carbs in moderation).
3. Keep Portions Tiny
A “bite-sized” treat is key. For a 50-pound dog, 1–2 small bites (about the size of a golf ball) is enough. For a Chihuahua? Maybe half that. Burritos should never replace regular meals—they’re a rare treat, not a snack.
4. Skip the Extras
No cheese, no sour cream, no salsa, no spices. Even a dollop of guacamole is risky—avocado pits are a choking hazard, and while the fruit itself is non-toxic, it’s high in fat (which can cause pancreatitis in large amounts).
5. Monitor for Reactions
After feeding, watch for signs of upset: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or excessive gas. If you notice any of these, contact your vet.
Healthier Alternatives to Burritos
Instead of sharing your burrito, try these dog-safe “treats” that mimic the flavors without the risks:
1. “Burrito Bowl” for Dogs
Skip the tortilla and serve a bowl of cooked chicken, brown rice, and steamed veggies. Add a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt (low-lactose) for creaminess.
2. Sweet Potato “Tortilla” Bites
Slice a sweet potato into thin rounds, bake until soft, and top with a tiny piece of cooked chicken. Sweet potatoes are a dog superfood—high in fiber and vitamins!
3. Frozen Veggie Treats
Freeze diced carrots or green beans for a crunchy, low-calorie snack. They satisfy the “crunch” of a burrito without the carbs.
4. Lean Meat Bites
Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey (cut into small pieces) is a simple, protein-packed treat. No tortilla needed!
FAQ: Your Burrito-and-Dog Questions Answered
Q: Can dogs eat corn tortillas?
A: Plain corn tortillas (no salt, no spices) are safer than white flour, but they’re still high in carbs. A tiny piece (once in a while) is okay, but don’t make it a habit—stick to whole wheat if you must.
Q: My dog stole a bite of my burrito! Should I panic?
A: Stay calm. If the burrito had onions, garlic, or spices, call your vet immediately (even a small amount of onion can be toxic). If it was plain (chicken, rice, no seasonings), monitor for stomach upset. Most dogs will be fine, but better safe than sorry.
Q: Are black beans in burritos safe for dogs?
A: Cooked, plain black beans (no salt, no added fat) are okay in very small amounts (a spoonful). They’re high in fiber and protein, but too many can cause gas.
Q: Can dogs have salsa?
A: No. Salsa has onions, garlic, salt, and spices—all harmful. Even “mild” salsa is risky.
Q: Is a breakfast burrito (with eggs) safer?
A: Eggs are safe for dogs (cooked, no butter), but breakfast burritos often have cheese, sausage (high fat), or onions. Skip it—just feed a plain, cooked egg instead!
Conclusion: Love Them, But Feed Them Wisely
Burritos are a delicious human indulgence, but they’re not meant for our dogs. Most are loaded with toxic, high-fat, or irritating ingredients that can cause serious health issues. While a tiny, homemade “dog burrito” might be safe once in a blue moon, it’s far better to stick to dog-approved treats (like steamed veggies or lean meat).
Remember: The best way to show your dog love is by keeping them healthy. When in doubt, consult your vet—they can help you pick treats that fit your dog’s age, breed, and health needs.
So next time you’re enjoying a burrito, give your pup a belly rub instead of a bite. They’ll wag just as hard—and you’ll both feel good knowing they’re safe.
Sources:
- American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). “Toxic and Non-Toxic Foods.” aspca.org
- VCA Animal Hospitals. “Pancreatitis in Dogs.” vcahospitals.com
- PetMD. “Human Foods Dogs Can and Can’t Eat.” petmd.com
- American Kennel Club (AKC). “Can Dogs Eat Eggs?” akc.org