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Any Takis lover knows they can pack a powerful punch. These small chip-like snacks have a fiery heat that can easily overwhelm the senses. But what does it do to a dog if they eat some?
To better equip dog owners with the knowledge of what Takis could do to their furry friends, I reached out to a veterinarian and asked them about the dangers of feeding Takis to dogs.
Dogs and Takis do not mix well. At least, that is what the veterinarian and dog nutritionist communities seem to think.
So what’s the verdict? Can dogs eat Takis?
Spicy processed foods like Takis are a big no-no for dogs. Takis could cause your dog to have an upset stomach, abdominal bloating, pain, diarrhea, or vomiting. In addition, the chili spices in Takis are particularly harmful to a dog’s digestive tract. They can cause pain and irritation to their mouth and throat.
In this post, we will look at the dangers of allowing your dog to eat Takis, as well as what a vet recommends you can do if they have ingested some.
You’ll discover:
- A detailed answer about dogs eating takis
- The major dangers with dogs eating takis
- What to do if your dog gets into a bag of takis
- And other frequently asked question
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Are Takis Made Of?
Takis are chips made from corn tortillas that are rolled into a tube, fried, and then coated with various flavorings. The most popular flavors are the Fuego (fire) Takis which are coated with chili pepper and lime seasoning.
There are also other flavors and types of Takis coming out, but to keep things simple, we will be covering the ingredients from the original Fuego Takis.
Nutrient Profile
Looking at Takis’s nutrient profile, some of the contents trigger a red flag for canine consumption.
For one, it’s extremely high in fat and sodium. Secondly, it contains dehydrated onions, MSG, artificial flavors, red chili peppers, and milk products.
This nutrient profile is an awful combination for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Takis?
Saying that dogs shouldn’t eat Takis would be an understatement.
Takis should never be fed to a dog. They are highly processed and packed with salt, fat, and dangerous spices. Spicy food like Takis can cause digestive issues like vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea in dogs.
The chili pepper alone in Takis can cause pain and irritation to your dog’s throat and mouth.
In addition, there are toxic ingredients like dehydrated onions, and MSG found in Takis. Dogs that overeat foods with onion ingredients or preservatives like MSG can develop life-threatening health concerns.
Takis also contains 13 grams of fat and 270mg of sodium per serving. This is far too much for a dog to eat and can lead to obesity, pancreatitis, and salt poisoning.
So should you feed your dog takes?
Definitely not. There is nothing but dangerous ingredients with zero added health benefits for a dog. The risks outweigh the pleasure your dog may get from eating one.
Let’s dive into the risks and dangers further.
7 Dangers Of Dogs Eating Takis
Takis might be a delicious treat for us humans to eat, but we all know they are not the best for us to eat. For a dog, Takis pose an even higher risk to their health and wellbeing.
Here are 7 dangers when feeding your dog Takis:
Dehydrated Onions
Looking at the ingredients listed in Takis, you will see dehydrated onion. This is basically onion powder, and it can be toxic to dogs in large quantities.
If a dog consumes enough Takis, that could develop canine hemolytic anemia. This occurs when your dog’s red blood cells cannot produce fast enough to meet the demands of the blood cells being destroyed.
Since red blood cells transport oxygen throughout your dog’s body, this becomes a severe problem without enough red blood cells.
Symptoms of onion toxicity in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy and weakness
- No appetite
- Pale gums
- Fainting
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Ataxia (lack of coordination)
- Red or brown discolored urine
- Hyper-salivation
It’s unlikely a few Takis would have enough onion to cause toxicity but feeding your dog anything toxic to them puts them in unnecessary danger.
Even in small amounts, this can cause upset stomach and diarrhea in dogs.
Empty Calories
Not only are there potential risks associated with dogs eating Takis, but they also offer zero nutritional value. This means that anytime a dog eats a Takis, they are filling up on empty calories.
What exactly are empty calories?
This means they provide calories but do not contain essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber. Feeding your dog a diet high in empty calories can lead to weight gain and obesity. It can also be problematic if a young dog or puppy eats too many empty calories.
This is because they are in a stage of their life where they require more nutrient-dense food to aid their growth and development.
Sodium Poisoning
A dog’s body is not designed like a human’s. It cannot tolerate large amounts of salt. If they do eat too much salt, they could develop salt poisoning.
If you look at a recommended daily sodium intake for a dog that’s 33 lbs, it’s around 100mg. Human resources also say dogs should not eat more than 200mg of sodium.
Now, of course, the size of the dog matter. Large dogs can handle more then small dogs.
If you think your dog may have eaten enough to get salt toxicity here are the common symptoms to look for:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors,
- Seizures or paralysis
- Disorientation
- Coma
High In Fat
Takis are high in calories and fat. One serving of Takis contains 13 grams of fat and 240 calories.
Dogs that consume too much fat can develop pancreatitis. This serious condition can lead to death if not treated properly.
Symptoms of pancreatitis in dogs include:
- Lethargy
- Hunched back
- Repeated vomiting (several times within a few hours or over several days)
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dehydration
- Fever
- Increased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
In some cases, acute pancreatitis can progress to organ failure and death. If you think your dog has pancreatitis, you should visit the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Dangerous Additives
Takis contain various additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors that can be dangerous for dogs.
The most notable preservative is monosodium glutamate or MSG. MSG is a flavor enhancer that’s often used in processed foods. It’s considered safe for humans to consume, but it can be dangerous for dogs.
Allergies
Some dogs can be allergic to corn, and since Takis are made with corn tortillas, this could cause an allergic reaction. If your dog is having an allergic reaction, symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hives or eczema
- Swelling of the muzzle, face, or ears
- Itchy skin or rash
- Breathing difficulties
- Anaphylaxis
It can be life-threatening if your dog has a severe allergic reaction.
Can Takis Kill Dogs?
Though it would be rare, eating Takis could technically kill a dog. If dogs consume a large enough quantity, they could develop salt poisoning, food bloat, or pancreatitis.
These three conditions can be fatal if left untreated for too long. To be clear, it’s unlikely that a Takis would kill your dog. However, it’s still a risk.
What Will Happen If A Dog Eats Takis?
What happens if a dog eats some Takis depends on how big the dog is and how much they consumed.
A small amount is not likely to cause any problems, but a larger amount could be dangerous.
The most common symptoms that might occur if your dog ate too many Takis include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dehydration
- Muscle weakness or tremors
- Walking without balance
- Seizures
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Takis
Suppose your dog accidentally got a hold of a bag of Takis. In that case, you’re likely wondering what might happen and if there’s anything you should do.
I reached out to Dr. Littlejohn to answer this question to find out what he’d recommend.
Vets will usually ask the following things (in order):
- How long ago did they eat the Takis?
- How much did they eat?
- How big is the dog?
- Have you noticed any changes in your dog’s behaviors?
- Are they drinking water?
- Any signs of physical pain or discomfort? Vomit? Diarrhea? Blood?
- What’s the color of your dog’s gums?
These questions help the vet examine the situation to determine the level of risk. For example, If you have a tiny dog that ate an entire bag of Takis, they are at a much greater risk than if a large dog ate a bag.
Knowing the most frequent questions, a veterinarian will ask can assist you in determining what to look for in your dog. Since each scenario is unique depending on how much was consumed and your dog’s size, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
The only thing you can do when a dog eats Takis is to wait and see if they start showing any symptoms of discomfort.
If your dog shows symptoms, it’s best to contact your veterinarian immediately for further instructions.
You can also use online services to speak directly with a vet for immediate help.
Click here if you wish to speak with a vet online right now.
*Important note: Small dogs are at the greatest risk of pancreatitis and salt poisoning since they have tiny digestive tracts! This means a smaller amount of Takis can do far more damage. For large dogs, the biggest concern is bloat.*
Other FAQs About Dogs Eating Takis
Can Dogs Eat 1 Taki?
A dog can get away with eating 1 Takis and be completely fine. However, if you have a tiny breed like a Pocket Pomsky or Pocket Chihuahua 1, Takis could cause digestive issues. These smaller dogs are so tiny that 1 Taki resembles a large dog eating a handful.
Can Dogs Eat Spicy Chips?
The answer is simply no. Sharing your spicy chips with dogs will cause more problems than you may realize. Spicy chips can be toxic for dogs and could cause stomach problems, including pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and gas.
Can Spicy Foods Hurt Dogs?
Caution should be used when feeding your dog any type of spicy food. Some dogs can tolerate spicy foods, but some cannot. So the answer is yes, spicy food can hurt a dog. It can irritate their stomach, mouth, or throat and cause discomfort or pain.
Can You Give A Dog A Hot Cheeto?
Hot Cheetos are a big no-no for dogs. They contain high levels of salt and spices, which can irritate a dog’s stomach.
These spices include garlic powder, onion powder, and flamin hot seasoning.
Garlic and onion powder can be toxic to dogs in large quantities, and the flamin hot seasoning can cause digestive issues.
Combine all these spices with high amounts of sodium and fat, and you have an awful treat for dogs.
Dogs should not eat hot Cheetos.
Final Thoughts
So you came here wondering, can dogs have Takis?
Now you know that dogs should not eat Takis.
Takis are spicy chips that contain high levels of salt, fat, and spices, which can be toxic to dogs. They can also cause digestive issues.
If your dog accidentally ate Takis, watch for symptoms of discomfort and contact your vet immediately if they occur.
Other posts you might find interesting:
Can Dogs Eat Salt And Vinegar Chips? What You Need To Know
Can Dogs Eat Rice Krispie Treats? Is It Safe? (We Asked A Vet)