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Zack Keithy, our author, is a certified veterinarian technician (UC Blue Ash) for over 6 years (contact him here). The articles written here are based on his expertise and experience, combined with a review by our expert vet reviewers including Dr M. Tarantino. Learn more about us here.
Once, I found my mischievous furry companion eyeing the spicy snack on my table.
Takis are undeniably tasty to us, but can they pose a potential threat to our four-legged pals? Can Takis kill dogs?
As much as I was tempted to give her a tiny weeny bit, I knew better than that.
And in this post, I wanted to share with you more about the potential dangers and risks that come with feeding these snacks to our pets.
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Can Dogs Eat Takis?
No, dogs cannot eat Takis.
Takis is a popular Mexican snack that is known for its rolled-up shape, spicy flavor, and bright color.
While these chips may be a tasty treat for us humans, they are not suitable for our furry friends. That’s because Takis are considered junk food due to their high sodium content and low nutritional value.
In addition to being highly processed and spicy, Takis contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs which our pups’ bodies are simply not designed to handle.
Doggy says, you might be interested in reading this too: Is jojoba oil safe for dogs?
Are Takis Hard to Digest for Dogs?
Spicy food is generally hard on our pet’s tummy, and this particular brand of chips is pretty spicy.
On top of that, it is also loaded with another no-no for our furry pals – sodium.
That and the preservatives and artificial flavors could wreak havoc on your furry pal’s digestive system.
If your pet gets their paws on some Takis and lick it, they may experience bloating, stomach pains, vomiting, and diarrhea. And those are just the mild health issues they may encounter.
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Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: My dog ate a highlighter!
What Are the Dangers of Giving Your Dog Takis?
Takis is bad news for your pets. These chips cannot be considered healthy treats, and they can even cause a host of health problems.
Cause stomach upset, diarrhea, vomiting, pancreatitis
As mentioned earlier, Takis is quite difficult to digest because of its sodium content. The spices and artificial additives do not help either.
If consumed by your furry pal, Takis can upset their stomachs to the point of vomiting and diarrhea.
In some severe cases, pancreatitis can also result from eating this snack.
High salt content can cause dehydration and kidney problems
Besides a tummy ache, the astronomically high sodium content of Takis can lead to dehydration.
The high sodium content in Takis can lead to dehydration. This condition can cause kidney problems in dogs.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat flan?
Toxic ingredients
Takis, to us, are spicy and delicious.
Sadly, the same cannot be said for dogs.
Takis contain a lot of toxic ingredients like artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, and a bunch of preservatives.
Though these are typically harmless for humans, they can be severely damaging to a dog’s health.
An example can be made of one of the effects of MSG, or monosodium glutamate.
As one of the main ingredients of Takis, this can cause neurological issues in dogs.
Weight gain and obesity
Takis are high in calories and have low nutritional value, which means they are likely to contribute to your dog’s weight gain and obesity.
Unbalanced diet
Feeding your dog the spicy treat regularly may lead to an unbalanced diet, which can cause long-term health problems.
As you should know, you need to provide your dog pal with a balanced and healthy diet so they don’t encounter any unwanted side effects, and I seriously doubt that your dog would like spicy chips anyway.
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Can dogs eat mangosteen?
What You Should Do if Your Dog Ate Takis
If you suspect that your furry friend has gotten their paws on some Takis, it’s important to act quickly.
Here’s what you should do.
Monitor them for signs of distress
Observe how your pet reacts to the snack. Look for signs of distress or discomfort like whimpering or pacing.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, don’t hesitate to contact your vet, especially if your dog is throwing up or refusing to eat.
Contact your veterinarian
Is your pet acting in any way out of the ordinary? Go ahead and give your vet a call.
You might not have to bring your furry pal to the clinic, but your vet can still instruct you on how to manage any of your pet’s symptoms.
Do not wait for your dog’s condition to worsen before seeking assistance.
Offer your dog plenty of water
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I cannot stress this enough.
Providing your dog with plenty of water can help flush out those harmful toxins from the Takis and also ease their digestive troubles.
And if your dog is experiencing any vomiting or diarrhea, the water can help prevent dehydration.
Provide your dog with a bland diet
Once your dog’s stomach has settled, it is safe to offer them something to eat.
It is best to stick to a bland diet of boiled chicken and rice. This will help soothe your pet’s upset stomach.
Prevent future incidences
Preventing access is key when it comes to harmful food and your pet. Keep your Takis in a place that your dog cannot reach. A high shelf and a sealed container are great options.
Doggy says, you might wanna check this out too: Dog ate a silica packet
Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
If your dog managed to eat Takis, you should watch out for any of these:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Loss of appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Abdominal pain and bloating
- Elevated heart rate and breathing rate
- Tremors or seizures
If your pet shows any of these, go to the vet immediately. Don’t wait for the symptoms to get worse. Early intervention is key to preventing severe complications and saving your dog’s life when it comes to poisoning.
Healthier Alternatives to Give Your Dog
Now that we have established that Takis are a definite no-go as a treat for your dogs, you may be wondering what other food to give them.
Well, there are a ton of healthier options for your furry pal’s snack.
Raw vegetables are a great alternative to Takis. Carrots and cucumbers are crunchy and delicious.
Fruits are also quite popular among four-legged friends. Apples, blueberries, and cantaloupes? Your pet would love those.
You can also give them small pieces of lean chicken or turkey meat.
And lastly, don’t forget dog snacks that are specially formulated for them. One of my personal favorites is from Pet Botanics. Seriously, give them a try and you’ll see how your dog loves them!
Pet Botanics Training Reward Bacon Treats
Doggy says, you might be keen to read this too: Will a small amount of onion hurt my dog?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Takis cause cancer?
There are no studies that state Takis can cause cancer in dogs. However, the high salt content as well as the presence of other harmful ingredients in the chips can still give your pet health problems.
How many calories are in a serving of Takis?
One ounce of the treat contains about 140 calories. However, this is not something you should be feeding your pet as a snack since it’s not nutritionally balanced and might cause a lot of bad side effects for your furry friend.
How much sodium is in a serving of Takis?
A 1-ounce serving of this spicy snack has around 210 milligrams of sodium. That’s dangerously high for your pet to consume. Snacks with way too much sodium can cause quick dehydration and serious kidney problems for your pet, so it’s best to avoid feeding Takis to your dog.
How long does it take for Takis to digest in dogs?
It depends on the individual dog and how much they ate. Generally, Takis can take a few hours to digest in dogs.
Can takis cause diarrhea in dogs?
Yes, Takis can cause diarrhea in dogs. The high levels of sodium and ingredients like dried onion and garlic are known to be bad for any dog’s stomach. If your pet eats Takis, they might experience digestion problems like vomiting, bloating, and diarrhea.
Can a small amount of Takis be harmful to my dog?
Even a small amount of Takis can harm your dog. This is especially true for small dogs or those that have a sensitive stomach. It’s best to avoid feeding your dog Takis altogether and stick to healthier snack options instead.
In Conclusion: Can Takis Kill Dogs?
Now that we have tackled the Takis turmoil together, you now know better what you should do the next time you’re snacking on some.
Keep them away! And let your dog have something healthier and purpose-made for them instead.
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