Yes, cats can eat tortillas in moderation as an occasional treat. Tortillas are not toxic to cats and contain some nutrients that may provide health benefits.
However, tortillas are high in carbohydrates and calories and lack key nutrients cats need. Eating too many tortillas may lead to weight gain or gastrointestinal issues in cats. It’s best to only offer small pieces of tortilla infrequently.
Types of Tortillas
There are several common types of tortillas that cat owners may consider feeding as treats:
- Flour tortillas – Made from wheat flour, these are the most common tortillas. They have a soft texture and mild flavor.
- Corn tortillas – Made from corn masa flour, corn tortillas have a distinctive sweet, nutty flavor. They are lower in calories than flour tortillas.
- Wheat tortillas – Wheat tortillas are made from whole wheat flour and are higher in protein and fiber compared to white flour tortillas.
- Spinach tortillas – Some brands offer tortillas made with spinach for extra nutrients. Spinach provides vitamin A, vitamin C and iron.
- Low carb tortillas – For cats needing to lose weight, low carb tortilla options made with alternative flours may be better options.
Are Tortillas Safe for Cats?
In moderation, tortillas are not toxic or inherently unsafe for cats to eat. However, there are some safety precautions to keep in mind:
- Avoid feeding raw tortilla dough which may expand in the stomach. Only feed fully cooked tortillas.
- Don’t give cats very hot, freshly cooked tortillas as they can burn their mouths. Let tortillas cool first.
- Remove any plastic wrapping as cats may try to ingest it, posing a choking hazard.
- Don’t give sugar-coated dessert tortillas which are unhealthy. Stick to plain tortillas only.
As long as basic precautions are followed, tortillas are generally safe for feline consumption. Start by only offering tiny pieces to test your cat’s tolerance.
Nutritional Value of Tortillas
The main nutrients found in a plain flour or corn tortilla are:
- Carbohydrates – A 6-inch flour tortilla provides about 23 grams of carbs, mostly in the form of starch. This carbohydrate content is very high for cats.
- Fiber – Tortillas contain about 1-3 grams of dietary fiber per serving which may help digestive health.
- Fat and protein – Tortillas are very low in fat and protein, providing only 1-2 grams of each per serving. Cats require ample protein from meats.
- Calcium – Tortillas made with lime-processed corn provide a small amount of calcium. But tortillas are not a sufficient calcium source for cats.
- Sodium – Tortillas, especially commercially-made ones, are often high in added salt. Too much sodium is unhealthy for cats.
Overall, while tortillas provide carbohydrate calories, they lack the protein, fat and micronutrients that are essential in a cat’s diet. Tortillas should not be a dietary staple.
Potential Health Benefits of Tortillas for Cats
In moderation, some potential benefits tortillas offer cats include:
- Weight gain – For underweight cats who won’t eat enough, the extra carbohydrate calories from tortillas may provide needed energy and weight gain.
- Fiber source – The fiber in tortillas may help aid digestive regularity. But don’t exceed 2 grams of fiber per 5 pounds of body weight when treating constipation.
- Occasional treat – As an occasional treat in tiny amounts, tortillas are safe for cats and may provide mental stimulation through a new taste, texture, and opportunity for food rewards during training.
However, there are healthier treat options than tortillas for cats. Use tortillas sparingly and in conjunction with a nutritionally balanced cat food diet.
Potential Health Risks of Tortillas for Cats
Potential health risks of regularly feeding tortillas to cats include:
- Nutritional deficiencies – Too many tortillas may lead to deficiencies in proteins, vitamins and minerals cats need if tortillas replace healthy cat foods.
- Weight gain – The high carb content of tortillas can easily lead to weight gain in cats if fed in excess, increasing risk of obesity.
- Diabetes – Obesity and high carb intake increase the risk for feline diabetes which can be fatal if untreated.
- Dental issues – The soft texture of tortillas doesn’t provide enough abrasion to clean teeth. Crunchy cat treats are better for dental health.
- Gastrointestinal upset – Cats’ digestive systems are not designed to handle large amounts of starch and carbs. Too many tortillas may cause vomiting, diarrhea or flatulence.
To keep cats healthy, limit tortillas to occasional small portions of 1-2 bites only and remove any uneaten portion. Focus the majority of the diet on high protein, grain-free canned or raw cat foods instead along with proper dental care.
