Doritos. They’re delicious, addicting and a guilty pleasure for many people. But can cats eat Doritos? The answer may surprise you! In this post, I will take a closer look at Doritos and their potential effects on cats. I will also explore some safer snack alternatives for kitties. So if you’re wondering whether it’s OK to give your cat a Dorito, keep reading!
As a pet owner, you have probably been asked the question, “Can cats eat doritos?” At first, it might seem like a silly question, but many people actually want to know this information.

In general, most cats can eat small amounts of junk food without any issues. However, some cats are more sensitive to certain ingredients than others, so it’s always best to exercise caution and consult your vet if you have any doubts.While Doritos are not specifically harmful to cats, they may not be the best snack choice for them.
What Exactly Are Doritos?
According to the official Doritos website, Doritos are ” triangular-shaped tortilla chips coated with a flavored cheese powder .” They’re popular snacks, enjoyed by humans all over the world.
Doritos are a type of tortilla chip that is made from cornmeal, vegetable oil, salt, and seasoning. The chips are then fried and baked until they are crispy.

The chips are sometimes lightly salted and usually flavored with spices such as chili pepper, lime, or salt. Doritos are sold in many countries around the world.

What Are The Ingredients In Doritos?
The ingredients in Doritos vary depending on the flavor of the chip, but typically include cornmeal, vegetable oil, salt and seasoning. The chips are also sometimes flavored with spices such as chili pepper, lime, or salt.
Some typical ingredients found in Doritos are as follows:
- Corn
- Vegetable Oil
- Salt
- Whey
- Onion Powder
- Buttermilk
- Corn Flour
- Lactose
- Spices
- Citric Acid
- Sugar
- Garlic Powder

Can Cats Eat Doritos?
Cats cannot eat Doritos because the chips are high in fat and sodium, which can be harmful to their health.The flavoring in doritos contains chemicals that are harmful to cats and can make them very sick.Additionally, the flavoring and spices in Doritos could be harmful to cats if eaten in large quantities.
Sorry kitties, but Doritos are a no-no for cats. That’s because they’re made with lots of onions, tomatoes, and chili peppers, which are all toxic to cats. If your cat eats even a small amount of Doritos, she could experience stomach upset, diarrhea, or even worse—a potentially deadly bout of pancreatitis. So keep those chip bags away from your feline pal!

Since cats are obligate carnivores, they have a higher need for animal based protein and a lower need for carbohydrates. Doritos are made with cornmeal, which is a grain that is high in carbohydrates and low in protein. Doritos contain mostly plant-based proteins and therefore would be detrimental to their health.
Additionally, cats cannot digest lactose properly because they lack an enzyme called lactase that is necessary for the digestion of milk sugars called galactans. When cats consume products like Doritos that contain milk ingredients such as cheese and lactose, it causes them discomfort and can lead to vomiting or diarrhea.
Therefore, Doritos are not a good food choice for cats because they would not be getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy.
Cats have a different digestive system than humans, and they are not able to digest complex carbohydrates.The high levels of fat and sodium in Doritos can lead to health problems for cats, such as obesity and heart disease.
Can Eating Doritos Kill A Cat?
As with most foods that can potentially be harmful to cats, the severity of their effects will depend on the amount and type consumed.
However, for a cat who has eaten one or two chips, there is generally no cause for alarm as it should pass through his system without any detrimental side effects.
It is very unlikely that eating doritos will kill your cat. However, it is possible for cats to get sick or even become ill if they consume large amounts of this junk food. It can also lead to long term health problems such as obesity and heart disease.


List Of Side Effects Of Doritos On Cats:
Some of the side effects that your cat may experience if he/she eats doritos are as follows:

- Stomach Upset: This can be caused by consuming too many Doritos. Cats cannot eat large amounts of junk food without experiencing some form of discomfort in their stomach and bowels. Therefore, it is important to monitor how much you allow your cats to consume at once or over a period of time so they do not become sick from eating these products.
- Diarrhea – This can also be caused by consuming too many Doritos over a short period of time because cats have sensitive digestive systems that can cause problems when exposed to high levels of fat and sodium found in foods like this one. It may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances in their bodies, which could potentially cause death .
- Vomiting – This can occur as a result of eating too many Doritos, as well as from indigestion or other health problems that may be brought on by consuming this junk food.
- Pancreatitis – This can be life-threatening to cats and is caused by the consumption of high levels of fat. This illness can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, and even seizures in cats.
- Kidney Issues Due To Salt:Another potential health risk that Doritos pose to cats is their high level of sodium. Too much salt in a cat’s diet can lead to serious kidney problems down the road. Cats have a lower need for sodium than humans do, and too much of it can be harmful to their kidneys.
The Doritos snack food contains more than three times the amount of salt as recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association for cats . If your cat eats this junk food often, it could cause long-term damage to his or her kidneys.

- Weight Gain:The high levels of fat and calories in Doritos can also lead to weight gain in cats. Over time, this can cause a number of health problems for them, such as heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.If your cat is already overweight, it is best not to give him or her any Doritos snacks and instead look for healthier alternatives that will provide the nutrients they need without all the added unhealthy fats and calories.
- Liver Damage: Another risk that Doritos pose to cats is liver damage. This can be caused by the high levels of saturated fat found in this junk food as well as the artificial colors and flavors used in it.
Cats are not able to process these chemicals very well, and over time they can cause serious damage to a cat’s liver. So, if your cat eats Doritos frequently, he or she is likely to develop liver disease at some point in their lives.
- Flavour Toxicity:In addition to the health risks that Doritos pose to cats, they can also be harmful to them because of their artificial flavors. These flavoring agents are meant for human consumption, and as a result, they can cause severe stomach problems in cats. These include vomiting, diarrhea, and even seizures.
- Contains Onion And Garlic Powder: Doritos contain onion powder and garlic powder which are added to enhance the flavor of this junk food. Both these substances can be harmful and toxic to cats if they consume them in large enough quantities because it may lead to anemia, gastrointestinal problems, or even death.

What To Do If Your Cat Has Consumed Doritos?
As I already mentioned, Doritos by themselves are not toxic to your cat and if your cat accidentally ends up eating one or two doritos , it is not going to result in any serious adverse health effects on your cat.
If your cat has consumed a small amount of Doritos, you may be able to manage it at home by monitoring it. Watch your cat closely for the next few days and keep an eye out for any unusual changes in its behavior or bodily functions.
There are also several things you can do at home to help your pet recover if they have consumed doritos . These include:
- Providing plenty of fluids: Cats who are suffering from diarrhea or vomiting as a result of eating doritos will need plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. You can provide water, coconut water , or pedialyte to help keep them hydrated.
- Administering electrolytes: If your cat has diarrhea or is vomiting, they are also at risk for dehydration and electrolyte deficiency. You can purchase oral rehydration solutions from most pet stores that you mix with water to replace the lost fluids in their bodies. You may have to administer this solution several times a day until your cat recovers fully.
- Offering a low-sugar diet: To avoid further upsetting your pet’s digestive system and causing more vomiting and diarrhea, it is best to feed them a low sugar and low-sodium diet for several days after the incident. Feeding them lean meats like chicken breast will help their bodies recover faster without worsening the condition with high levels of fat or sugar.

When To Take Your Cat To The Veterinarian?
There are a few instances when you should take your cat to the veterinarian after they have consumed excessive doritos . These include:
- If your cat has vomited or had diarrhea for more than 24 hours,
- Seek immediate veterinary attention if your cat exhibits signs of dehydration such as sunken eyes, lethargy, dry mouth, or excessive panting.
- If your cat is not eating or drinking water and appears to be very ill,
- If there is blood in their vomit or stool,
- If they have ingested a large amount of doritos (more than a full packet )
If you are unsure whether or not to take your cat to the veterinarian, it is always best to call and speak with a professional. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action depending on the situation.
What Are The Alternatives To Doritos For Cats?
If you are looking for a healthier alternative to Doritos for your cat, there are several options available. Here are some of the best:
- Canned tuna or salmon: Both canned tuna and salmon make healthy and delicious snacks for cats that are high in protein and Omega- fatty acids. They also contain no artificial flavors or preservatives.
- Fresh chicken: Canned tuna and salmon are not always available. In such cases, you can feed your cat with canned or fresh chicken, which is also high in protein but contains less sodium than either of the two alternatives above .
The added benefit to feeding your pet chicken over fish is that it will be much cheaper for you. You can purchase raw organic free-range chicken breast from most grocery stores at a fraction of the cost of buying canned seafood.
- Dry food: There are many different brands of dry food on the market that are specifically designed for cats. These are great options for your cat if you want to avoid giving them human food altogether. Most of these foods do not contain onion or garlic powder and can be given as snacks in place of Doritos .
- Fish jerky treats : There are many different brands available at pet stores, and these are a healthy, high-protein alternative to Doritos for cats. They are also a great way to give your cat their Omega- fatty acids without having to feed them fish.
- Boiled Eggs: Eggs are a healthy, high-protein snack for both cats and dogs. You can feed your cat boiled eggs as an alternative to doritos without any worries about them getting sick.
There are many other alternatives to Doritos that are safe and healthy for cats. Speak with your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about what is best for your pet. They will be able to recommend the best option based on your cat’s individual dietary needs.

Parting Words
Cats and Doritos just don’t mix. Yes, it’s technically possible for a cat to eat Doritos, but the process is harmful to your pet. There are many articles online that discuss how cats can choke on or get sick from eating Doritos. The high sodium content of chips like these could lead to kidney failure in cats as well as other side effects such as lethargy and vomiting.
If you want more information about why this is so dangerous, we encourage you to read our blog post, Can Cats Eat Tortilla Chips: Things You Need to Know!This is where I go into detail about what harm may come if your furry friend eats one too many bags of tortilla chips and lay out some helpful tips on what you should do if they’re tempted by them again!
Cats can’t eat Doritos because it’s not good for them. Cat food is made to be nutritionally balanced and will provide all the nutrients cats need, like taurine and Vitamin A, which are necessary for their health. If you still want to give your cat a treat without any nutritional value, try giving it some tuna or chicken instead of Doritos!
I hope this blog post has answered any nutrition related questions you had about whether cats can eat Doritos or not ! If there is anything else I didn’t cover in detail or if you still have more specific questions on this topic, feel free to reach out with your concerns by clicking the contact button below.
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Meow for now 🙂
XoXo
Genie