We’ve all seen hilarious recreations of the Lady and the Tramp scene with the shared spaghetti. And let’s admit it, it’s fun to see if our dogs can catch tortellini when we toss it to them. Pasta is a great comfort food for us humans, but is it ok for our furry best friends?
The answer is maybe. In its plain form, pasta is unlikely to harm your dog, especially in moderation. However, it is worth being careful, as some pets have wheat allergies or are sensitive to grains. Pasta has very minimal nutritional value as well, so while it isn’t poisonous, it shouldn’t be a regular part of your dog’s diet. That’s not to mention that with excessive consumption, it could lead to weight gain which could in turn open your dog up to various health problems like heart disease.
Oh, and avoid the sauce. Onions and garlic are toxic to dogs, so pasta sauce can make your dog sick.
Can my dog eat spaghetti?
Only plain! If the spaghetti is in sauce, most sauces contain onions and garlic, which are toxic to dogs so avoid them completely to be safe. That’s not to mention that most spaghetti sauces include sugar and salt at problematic levels for dogs. Salt poisoning is serious and must be watched out for, as dogs can get very ill very quickly.
Can my dog eat ramen?
Nothing quite like a salty, meaty, bowl of hot ramen. Unfortunately, both traditional ramen and instant ramen are too salty for your dog to enjoy. If you’re feeding your dog plain ramen noodles, those are usually fine, but again, offer no nutritional value. The sodium content of plain noodles is also something to watch out for, as instant ramen noodles sometimes have added salt. It’s also good to note that onion and garlic are both popular ingredients in instant ramen flavour packets, so sharing noodles from your bowl isn’t a great idea for your dog.
So can my dog eat pasta at all?
Yes, but again, only in their plain form. This includes egg noodles, udon noodles, and the myriad varieties of pasta the world has to offer. The big thing to watch out for is possible allergic reactions. If your dog is allergic to wheat, you may notice the following symptoms:
- Frequent ear infections
- Skin irritation or itching
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
If you think your dog may have a wheat allergy, it’s recommended to stop feeding them foods containing wheat and see if the symptoms clear. If your dog is experiencing frequent vomiting or diarrhoea, it’s best to contact your vet. There may be more at play than food.
Remember that most of the time, it’s what’s covering the pasta that dictates whether or not it’s safe for your dog to enjoy. Be sure to read labels to rule out any toxic ingredients like onion or garlic.
How much pasta is too much?
Possible symptoms
- Lack of interest in everyday activities
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
Carbs have a similar effect on dogs as they do on. In fact, the last two symptoms are signs your dog may have type II diabetes, which can be a serious, though rare disease brought on by excessive weight and too many carbohydrates. Since pasta has very little nutritional value in a dog’s diet, it is best to limit their intake due to its carb and caloric content. Dogs should receive their daily calories through healthy meals, not fillers like pasta. If you need someone to take care of your dog and ensure they’re eating right, you can find a Rover.com sitter who offers dog boarding while you’re at work or on holiday!
What Else Can Your Dog Eat?
You may also be interested in Can My Dog Eat Scrambled Eggs?
We offer a collection of articles on foods that are safe, dangerous or even toxic for dogs to eat, including vegetables, dairy, bread, and junk food. There is a wide variety of “human food” that is healthy for your dog to eat, while others are considered toxic and dangerous. Check out which fruits and veg are good for your dog here and which spices and seasonings are ok to give to your furry little buddy here. We’ve created these articles to ensure you’re informed on feeding your dog a wonderfully varied diet while learning the limitations of a dog’s sensitive digestive system.
We may be know for our great advice on anything dog-related here at Rover.com but we also have loads of fantastic dog walkers and sitters who offer dog boarding in your area so get ready to meet your dog’s perfect match!
