Can Dogs Eat Pasta?

The “Lady and the Tramp” scene with the spaghetti meatballs kiss is one of the most memorable and sweet canine kisses we have seen on the big screen. In fact, the spaghetti kiss from this animated movie holds second place for the best movie kisses of all time, according to polls.

But while the dogs from this Disney animation seemed to enjoy eating the spaghetti together, you may be asking yourself – can dogs eat pasta in real life too?

There is no straightforward answer to this question. Some animal nutritionists and veterinarians claim that it is okay for canines to eat moderate amounts of pasta, and others completely disagree.

Overall, a small amount of pasta given occasionally should be safe for most dogs. But it is essential to know which types of pasta can be fed to canines and which ingredients can harm your pet.

Read on for more information about how pasta can affect pups, the signs that the pasta may have caused harm, and a quick guide on the safe quantities and types of pasta for canines.

Pasta is usually made of flour, eggs, and water, all ingredients safe for dogs when eaten in moderation. So, whether cooked or uncooked, plain pasta should not pose a threat to a healthy pup.

The potential danger of poisoning in dogs comes from the sauces and seasonings used for prepping the pasta dish.

The risks come from the onions, garlic, and leeks, which are typically used. They and all other plants of the allium species are toxic for dogs, especially when eaten in larger quantities and regularly. Nutmeg can also be poisonous to canines.

In severe cases of poisoning, the dogs can suffer damage and destruction of their blood cells, leading to anemia and even death.

The Common Signs Of Onion And Garlic Poisoning In Dogs

Here are the signs that your four-legged companion may be suffering from onion or garlic toxicity:

A pale mucous membrane of the dog’s gums, mouth, eyes, ears, nose, and other body parts
Lethargy
Black stools
Weakness
Rapid pulse or breathing

Since many pasta sauces and garnishes are made with onions and garlic, it is recommended to give the dog pasta but without the sauce.

Plus, the pasta recipes usually include other spices and herbs, salt, and cheese, which may be harmful to pups, especially to sensitive or allergic ones.

Too much salt can lead to health problems such as headaches, dizziness, and even seizures in canines.

Small amounts of black pepper and basil are safe for pups, but oregano can be toxic for them.

Another ingredient you should be wary of is cheese. While you can reward your fur baby with a bit of cheese on special occasions, giving your pup too much of it can lead to weight gain, inflammation of the pancreas, and problems for lactose intolerant dogs.

How Much Pasta Can I Give To My Dog Safely?

You can add small amounts of plain pasta to your pup’s diet. This means occasionally adding just a few boiled noodles to the dog’s food.

Following this rule can help prevent your dog from becoming overweight, leading to severe health and mobility problems and shortening its lifespan.

Excess weight in canines can lead to breathing problems, heart disease, joint and muscle stiffness and pain, and high blood pressure.

Remember to omit the sauce before treating your dog to some pasta.

Talk to your vet about the appropriate amount of pasta you can add to your pup’s diet and whether it is a good idea to feed it with this kind of food at all.

The Grain-Free Alternative Types Of Pasta

Pasta is a favorite food worldwide and is available in hundreds of different varieties.

Recently, more and more low-carb and gluten-free pasta products have been introduced to the market. Some grain-free healthier options are made from rice, lentils, or chickpeas instead of flour.

But while they can be healthier for us humans, these new pasta varieties are not necessarily so good for our dogs.

There has been much controversy surrounding the rising popularity of grain-free dog food.

While some veterinarians, nutritionists, and dog parents swear that they are the much healthier option for canines, other studies show that these foods with grain alternatives such as chickpeas and lentils can increase the risk of heart disease in dogs.

But, rice is safe and can help relieve digestive problems in dogs. Plain-boiled or steamed white rice is digested easily by dogs and has little fiber.

Brown rice contains much more fiber, which can help add some essential vitamins to the pup’s diet.

So, you can safely add a couple of plain cooked rice-based noodles to your dog’s food next time you prepare a healthy pasta meal.

Can Dogs Eat Pasta?