Can dogs eat pasta? You may be asking this because you want to share a delicious bowl of noodles with your pup. Humans can eat pasta, so is pasta also safe for dogs to eat?
The short answer is yes, pasta is safe for dogs to eat. Even though it doesn’t necessarily provide any notable health benefits for your dog, pasta is made from simple ingredients that are all safe for your pup’s consumption.
As with all human foods, you must consult with your veterinarian before feeding your dog any new dietary additions. Here’s what you should know about feeding pasta to your dog.
How Is Pasta Safe For Dogs?
Pasta, at its simplest, is made of egg, flour, and water, all of which are fine for your dog to eat. It’s not loaded with vitamins or minerals, and it doesn’t aid in digestion like rice. However, it is a delicious snack that you may want your doggo to have the opportunity to try.
Some pastas are made with vegetable juice, like spinach or tomato, that give them a vibrant hue. These are safe for your pup to eat. Pasta noodles made with common Italian seasons like oregano and basil are also safe for your dog.
Basically, in moderation, your pup can enjoy a plate of noodles just like we humans do.
How Can I Safely Give Pasta To My Dog?
You should fully cook your dog’s pasta before letting them chow down. It can be difficult for dogs to digest al dente noodles, so the softer the pasta, the better.
Additionally, you should forego salt in your dog’s pasta water. It’s better to have some noodles sticking together than to feed your pup pasta that has absorbed salt, which is not great for dogs.
This may seem obvious, but you shouldn’t feed your dog pasta with any sauces. These can irritate your dog’s sensitive tummy, and some contain ingredients like garlic and onions that are toxic for dogs.
Finally, your dog should only eat pasta as a special meal on occasion. Pasta shouldn’t be an everyday, or even every week, occurrence. Too much pasta can cause obesity and other health issues.
Has your dog ever eaten pasta? What kind of noodles do they like? Let us know in the comments.
