Can Dogs Eat Pasta and Spaghetti?

It can be tricky trying to figure out what your pooch can and can't eat, and pasta is something many of us wonder if Fido can safely pinch from our plates. So, is it wise to share a bowl of spaghetti or pasta with your dog? Can dogs eat pasta? Let’s find out!

Can My Dog Eat Pasta and Spaghetti?

There’s differing advice when it comes to whether dogs should eat pasta and spaghetti, probably because some pets can have wheat allergies and sensitivity to grains. If you decide to offer your dog pasta, the key is to serve it plain and in small portions.

Why Should Dogs Only Eat Plain Pasta?

It’s important to only serve plain cooked pasta and spaghetti because most pasta sauces and pasta dishes include ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including onions and garlic. A popular topping for pasta is cheese – dairy can be problematic for dogs so if you decide to serve cheese with your dog’s pasta, it’s best to only use a small amount.

It's wise to get clued up on what foods your dog should avoid, including xylitol and chocolate.

The Importance of Only Offering Small Portions of Pasta

Only offering pasta in small portions is important because it doesn’t offer any nutritional benefits to dogs and large portions can result in obesity. Dogs should be receiving most of their calories from healthy, nutritional food that provides the nutrients they need, rather than through foods that have no nutritional benefits for them, such as pasta and spaghetti.

As obesity causes a range of health issues for dogs and can lead to the onset of illnesses and health conditions, ensuring your dog maintains a weight suitable for their size is crucial for their health. One of the benefits of regular dog walking is helping them to maintain the correct weight.

How to Tell If Your Dog Has a Wheat Allergy

Some of the most common symptoms of wheat allergies in dogs include:

• Ear infections
• Skin irritations
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea

If you’re concerned in any way about your dog’s health, we always suggest you speak to a veterinarian to get professional advice.

If you decide to share your spaghetti or pasta with your dog, remember to keep it plain and keep it small! We hope your dog enjoys his pasta treat. Our Dog Tote Bags are just what you need for carrying home your pasta purchases! Use our Find Your Breed tool to find designs similar to your pooch. 

Photo credit: @sigaxelandrogue