By Dial A Vet Veterinary Team
Plain pasta is not a problem food for dogs. It is flour, water and sometimes egg, and many dogs enjoy a few cooked penne. The trouble is that pasta rarely comes plain. Bolognese, carbonara, garlic butter, pesto and cheesy bakes bring garlic, onion, fat and salt to the bowl, and those are what vets worry about.
Key takeaways
- Plain cooked pasta is safe for most healthy dogs in small amounts.
- It is mainly starch and adds calories, so it is not a helpful daily treat for overweight dogs.
- Sauces often contain garlic and onion, which can damage red blood cells.
- Creamy and cheesy sauces are high in fat and can trigger vomiting or pancreatitis.
- Raw pasta dough or dried pasta is unlikely to be dangerous but can cause gut upset.
- Related: garlic and dogs, onions and dogs, pancreatitis in dogs.
Plain pasta
Cooked plain pasta is easy for most dogs to digest. Some vets suggest plain pasta or rice, along with a lean protein, as part of a short bland diet after a mild stomach upset, but follow your vet's advice on this rather than switching on your own. Pasta is low in protein and lacks the vitamins and minerals dogs need, so it should never become a major part of the diet.
Dogs with a wheat allergy (not common, but it happens) can react to pasta made from wheat flour, usually with itchy skin or gut upset.
Sauces: where the risk sits
Garlic and onion
Bolognese, napoletana, garlic bread and many pasta bakes contain onion and garlic. These alliums can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Effects depend on the amount eaten relative to the dog's size. Signs can be delayed a few days and include lethargy, pale gums, fast breathing and dark urine.
Cream, butter and cheese
Carbonara, alfredo and mac and cheese are rich. A large portion can cause vomiting and diarrhoea, and in susceptible dogs it can trigger pancreatitis. Miniature Schnauzers and dogs with a history of pancreatitis are at higher risk.
Pesto
Classic pesto contains garlic, cheese and nuts (often pine nuts, sometimes walnuts or cashews). The garlic and fat are the main concerns.
Salt
Salty sauces and cured meats such as pancetta and salami add sodium.
How much pasta is sensible?
A few pieces of plain pasta as an occasional treat is fine for most dogs. Keep treats under about 10 percent of daily calories. For overweight dogs or dogs with diabetes, ask your vet before adding starchy foods.
Signs to watch for
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Belly pain, hunching or restlessness
- Reduced appetite
- Lethargy, pale gums or fast breathing in the days after eating garlic or onion
- Excessive thirst after salty sauces
When it is an emergency
Call your vet or an emergency clinic straight away if your dog:
- Ate a large amount of a sauce containing garlic or onion
- Vomits repeatedly or has a painful belly
- Seems weak, has pale gums or dark urine
- Is a small dog and ate a big portion of rich pasta
- Swallowed foil, cling wrap or a takeaway container
Do not make your dog vomit at home unless a vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline (1300 869 738) tells you to.
How vets help
Your vet will ask what sauce was involved and how much was eaten. For alliums, they may run blood tests and recheck over several days. For a rich meal, they assess for pancreatitis and give fluids, pain relief and anti-nausea medication as needed.
Sharing pasta safely
- Set aside a few plain pieces before adding sauce.
- Cool them before offering.
- Do not share leftovers that have been sitting out for a long time.
- Keep pasta bakes and garlic bread well back from the edge of the bench.
FAQ
My dog ate a bowl of spaghetti bolognese. What should I do?
Call your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline. Bolognese usually contains onion and garlic, and the amount relative to your dog's size matters.
Can dogs eat gluten-free pasta?
Plain gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn is not toxic. Check for added ingredients.
Is pasta good for a dog with an upset stomach?
Plain pasta can be part of a vet-guided bland diet. Talk to your vet before using it.
Can dogs eat raw pasta?
A few pieces of dried pasta are unlikely to harm, but large amounts can cause stomach upset as they swell.
Talk with a vet
If your dog stole a pasta dinner and you are unsure what was in the sauce, a Dial A Vet veterinarian can help you assess the risk. Book a Dial A Vet consult.
References
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. People foods to avoid feeding your pets.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Garlic and onion (Allium spp) toxicosis in animals.
- Merck Veterinary Manual. Pancreatitis in dogs and cats.
- WSAVA Global Nutrition Committee. Global nutrition guidelines and toolkit.
Disclaimer: Educational only. This page does not replace an examination or advice from your own veterinarian. If you are worried about your pet right now, contact your local vet or nearest emergency animal hospital.