How Much Pasta Can Your Dog Have?

Feeding your dog plain pasta in small amounts can be a harmless treat. If a noodle or two accidentally falls on the kitchen floor while you’re cooking, it’s generally fine. And if your child decides to share their pasta dinner with your dog, there’s no need to worry too much—just ensure your dog gets only a tiny portion and not a whole meal. Regularly serving large quantities of pasta could lead to weight gain, which in turn can cause health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, and joint pain.

For a safe treat, stick to very small amounts of plain pasta—no sauces or extras. Veterinarians suggest offering only one or two plain, cooked noodles a week. Giving more than that could be detrimental to your dog’s health.

Pasta Varieties

As low-carb diets become more popular, alternative pasta options have appeared on store shelves. These include pasta made from chickpeas, lentils, and rice, which are popular among those on gluten-free diets. While these options are healthy for humans, they may not be ideal for dogs.

Recent studies have linked grain-free dog foods, which often use ingredients like lentils and chickpeas, to canine heart disease. Although lentils and chickpeas aren’t toxic to dogs, their consumption should be limited. On the other hand, both are generally safe for dogs in moderate amounts.

Rice, especially white rice, is often used to help with digestive issues in dogs due to its easy digestibility. Brown rice, rich in fiber and vitamins, can also be a healthy addition to your dog’s diet, particularly if you prepare homemade meals for your pet.

So, feel free to share a noodle or two of chickpea, lentil, or rice pasta with your dog. It’s unlikely to upset their stomach, and they might enjoy the taste. If you have a picky eater, a few pieces of plain pasta might just encourage them to finish their meal.