Home › Foods for dogs › Pasta
Can Dogs Eat Pasta?
Serve small amounts, and not every day.
Is pasta safe for dogs?
Pasta is a dough made mainly from wheat, boiled and served with a wide range of sauces. Plain, cooked pasta with no sauce is generally safe for dogs in small amounts, though it adds mostly carbohydrates and calories.
How to serve pasta to your dog
- Serve it plain, cooked and cooled, with no sauce
- Offer a small amount as an occasional extra, not a meal
- Choose whole-grain pasta over heavily processed varieties if giving it regularly
What to avoid
- Sauces containing garlic, onion, excess salt or cheese
- Large portions, which add unnecessary carbohydrates
- Raw pasta, which is hard to digest
How much pasta can my dog have?
Treats, including pasta, should stay under about 10% of your dog's daily calories. As a rough starting point, small dogs can have 1 to 2 bite-size pieces, medium dogs 2 to 4, and large dogs a small handful. Introduce it slowly and do not make it a daily habit.
Signs your dog may be having a problem
Watch for vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, tiredness, a swollen or painful belly, or trouble breathing. Contact your vet right away if you see these signs, or if your dog has eaten any of the parts listed above.
Frequently asked questions
Can puppies eat pasta?
Young animals have more sensitive digestive systems and a carefully balanced diet, so check with your vet before adding pasta. If you get the go-ahead, start with an even smaller amount than an adult would get.
What if my dog ate too much pasta?
The most common result is an upset stomach with vomiting or diarrhea. Offer water, skip further treats, and call your vet if symptoms are severe or last more than a day, or if your dog ate any of the parts listed under "What to avoid".
How often can my dog have pasta?
Treat it as an occasional extra rather than a daily food. Once or twice a week at most is a sensible starting point for a healthy adult dog, and less for small ones.
More questions dog owners ask
Wondering about the other pet in your home? Can Cats Eat Pasta?