Grains & bread
Can dogs eat pasta?
A little plain cooked pasta is fine for dogs, but it is just starch. Pasta sauces are the real problem — many contain onion and garlic.
Why Onion and garlic in sauces; raw dough
By Maya HartIf your dog ate some
- A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset.
- Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
- If your pet ate pasta with a garlic or onion sauce, check the amount with your vet.
Signs to watch for
- Upset stomach
How much, how often
A few pieces of plain pasta.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Plain cooked pasta only
- No sauce, cheese or garlic oil
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs In moderation
A little plain cooked pasta is fine for dogs, but it is just starch. Pasta sauces are the real problem — many contain onion and garlic.
How much: A few pieces of plain pasta.
Cats In moderation
Plain cooked pasta isn’t harmful to cats, but it offers them nothing.
How much: A piece or two.
Can cats eat pasta?The details
Tomato-based pasta sauces usually contain onion and garlic, which damage red blood cells in both dogs and cats. A licked plate is rarely a problem, but a bowl of leftovers can be.
Safer treats your dog can have instead
Questions owners ask
Can dogs eat pasta?
A little plain cooked pasta is fine for dogs, but it is just starch. Pasta sauces are the real problem — many contain onion and garlic.
How much pasta can a dog have?
A few pieces of plain pasta.
What makes pasta risky for dogs?
Onion and garlic in sauces; raw dough.
What are the signs to watch for in dogs?
upset stomach.
What should I do if my dog ate pasta?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell. If your pet ate pasta with a garlic or onion sauce, check the amount with your vet.
Is pasta safe for cats too?
Plain cooked pasta isn’t harmful to cats, but it offers them nothing.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for dogs
Popcorn
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Corn
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- In moderation
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Raw bread dough
