Can Dogs Eat Noodles?& Is it Safe?

Dogs are known to be attracted to food made for human consumption.

We all have probably observed our dogs trying their best to somehow get the food present on the owner’s plate.

Noodles are one such food item; however, before you give your pets some of these noodles, you might want to know if it is safe for them.

Although noodles are not the best food choice for dogs, they can still eat them. Do remember that noodles cannot completely fulfil a dog’s nutritional requirements.

Providing your dog with plenty of plain, home-cooked noodles should not risk your pet.

Dogs might face issues in digesting raw noodles. For that reason, it’s best to give them cooked noodles.

In addition, spicy noodles or those soaked in tomato sauce are not a healthy option because of their high garlic and onion content.

It has been observed that dogs given noodles (regularly) tend to gain weight due to their high carbohydrate content.

Benefits of Noodles for dogs?

It is possible to run out of dog food during a long weekend or holiday. In such a scenario, you can prepare noodles as an alternative.

Among the health benefits of noodles for dogs are:

Noodles as Energy Booster

Carb-rich noodles can provide quick energy boosts. This is good for dogs that remain extremely active throughout the day.

B vitamins in noodles

Noodles are a great source of riboflavin and thiamine.

From proper functioning of the nerves, controlling metabolism, cell maintenance, cell growth, etc., the B vitamins serve various functions in dogs’ bodies.

Noodles as a source of vitamin E

Vitamin E found in noodles has the following benefits.

As well as keeping eyes and skin healthy, vitamin E helps to build a strong resistance to infections.

Vitamin E’s antioxidant properties help prevent and treat illnesses such as diabetes, cardiac diseases, various cancers, etc.

Calcium in noodles

The mineral calcium in noodles contributes to developing strong bones and teeth and aiding in the proper functioning of other body organs.

Iron in noodles

A dog’s body needs iron for hemoglobin production. The body’s oxygen circulation is impaired when iron levels are inadequate.

Magnesium in noodles

A well-functioning heart, strong bones, and a robust immunity system are a few benefits of a magnesium-rich diet.

Besides maintaining blood glucose levels, it also aids the body in generating energy and protein.

How to prepare noodles for dogs?

When compared to humans, the preparation style of noodles is different for dogs.

• Consider noodles with low calories, such as Udon noodles, which are available from many brands.
• If Udon noodles are unavailable, use regular noodles after ensuring the sodium content of the noodles (not including the seasoning packet) is negligible.
• Do not mix the oil and seasoning packets when making noodles for your pet. They should be kept aside.
• Once cooked, allow the noodles to cool and serve them plain.
• Cooked noodles can also be mixed with boiled chicken or meat.
• Cutting the long strands into smaller pieces will prevent choking/ gagging hazards for the dog.

What types of noodles are unhealthy for dogs?

Instant Noodles – Instant noodles contain preservatives and are processed, making them unsuitable for dogs’ consumption.

Be careful when buying a product containing seasoning packets that will be added later while cooking. The consumption of such food by dogs can upset their stomachs.

Baked Noodles – Dogs should not eat baked noodles because they contain loads of cheese and seasoning.

These noodles also have a low nutritional value, making them a bad food choice for your dog.

How many noodles can my dog eat?

The quantity served can only be decided based on the dog’s weight, size, breed, and medical history. So, to get the precise answer, kindly contact a Veterinary professional. They can also help you prepare a healthy diet chart for the dog.

However, if you are asking it generally, then:

• Overeating noodles is not recommended for pets.
• A small plate of cooked noodles is sufficient for an average size dog.
• A serving frequency of once a week is fine.

Can dogs get sick from eating noodles?

Firstly, it’s never a good idea to feed noodles to young puppies. Their digestive system is extremely delicate and can get affected even by small changes in their food habit.

Back to the question,

Yes, noodles can make your dog sick.

Make sure your four-legged friend doesn’t eat noodles regularly. Large portion sizes and frequent feedings might cause serious health issues.

Let’s look at how noodles can harm dogs:

Noodles are high in Carbohydrate

Noodles are rich in carbohydrates.

Excess carbs can cause weight gain and obesity.

The medical conditions associated with overweight dogs include diabetes, heart disease, and, in some cases, cancer.

Spices that can get the dog in trouble

Even though it’s only recommended to serve dogs plain boiled noodles without adding the accompanying seasoning packet, people tend to ignore this warning and add a little or whole of the seasoning packet or sauce or spices (from their own), as they fear their pet might find plain noodles tasteless and will ignore the dish.

Most of the time, spices are mixed in the seasoning.

Dogs’ stomachs aren’t designed to handle spices.

These spices and herbs can cause stomach upset at best and stomach ulcers at worst.

High salt in noodles

This is particularly common with instant noodles.

The excessive amount of salt in a dog’s diet can cause dehydration and can also result in high blood pressure

Dogs with kidney problems are especially at risk from eating foods high in sodium.

Excessive consumption of sodium can also result in salt poisoning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can dogs eat Buckwheat or soba noodles?

Since it is nutritious and gluten-free, buckwheat noodles are perfect for dogs with grain allergies.

If you do give your pet occasional treats of buckwheat flour soba noodles, make sure the amount is moderate.

Can dogs Eat Egg noodles?

Eggs are a good supplier of vitamin E, proteins, iron, and minerals, making them a good source of nutrients when added to plain noodles.

Make sure that the eggs are cooked well to avoid salmonella infections.

Can dogs eat chicken noodles?

Homemade noodles can be topped with pieces of boiled chicken.

It is even possible to give your pets canned chicken noodles soup. However, that shouldn’t be your preferred choice since, apart from preservatives and additives, it also contains a high amount of sodium.

Can dogs eat Udon noodles?

Udon noodles are made of wheat flour and contain very few calories making them suitable to be fed to dogs.

A Japanese company has recently started manufacturing Udon noodles, especially for dogs.

Can dogs eat Spaghetti noodles?

The occasional serving of cooked spaghetti noodles may be pleasing to dogs but making it a regular part of their diet is harmful.

Regular consumption of Spaghetti can lead to an increased risk of weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, etc. in dogs.

Conclusion:

Even though noodles are not toxic to your dog, they should still be served in moderation.

Noodles contain a high amount of carbohydrates, and the seasoning contains ingredients that can harm dogs. Research has found that dogs who consume noodles regularly become overweight.

Try to feed dogs only plain cooked noodles on special occasions.

Although they contain some nutrients, the amounts are not high enough to be a regular part of the dog’s diet.

Simply put, a diet consisting of only noodles will not be able to fulfil a dog’s nutritional needs.

It is recommended that your dog consume a balanced diet that should ideally contain animal proteins. If you want to add human food to your pet’s diet, you should take the advice of your veterinarian first.