Can Dogs Eat Pasta? Fact Checked By Our Vet

Traditionally made from wheat, pasta is a staple in many kitchens. We love it for its ease, taste, and versatility as a carb-heavy comfort food! Loaded with cheese or served with seafood, most of us have a go-to pasta dish.

However, should your dog eat pasta? Can they eat it often? Here’s what experts have to say about it:

Is Pasta Bad For Dogs?

Pasta on its own is only made from water and wheat, occasionally adding eggs or semolina. These ingredients mean pasta is a safe food for dogs, as long as they eat it in moderation.

According to veterinarians, wheat pasta can be a great source of simple carbohydrates for your dog, meaning it provides them with plenty of energy [2]. This is especially useful if you have an active or working dog that expends a lot of energy in their daily life.

The main concern with dogs eating pasta is not the pasta itself, but the extras that usually accompany it. The sauces and condiments we’re used to eating might contain ingredients that are outright dangerous for dogs, such as onion and garlic.

Remember that while plain cooked pasta is safe for dogs, any pasta that has been mixed with other ingredients is not.

Is Wheat In Pasta Bad For Dogs?

You might wonder if the wheat in pasta can be harmful to your pup, particularly now that grain-free foods are more popular than ever.

Wheat and other grains are not toxic to dogs [2]. Research suggests dogs became omnivorous by evolving alongside humans. Man’s best friend was gracious enough to eat what humans served, despite the carnivorous diet of his wolf ancestors! This means they can survive eating meat, but also carb-rich foods like grains.

However, while not toxic, grains should be eaten in moderation and not make up the main component of your dog’s diet. Dog foods that limit the amount of grain are generally of higher quality. Conversely, meat and animal protein should comprise the majority of your dog’s food intake.

This means that while wheat pasta is not inherently “bad” for your dog, it should be fed in moderation and not form the base of their diet.

What Types Of Pasta Can Dogs Eat?

Nowadays, classic wheat pasta is only one among many options. In a sea of different shapes, sizes and ingredients, are all kinds of pasta safe for dogs? Here’s what the research says:

As a rule of thumb, gluten-free pasta is safe for dogs, so long as you offer them plain and without any sauce. The same guidelines apply to both grain and gluten-free pasta: it should be offered, if ever, in moderation.

How Much Pasta Can Dogs Eat?

As with other human foods, pasta should be considered an occasional treat and not an essential part of your dog’s diet.

Dropped a couple of noodles on the kitchen floor? Let your pup eat them. Your kid is slipping plain noodles to the dog? It will be fine as long as it’s not an everyday occurrence.

Overall, one or two noodles, up to twice a week are fine. Any more than that, this carb-heavy treat could cause your pup to start packing on the kilos.

Can Puppies Eat Pasta?

Most puppies can eat pasta every once in a while, without much cause for concern. However, it’s important to keep pasta as an occasional treat, and not let it form the base of their diet.

Limit your puppy’s pasta intake to once or twice a week maximum, and never more than a couple of noodles at a time. You don’t want them filling up on carbohydrates, especially since it is vital growing pups eat adequate amounts of protein and fat.

Since young dogs are particularly sensitive, pasta should be presented plain, without any oils or seasonings.

Final Thoughts

Has your dog ever tried pasta? Did they enjoy it? If you’re interested in the safety of other kitchen staples, check out our other posts on the topic:

Are you wondering if your dog can eat other common foods? Check out our full list below:

• What Food Can't Dogs Eat?
• Can Dogs Eat Tomatoes?
• Can Dogs Eat Grapes?
• Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken?
• Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?
• Can Dogs Eat Cheese?
• Can Dogs Eat Avocado?
• Can Dogs Eat Mushroom?
• Can Dogs Eat Cauliflower?
• Can Dogs Eat Eggs?
• Can Dogs Eat Bread?
• Can Dogs Eat Nuts?
• Can Dogs Eat Blueberries?
• Can Dogs Eat Strawberries?
• Can Dogs Eat Orange?
• Can Dogs Eat Pineapple?
• Can Dogs Eat Zucchini?
• Can Dogs Eat Garlic?
• Can Dogs Eat Apple?
• Can Dogs Eat Mandarin?
• Can Dogs Eat Broccoli?
• Can Dogs Eat Sweet Potato?
• Can Dogs Eat Capsicum?
• Can Dogs Eat Watermelon?
• Can Dogs Eat Carrot?
• Can Dogs Eat Cucumber?
• Can Dogs Eat Peas?
• Can Dogs Eat Potato?
• Can Dogs Eat Beetroot?
• Can Dogs Eat Vegemite?
• Can Dogs Eat Onions?
• Can Dogs Eat Yoghurt?

References 

1. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). December 23, 2022. Questions & Answers: FDA’s Work on Potential Causes of Non-Hereditary DCM in Dogs.https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/questions-answers-fdas-work-potential-causes-non-hereditary-dcm-dogs
2. T. J. Dunn, DVM. March 8, 2011. Contrasting grain-based and meat-based diets for dogs. PetMD. https://www.petmd.com/dog/nutrition/evr_dg_contrasting_grain_based_and_meat_based_diets