Can Dogs Eat Raw Pasta? What are the Risks and Side Effects?

Introduction

No, dogs cannot eat raw pasta. In theory, raw pasta is not toxic to dogs. However, it is not beneficial either and, if consumed in larger amounts, may cause havoc on the dog’s sensitive stomach.

Raw pasta, and raw foods, in general, are hard to digest. They also pose several other risks to dogs. The good news is that if your dog steals a few pieces of raw pasta, it is unlikely to experience any issues.

Introduction
Why is Raw Pasta Bad for Dogs?
Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Raw Pasta
What to Do If My Dog Ate Raw Pasta?
Summary

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Why is Raw Pasta Bad for Dogs?

Raw pasta is hard to digest and absorbs water in the dog’s stomach. Plus, it has sharp edges that may hurt the mouth. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons raw pasta is bad for dogs.

Stomach Upset

As mentioned, raw pasta is not easily digestible and may upset the dog’s stomach. Plus, while cooking, the pasta absorbs water and gets larger in size. When the dog eats raw pasta, it will absorb water and double in size in the stomach making the dog feel full and uncomfortable.

Sharp Edges

Raw pasta has sharp edges that may damage the inside of the dog’s mouth – the tongue and gums. The sharp edges can trigger cuts and scrapes. It is also possible for the piece of pasta to get lodged between the dog’s teeth.

Allergies

Sometimes dogs can develop allergies to certain ingredients found in the pasta. Based on the exact recipe, the two most common allergen ingredients in raw pasta are eggs and wheat. Food allergies in dogs manifest with stomach upset and skin rashes.

High Carb Content

It is no secret that pasta is packed with carbohydrates. Eating high-sugar foods can trigger hyperactivity episodes in dogs. In the long run, sugary foods lead to weight gain and obesity, followed by health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.

Choking Hazard

Dogs are voracious eaters, and when feasting on raw pasta, a piece of pasta can easily end up in the wrong pipe and cause choking. Choking is a life-threatening scenario, and as a pet owner, you should be familiar with the Heimlich maneuver for dogs.

Signs Your Dog Has Eaten Raw Pasta

The signs of a dog eating raw pasta depend on the amount of pasta eaten, the dog’s size, and individual health factors.

Dogs with stomach upset will show signs and symptoms like:

Vomiting
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
appetite loss
Lethargy
Dehydration.

If the dog is allergic to some of the ingredients found in raw pasta, it will develop:

Diarrhea
Gassiness
Itchiness.

Finally, in the case of oral injuries, the dog will present with:

Excess drooling (with blood stains)
Pawing at the mouth
Refusal to eat and drink.

What to Do If My Dog Ate Raw Pasta?

If your dog ate raw pasta, you need to evaluate the situation – determine how much it ate. In case your dog ate a few pieces, there is no need to be concerned. However, if your dog eats more, you should monitor the situation carefully.

More often than not, the consequences of eating raw pasta are self-limiting. In case the stomach upset lasts for more than a day or two, you should call your trusted veterinarian.

Summary

All in all, dogs should not eat raw pasta. In itself, a few pasta pieces are not harmful, but they are not beneficial either. However, if talking about more than a few pieces, there can be consequences.

Therefore, it is best to keep raw pasta away from your dog’s food bowl. Store the raw pasta in a safe place your dog cannot reach, and make sure you feed it balanced and nutritionally rich foods packed with dog-friendly ingredients.