Have you ever run out of dog food? Or thought of changing their diet? Or just want to excite their taste buds? Switching up their food once in a while is a good idea, as your furry friend also gets bored eating the same old regular dog food.
Indians love food, and they usually don’t mind sharing their food with their pets. Homemade foods are good for dogs and in today’s article, we will cover a list of Indian foods that dogs can eat and can’t eat.
Not all table foods are good for your dog and here’s why.
1. Different Digestive Systems
Indian foods are rich in fatty acids, whereas dog food is much lighter and high in protein. A dog’s digestive system can not handle certain Indian foods regularly. This can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and worst-case scenario pancreatitis.
2. Gain Weight
Typically, dogs can gain weight easily, if their diet isn’t maintained properly. Those small bites of human food here and there can easily increase their calorie intake. This can further lead to health issues like diabetes and heart conditions.
3. Toxic Ingredients
Some Indian foods are toxic and harmful for your pooch. You might give them a small spoon of the leftover dinner, but that can be dangerous. Certain foods can contain ingredients that can cause severe health issues.
List of Indian Foods that Dogs CAN Eat
Some human food which we have in our daily life are healthy for our dogs to munch on occasionally. But it should be consumed in moderation. I’ve listed down 6 foods that our buddy can have within limits.
1. Boiled eggs
Boiled eggs are great for dogs as they are rich in protein. A typical non-vegetarian Indian kitchen will always have eggs as they are easy to cook. Not all dogs enjoy eggs, but they are not only high in protein but also contain vitamins and fatty acids.
You can also serve boiled eggs as a snack or add them to other dishes. Do not serve them with chapati or bread as they are high in gluten.
2. Vegetables
Nearly 40-45% of Indians are vegetarians. Vegetables are fairly common in an Indian household, even in a non-vegetarian kitchen. We love our greens in curry, rice, sandwiches, parathas, and everything possible. Certain vegetables are safe for dogs and can provide vital nutrients.
Spinach — This leafy vegetable is packed with potassium, magnesium, and vitamins like B9, B6, E, and K. It also contains folic acid, calcium, and iron. Boil some spinach and mix it with your dog’s food or plain rice.
Green beans — This is another commonly used vegetable in India. Green beans are great for dogs as they contain calcium, iron, vitamins, and minerals. It is also high in fiber which can help dogs feel full faster and is an excellent option for dogs on diet. It is the perfect snack for them.
Beetroot — Beetroot helps with improving a dog’s digestive system and boosts skin and coat health. It is loaded with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and folate. Boil some beetroot and mash them or either purée them or add it to a vegetable mixture.
Carrots — This is a versatile vegetable, it can be used in soups, rice, curry, boiled, or even eaten raw. It’s best served raw, as it helps with the dental health of your dog. It helps keep plaque at bay and provides vitamin A, biotin, potassium, and vitamin K.
Dogs can also eat sweet potatoes, cauliflowers, and sweet corn. Make sure the sweet corn is mashed well, or they can cause choking.
Here’s a quick and easy recipe for dogs.
All you need is a sweet potato, a cup of vegetables like carrots, beetroot, cauliflower, etc., 1 cup of rice (cooked), 4 spinach leaves, and 1 cup of water. Cut the vegetables into bite-size pieces and add them to a cooker. Add water and let it cook until the vegetables get soft. Mix the rice and vegetables and serve warm. It is a bowl of goodness and your dog will thank you for the yummy meal.
3. Boiled Rice and Chicken
Chicken is vital in any dog’s diet. It is high in protein which is a must in their diet. Chicken is fairly common compared to other meats in India. It is also affordable and easy to cook. On the other hand, rice is a staple food in India. The carbohydrates in rice provide an instant boost of energy, while vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels. It is also a great source of iron and fiber.
You can also mix the boiled chicken into their daily dog food. You can also add vegetables into this mixture and make it extra healthy for your furry friend.
4. Pulses
Lentils (dal) is a great source of plant-based protein. It contains low calories and high fiber and helps in maintaining the blood levels from spiking up.
This is a good option for vegetarian dog families and will keep the dog full for a long period due to the high fiber content.
You can serve them plain dal rice with boiled vegetables or boiled chicken as a balanced meal. Dal can also be switched with chickpeas, dried beans, and dried peas. Just boil them and make sure to serve them mashed.
5. Fruits
Fruits can’t replace a full healthy homemade meal but are a great snacking option. They are low in calories and packed with essential nutrients.
Apples are good for dogs that are lacking vitamin A and C in their diet, whereas strawberries are awesome for dogs that need a boost of yummy vitamin C and fiber. Bananas are one of the cheapest fruits in India but are full of magnesium which promotes good bone health and must be served in moderation.
Parents can always use cucumber and watermelon to cool down their furry friend, especially on a hot summer afternoon. It is a low-calorie snack and will help the dog stay hydrated.
6. Dairy products
Dairy products must be used in small quantities and should only be served once in a blue moon. Eating too much dairy products can cause an upset stomach or cause severe stomach issues for dogs with lactose intolerance. Small amounts of cottage cheese (paneer), milk, plain yogurt are perfectly fine for a dog.
List of Indian Foods that Dogs CAN’T eat
Some foods can harm dogs and cause illness or problems in them. I’ve listed down some Indian foods that are harmful to your dogs. If by chance any dog has consumed such harmful food they should be shown to the veterinarian immediately.
1. Garlic and onion
Garlic and onions are a must-have in Indian food, but they are a big No-No in a dog’s diet. Onion and garlic are part of the Allium genus. Dogs should not eat garlic, leeks, or onions as they are five-time more toxic than any other Allium plant. Never add garlic or onions while cooking food for your dog.
If a dog has consumed any of these ingredients then monitoring the dog for a couple of days is mandatory, as the poisoning has delayed symptoms. Onion and garlic poisoning can cause weakness, elevated heart rate, vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness.
2. Chocolate
Chocolates are horrible for dogs. You must NEVER give chocolate or caffeine-related products to your dog. They contain something called methylxanthines, which is a highly toxic chemical for dogs. Even a little bit of chocolate can cause diarrhea and vomiting. Whereas, a large amount can cause seizures, abnormal heart rate, or even death. The chocolate treats available for dogs are made with a special chocolate that is suitable for dogs and won’t harm them.
If your dog ever accidentally ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
3. Salty Food
Excessive consumption of salt can cause sodium ion poisoning. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, and seizures. That’s why you should always keep an eye on the amount of salt your dog is consuming.
Tip:- If you are making home-cooked meals for your dog then avoid adding seasoning to the dish.
4. Spicy Food
As Indians, we love spices in our food, they add amazing flavor to our food. But can dogs eat them?. The answer is simply no. Spices are toxic for dogs, especially spicy food is not good for them. Spicy food is toxic for them and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Strictly avoid spices in their food.
5. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like orange and lemon contain citric acid. Consuming small amounts is fine for some dogs, while on the other hand, it can easily cause an upset stomach for other dogs.
6. Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins are very commonly used as snacks in India, but they are highly toxic for dogs. The tartaric acid present in grapes causes vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, and even death in some cases.
Even a small quantity can cause severe damage to the kidney. Anything containing raisins like cake, cookies, or malt loaf must also be avoided.
7. Ice cream
Ice cream after a yummy dinner feels like a good idea, but it’s not so good for your dog. Ice cream should be avoided, due to its high sugar content. It is awful for dogs suffering from diabetes and are lactose intolerant. Also, chunks of nuts and fruits present in the ice cream can cause choking.
Also read: Expenses of Raising a Dog in India
Conclusion
We have finally completed our list of Indian foods that dogs can eat and can’t eat. Many Indian foods are suitable and safe for dogs while some are extremely harmful.
However, all the suitable items must be served in moderation and the non-suitable items must be kept far away from your furry friend. I hope you find this list useful.
