Can dogs or cats eat pasta?

September 6, 2023
This article is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your pet’s care, treatment, or medical conditions.

Can dogs eat cooked pasta?

Is your doggo dying for some ramen?

OK, maybe skip the whole ramen part (it's full of sodium and other not-so-healthy things) and avoid serving your pup your delicious homemade bolognese-sauce-covered noodles, as onions and garlic can be toxic to pups.

One other thing: noodles are also full of carbs, so don't go overboard, as the benefits might not outweigh the risk of obesity in the long run (no pun intended).

All that said, your dog can technically enjoy some plain wheat or rice noodles. (Some dogs may be sensitive to or allergic to gluten, so use caution with the wheat noodles.)

When feeding your dog cooked noodles, make sure they are cooked well and cut into small pieces or broken up into smaller bites. This will help prevent choking hazards, especially with larger noodles like spaghetti.

If your dog eats noodles and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, dog insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Can cats eat cooked pasta?

Is your cat curious about the spaghetti you're noshing on?

Good news! You can give them a bite of well-cooked wheat or rice noodles, as long as they're plain and small enough to safely chew. No sauce allowed; garlic and onion can be toxic to cats.

Like most good things in life, moderation is key. Noodles are predominantly made up of carbohydrates, which can be a good source of energy for cats. But too many carbs can lead to obesity and other health issues.

If your cat eats noodles and is showing signs of illness such as lethargy, diarrhea, or vomiting, reach out to your veterinarian immediately. If they require veterinary care related to eating unsafe foods, cat insurance may help cover the cost of treatment.

Information Purposes Only

The suggestions offered here are for informational purposes only and are not a substitute for pet-specific advice from your veterinarian. Never disregard your vet’s recommendations, or delay in acting on them, based on something you have read on this site. Regardless of how a food is rated here, any food that you give your pet can pose potential health risks, including allergic reactions, choking, or other health conditions such as bloat. Always monitor your pet while they’re eating, and never introduce a new food into your pet’s diet without first consulting your veterinarian. 

Pet Poison Emergency Protocol

If your pet is acting sick, call your regular veterinarian immediately. If your regular veterinarian is closed, call a nearby on-call veterinarian, animal urgent care, or veterinary emergency hospital. If your pet is not acting sick but you think they may have been exposed to a poison, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).

Food Safety Statuses

Safe

Could be given almost daily without harm

Safe in moderation

Not toxic, but should not be given regularly

Unsafe

Toxic or simply too risky to give to your pet