A lot of people enjoy eating Indian food such as curry due to its amazing flavor. It is also easy to prepare and tweak with seasonal ingredients. Curry can be as tasty or healthy as you want because the spices used in this dish are rich in nutrients that your body needs in order to function properly. Can dogs eat curry? Continue reading to find out.
Effects of Ingredients in Curry on Dogs
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Turmeric
The primary ingredient of most curry recipes is turmeric, which is safe for dogs. Turmeric has antioxidant properties. Dogs can benefit from a diet that is rich in antioxidants because it can help fight free radicals. These are reactive molecules that can damage cells. Some cells die, while the ones that survive multiply after having mutations or changes that can cause diseases.
Antioxidants can also help reduce the risk of developing life-threatening diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Dogs that are following diets with antioxidant-rich foods are less likely to suffer from cognitive decline as they get older.
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties as well. According to one study published in 2006, turmeric can help ease the symptoms of muscle-related problems such as arthritis. If your dog is suffering from such health concerns, he can benefit from turmeric.
Moreover, it can be beneficial to puppies with digestive problems such as constipation or diarrhea because it promotes digestive health. Turmeric also improves liver and heart health by protecting these organs from toxins.
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Onion
Onion contains thiosulphate, a chemical which can cause Heinz body anemia. This is a serious disease that can destroy a dog’s blood cells. Both cooked and raw onion can harm dogs. Breathlessness, loss of appetite, vomiting and weakness are some of the most common signs of anemia.
There’s nothing to worry about if he doesn’t eat a large amount of onion. However, you should call the vet if you see the symptoms mentioned above after your dog eats onion.
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Garlic
Curry recipes contain garlic and most people think that it’s detrimental to dogs. That is because just like onion, garlic also contains thiosulphate. However, garlic won’t harm your dog provided that they eat only a small amount of it. Garlic helps reduce cholesterol levels, widen blood vessels and generate blood clot.
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Sugar
Sugar is another common ingredient in curry and it’s harmful to your pooch. Even a small amount of sugar is not good for dogs because it will increase their blood sugar level. Too much consumption of sugar can also cause obesity and diabetes.
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Vegetables
Many of the veggies included in curry like carrots and bell peppers may benefit your pet’s health because these ingredients are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber. However, it’s simply not a good idea to feed your dog curry no matter how healthy its individual ingredients may be.
If you think that your dog has consumed a large amount of garlic or onion and shows lethargy, rapid breathing, vomiting or pale gums, you should take him to the vet immediately. This kind of poisoning can be treated if dealt with immediately. If you delay treatment, your dog may suffer from severe anemia.
So, Can Dogs Eat Curry?
If your dog is nearby, you might be tempted to give him a few spoonfuls of this dish. Dogs can eat curry, but it’s not usually recommended. This is because curry contains ingredients that can upset his stomach.
However, it is also important to note that there won’t be any problem unless your pooch eats too much curry. Don’t be surprised if your pet ends up vomiting or suffering from diarrhea or upset stomach after eating a generous portion of this dish.
Is it Possible to Make a Canine-friendly Curry?
The regular curry that we eat is not fit for dogs, but it doesn’t mean that your pooch can’t have a canine-friendly version of this dish. You only need to prepare a dog curry that’s packed with the nutrients that your dog needs.
To cook a canine-friendly curry, you need one cup of cooked brown rice, one half cup of mixed frozen veggies, one teaspoon of turmeric, one fourth cup of chicken broth (low sodium) and two cups of cooked chicken. First, cook the rice and chicken and let them cool. Don’t add any seasonings.
Combine the shredded chicken, turmeric, rice, veggies and broth. Make sure that the veggies have been thawed before adding them to the mix. Serve the food as is or puree it so that your dog won’t have any trouble digesting or chewing it. You can store it in the fridge for a week or keep it frozen for a few months.
Give your dog a small serving first to make sure that he’s not allergic to the ingredients. Once you are sure that the treat is okay for your pooch, you can give him this canine-friendly curry in moderation.
Conclusion
Can dogs eat curry? Yes, but it’s not recommended. Curry contains ingredients that may improve your pet’s health in small quantities. However, the amount of potentially unsafe veggies and spices present in most curry recipes is too much for dogs.
Their digestive system is not designed to process spicy food. Your dog can end up with diarrhea, abdominal pain or vomiting after consuming curry. If you really want your dog to have curry, you should go for a recipe that doesn’t have sugar or onion in it. However, it’s best that you give it to him in small quantities.
If you are worried, you can give your dog a few slices of carrots with a pinch of turmeric instead of a generous serving of curry. This way, your dog can get the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits of turmeric without putting his health at risk. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about dealing with the mess caused by eating curry or spicy foods.
Talk to the vet first before feeding your dog any human food. He can recommend healthy and safe foods for your dog. The vet can also help you create a healthy diet or meal plan for your pooch.