can dogs eat lasagna?

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna? Is Lasagna Bad For Dogs?

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna? Is Lasagna Bad For Dogs?

As a devoted dog owner, there's nothing more important to you than keeping your pup safe and healthy. And when it comes to deciding what goes into their food bowl, you want to make sure that whatever they eat is both nutritious and enjoyable for them. But when it comes to something as delicious as lasagna, can dogs even safely indulge? Can dogs eat lasanga?

Dogs cannot eat lasagna because it contains several ingredients that are unsafe for your dog's health. Lasagna generally has many layers with multiple toppings, including rich cheeses, fatty meats, and creamy sauces. While these may sound delicious to us humans, they are incredibly unhealthy for our four-legged friends.

Furthermore, onions and garlic are common ingredients used in this Italian specialty and both of these vegetables can cause gastrointestinal problems for dogs. As such, it's always best to avoid giving your dog lasagna as a snack or treat. Read on to learn all about lasagna and how it may affect your dog.

lasagna on a table

What Is Lasagna Made From?

Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that consists of alternating layers of pasta, meat, cheese, and sauce. The pasta is made from durum wheat flour and egg. The meat most traditionally used is ground beef or pork, though other types are commonly used today.

Lasagna contains a wide range of ingredients, but most commonly will use the following ingredients:
  • Parmesan Cheese
  • Pecorino Romano
  • Ricotta
  • Mozzarella
  • Tomato
  • Garlic
  • Oregano
  • Parsley
  • Basil

While there are countless variations on lasagna that all rely on these base ingredients (e.g., vegetarian lasagnas replace meats with vegetables), they all owe their origins to this classic combination.

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna?

Dogs love to eat, and many pet owners want to share their favorite foods with them. Unfortunately one of the most beloved dishes, lasagna, is not on the menu when it comes to canine cuisine. Lasagna contains ingredients like Parmesan cheese and garlic which can be toxic for dogs.

It also often has a high fat content – something that could cause an upset stomach or even pancreatitis in dogs. So while you may not want to deprive your furry friend of all treats, lasagna should be avoided when considering your dog's diet.

dog begging for lasagna to eat

Why Is Lasagna Bad For Dogs?

Lasagna can be particularly unhealthy for dogs due to its high fat content as well as ingredients like onions, garlic, and tomato sauce that are toxic to them.

It's also important to note that many versions of lasagna contain dairy products such as ricotta or mozzarella cheese which can cause digestive issues in dogs due to the lack of an enzyme needed to break down lactose.

Excess salt can also further harm their health as well as possible weight gain from the calorie-rich ingredients in the dish. Furthermore, many store-bought lasagnas contain tomato sauces which are often too acidic for your dog’s delicate tummy.

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna Noodles?

The good news is that cooked plain noodles without any additives like butter, oil or sauce are not considered toxic to a dog's system so it's okay to give your pup a few noodles as a treat. However, the sauce and cheese typically found on lasagna noodles could upset your dog's stomach so it's best to only give them plain noodles if any at all.

lasagna ingredients

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna If It Doesn't Contain Onion Or Garlic?

Despite most recipes not containing garlic or onion, there are other ingredients in lasagna that could make it dangerous for dogs. Cheese and tomato sauce are two common additions to lasagna recipes, both of which can cause digestive issues in canines.

Additionally, if the lasagna contains any type of spice such as oregano or red pepper flakes, too much could lead to discomfort and even vomiting. So while lasagna may look tempting to your four-legged friend, it’s best to leave it out of their diet altogether.

Can Dogs Eat Lasagna Meat?

Generally speaking, the answer is no. Lasagna meat commonly contain ingredients that can be dangerous to dog health, such as onions and garlic. These ingredients are toxic to animals, even in small amounts, and can lead to anemia or other serious medical issues. If your dog accidently eats some of these ingredients, it's best to contact your veterinarian immediately for advice.

cute dog looking at lasagna

What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Lasagna?

If your dog has eaten lasagna, it's important to watch for any signs of discomfort or distress. Watch your dog in the following hours for signs of distress such as:
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach Pain
  • Lethargy

In the event that these symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately. Depending on the ingredients used in the lasagna and the amount of food consumed, your veterinarian will be able to determine appropriate intervention and advise if a trip to their office is necessary.

In most cases, monitoring your dog should suffice and you may be given instructions for supportive care at home. Taking note of any ingredients that could have posed a risk ahead of time can help your veterinarian with treatment decisions.

How Will The Vet Treat My Dog If He Gets Sick From Eating Lasagna?

If your dog is unfortunate enough to get sick due to eating lasagna, the vet will evaluate your dog's condition to determine the most appropriate course of action. Lasagna can cause gastrointestinal distress, depending on the ingredients used and how well it is cooked.

Treatment may include medication, IV fluids, and an adjustment in diet. The goal of treatment is to ease distress and aid in recovery by providing symptom relief while also addressing any underlying causes such as infection or organ dysfunction.

With a thorough examination from a professional veterinarian and possible testing, this should help you provide optimal care for your dog during this difficult time. Most dogs will recover just fine after eating lasagna.

lasagna on a plate

Review: Can Dogs Eat Lasagna?

It may be tempting to give your furry friend a treat from the table when you’re enjoying some lasagna, but feeding your dog this Italian favorite isn’t necessarily a great idea.

Lasagna can contain ingredients that are difficult for dogs to properly digest, such as ricotta cheese, which can cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. Additionally, foods like garlic and onions can be toxic to canines, so it is important to avoid giving them anything containing these items as well.

If your beloved pooch has already devoured a piece of lasagna before you had the chance to stop them, it is best to monitor them for signs of an upset stomach and contact your veterinarian if the symptoms don’t resolve on their own after a day or two.

Find the perfect gift for your dog