This creamy pasta dish is undeniably delectable.
The appetizing aroma makes you eager to have a bite of it.
And you can’t blame your dog for wanting some too.
But, you’re worried:
“Will it be fine to give my pooch Alfredo?”
Read on to discover:
- Whether Alfredo is safe for your dog.
- 3 scenarios of dogs eating this pasta dish.
- 9 dangers which an Alfredo ingredient may cause.
- When to take your dog to the vet if they’ve eaten an Alfredo.
- And many more…
Table of contents
Can dogs eat Alfredo?
Dogs shouldn’t eat Alfredo. Its main components are highly harmful for canines. And may give rise to various health problems. Such as digestive issues, pancreatitis, food intoxication, lactose malabsorption, obesity, hemolytic anemia, hypernatremia, or heart disease.
What is Alfredo sauce made of? 7 ingredients reviewed
Knowing what ingredients go in a certain meal is important. Especially when determining if a dish is good or bad for your dog.
So, see the table below for the components of the Alfredo sauce.
| Alfredo ingredients | Measurement |
| Salt | 1 tsp (0.14 oz / 4.2 g) |
| Butter | ½ cup (3.9 oz / 113 g) |
| Heavy cream | ½ cup (3.9 oz / 113 g) |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup (3.9 oz /113 g) |
| Black pepper (ground) | ½ tsp (0.07 oz / 2.1 g) |
| Parsley (chopped) | 2 tbsp (0.98 oz / 28 g) |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Onion (minced) | 2 tbsp (0.98 oz / 28 g) |
#1: Heavy cream
Some people adore Alfredo for having a creamy taste. This is achieved because of its heavy cream ingredient.
However, this certain Alfredo component may bring problems to pooches.
“Really? Why?”
Dairy products such as heavy cream will be harmful to lactose intolerant dogs.
As a result, these canines will experience a hard time digesting it. Since lactose intolerant pooches don’t have enough lactase enzymes.
What’s that?
Those are responsible for breaking down dairy products in the stomach.
The lactase enzymes are in the small intestines of dogs and humans alike. Which are in charge of turning lactose into glucose.
Lucky for those lactose tolerant pawed babies. Since they’re able to tolerate lactose. And eating dairy products will be fine for them.
However, they should also eat heavy creams in moderation. Otherwise, it may cause health issues.
“What will happen then?”
Too much lactose may cause the fermentation of bacteria in a dog’s stomach.
Which may result in high gas production and stomach illnesses.
#2: Parsley
It’s been known to us that parsley is widely used as a garnish and food flavoring.
But when it comes to our canine companions, there’s a need for limitations.
Parsley contains a compound that can be toxic for pooches. Which is known as furanocoumarin. Too much of this might endanger a pup’s life.
So, it’s best to watch the amount of parsley you give Fido. The safest serving of it is 1 tsp (4.2 g) per 20 lbs (9kg) of your dog’s weight.
Despite that, here’s some good news:
Parsley, if given in small servings, may provide good health benefits.
It’s actually popular as a super-herb for a dog’s nutrition. Some of Parsley’s benefits include:
- Vitamin C – Supports the immune system.
- Vitamin K – Boosts blood flow and healthy liver.
- High chlorophyll level – Improves Fido’s breath.
- Vitamin A – Enhances vision, reproduction, and organ function.
#3: Black pepper
Do you want to spice up your Alfredo?
Just simply add some black pepper. But wait- there’s something you should know about this.
Little amounts of black pepper could be fine for dogs. Or if it’s on Fido’s meal occasionally.
Yet black pepper may be toxic for pooches if eaten in large quantities.
Additionally, it’s possible that your dog may inhale some of it while sniffing the Alfredo. Since canines often smell their food before eating them.
As a result, it may irritate your pawed child’s nose. Which could cause them to uncontrollably sneeze.
Anything spicy, just like black pepper may give rise to problems such as:
- Gastritis.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Stomach pain.
- Excessive thirst.
#4: Butter
This one isn’t toxic for dogs. Nevertheless, it shouldn’t be included in their daily diet.
“Why is that?”
Basically, butter is a product made out of milk. Which is bad for those pooches who’re lactose intolerant.
Also, it contains 80% of unsaturated fat. And that may lead to weight gain and obesity.
Plus, there are not many health benefits to butter.
The commercially made ones have little to no minerals or vitamins in them.
Keep in mind that small amounts of butter may be okay. Otherwise, fur babies might face a condition called pancreatitis.
Which in the worst cases, may end a dog’s life.
#5: Salt
Say you want to have 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of pasta in your Alfredo.
So, you’ll be needing 1 tsp (4.2 g) of salt when making its sauce.
Some people may think that dogs will be out of harm with this little amount of salt.
Yes, it’s true. However, after eating an Alfredo, you might see your dog pacing around. Or desperately looking for something to drink.
And that’s because 1 tsp (4.2 g) of salt is enough to make a dog excessively thirsty.
While in larger quantities, it may turn into sodium ion poisoning.
Wondering what that is?
Continue reading and you’ll discover.
#6: Parmesan cheese
Here’s what we have to consider:
Cheeses are made differently. Depending on their kind.
Parmesan cheese for example is produced with large salt content. Which as I’ve said isn’t good for a dog’s health.
Although, parmesan cheese has a low level of lactose.
“What does that mean?”
It could be easier for pooches to digest compared to other types of cheeses.
Although, in large quantities, Fido may still suffer from an upset stomach.
#7: Onion and garlic
This duo is a big NO for our furry companions.
Garlic and onion are highly poisonous for them.
How are they toxic for dogs?
Dr. Sanderson says that onion and garlic have thiosulfate. Which causes clumps in pooches’ red blood cells.
Tiny bits of garlic and onions may cause dogs to be gassy.
However, in huge amounts, it may be lethal. Just like giving a root to heart failure and anemia.
7 dangers if dogs eat Alfredo
#1: Digestive issues
Heavy cream, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. You have to watch out for these 3 ingredients.
As I’ve mentioned, they could be a source of stomach problems in canines.
Other than that, dogs may also have difficulty absorbing food nutrients. As a result, pooches may become unhealthy and sick.
Some of the digestive problems that may occur due to the mentioned ingredients are:
Indigestion
This condition refers to when a dog’s digestion is impaired. Which may be caused by eating:
- Too many various foods.
- Too much of a certain meal.
- Foods that are not dog appropriate.
Watch out for signs of canine indigestion such as:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargy.
- Smelly breath.
- Flatulence (excessive farting).
Also, you might see a dog with indigestion issues eating grass.
Why?
A study says that it’s a way for dogs to cure themselves. Just like when you’re on a walk, and suddenly Fido munches on grass.
Most likely a dog who does that has either parasites or indigestion. And the grass relieves them through vomiting or defecating.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
This is a medical name for bloating.
It occurs when Fido’s stomach flips and twists. Which can be due to gas, liquid, and certain foods. For example, an Alfredo sauce.
GDV is one of the digestive illnesses that we need to be concerned about. Because it may be lethal if this condition gets worse.
Dr. Luschini says that bloating will put pressure on a pooch’s veins and large arteries.
Therefore, the blood supply in the stomach will be suspended.
After that, toxins will start to build up. And might cause the tissues to die.
With this in mind, it’s best to keep a careful eye on bloating symptoms. Which include:
- Pacing.
- Panting.
- Drooling.
- Restlessness.
- Swollen belly.
- Attempts to vomit.
- Inability to balance or stand.
A study shows that there are breeds that are more prone to suffer from GDV. The results suggest that Great Danes has the highest risk at 42.4%.
Then followed by breeds such as:
- Akita.
- Boxer.
- Poodle.
- Irish Setter.
- Bloodhound.
- Irish Wolfhound.
- German Shepherd Dog.
Canine Colitis
This type of canine digestive problem refers to the large intestine’s inflammation.
Colitis will make your dog’s excrement look watery. And also may come with small volumes of blood.
Pooches with colitis may also panic to defecate successively. Plus they might experience a lot of vomiting too.
#2: Pancreatitis
This condition refers to the inflammation of a canine’s pancreas.
Which is often caused by food that’s high in fat. Such as butter, heavy cream and parmesan cheese that can be found in Alfredo.
Keep in mind that pancreatitis is painful for dogs.
How?
When there’s an inflammation in Fido’s pancreas, a shortage of enzyme production occurs.
What does that mean?
Enzymes are basically a substance that helps in digesting food products. And the pancreas is the one responsible to provide it in a dog’s intestines.
So, if problems like this happen, the pancreas will slowly digest itself. Just imagine how painful that would be for our furry pals.
The most common signs of pancreatitis include:
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Diarrhea.
- Lethargy.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Decreased appetite.
#3: Food intoxication
Food toxicity in pooches can be fatal.
I know it’s worrisome but the level of graveness may vary. And this depends on what and how much toxic food Fido consumed.
Now, let’s take a look at when does a certain Alfredo ingredient becomes toxic:
Garlic and onion toxicity
Garlic and onion can be found in almost every human dish.
An Alfredo is just one of the many.
Although these 2 might be fine in small amounts.
This might make you have questions such as:
“How much onions and garlic are toxic for my fur baby?”
“How will I know if I’m still feeding them the ‘small’ amount?”
Worry no more because here I’ve prepared tables that you may refer to:
| Dog’s weight | Amount of onion that may be toxic for dogs |
| 22 lbs (10 kg) and below | 1.7 oz (50 g) |
| 44 lbs (20 kg) | 3.5 oz (100 g) |
| 66 lbs (30 kg) | 7 oz (200 g) |
| 88 lbs (40 kg) | 10.5 oz (300 g) |
| 110 lbs (50 kg) | 14 oz (400 g) |
And here’s the table for the garlic’s toxicity:
| Dog’s weight | Amount of garlic that may be toxic for Fido |
| 22 lbs (10 kg) or below | 5.3 oz – 10.5 oz (150 g – 300 g) |
| 44 lbs (20 kg) | 10.5 oz – 21 oz (300 g – 600 g) |
| 66 lbs (30 kg) | 15.9 oz – 31.7 oz (450 g – 900 g) |
| 88 lbs (40 kls) | 21 oz – 42.3 oz (600 g – 1, 200 g) |
| 110 lbs (50 kls) | 26.5 oz – 53 oz (750 g – 1, 500 g) |
Also, spot signs of onion and garlic poisoning in pooches. Such as:
- Nausea.
- Panting.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
- Drooling.
- Hyperactivity.
- Uncontrolled peeing.
Sodium-ion poisoning
A.k.a salt poisoning is a result of eating too much salt.
If this happens, your pooch might exhibit:
- Tremors.
- Seizures.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Lethargy.
- Incoordination.
- Excessive thirst.
- Frequent urination.
See the table below for the amount of salt that can poison your dog:
| Dog’s weight | Amount of salt that may be toxic for doggo |
| 2.2 lbs (1 kg) | 0.14 oz (4 g) |
| 22 lbs (10 kg) | 1.4 oz (40 g) |
| 44 lbs (20 kg) | 2.8 oz (80 g) |
| 66 lbs (30 kg) | 4.2 oz (120 g) |
| 88 lbs (40 kg) | 5.6 oz (160 g) |
| 110 lbs (50 kg) | 7 oz (200 g) |
#4: Lactose malabsorption
Also refers to lactose intolerance. Or the inability of the stomach to break down sugar in milk.
In this case, you have to keep an eye on dairy products in Alfredo’s components. Such as heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter.
Also, a healthy dog has limits when it comes to lactose tolerance. They may withstand 0.07 oz (2 g) of lactose for every 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of their body weight.
For example, you have a 17.6 lbs (8 kg) lactose tolerant dog. Then your pawed baby may eat 0.49 oz (14 g) of dairy products.
Lactose malabsorption may cause canines to experience:
- Hives.
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Face swelling.
- Ear scratching.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Paw or anus licking.
- Anus or ear redness.
A study shows that diagnosing lactose intolerance in dogs is hard.
Here’s why:
There’s no certain test available to determine food sensitivity in canines.
So, the only way to diagnose this is through dietary investigation. Which can be done by gradually eliminating Fido’s foods. And then watch how a dog reacts to it.
#5: Obesity
Aside from lactose malabsorption. Dairy products in Alfredo may also lead to obesity.
Which is caused by their high-fat nutritional value.
At first, you may notice your dog gaining weight. And if not taken care of immediately, they may become obese.
There’s a need to be concerned about this. Because other than affecting your dog’s health, it may also shorten their life.
It’ll be best if you keep an eye on the signs of canine obesity. Such as:
- Sag stomach.
- Excessive panting.
- Reluctance to move around.
- Refusal to play active games.
- Bigger and rounder-looking face.
- Inability to feel your dog’s spine or ribs.
#6: Hemolytic anemia
Too much garlic and onion may cause this condition. Hemolytic anemia is a disease that affects a dog’s immune system.
Dr. Llera says that this condition makes the body damage its own red blood cells.
Guess what happens if there are not enough red blood cells in Fido’s body.
There’ll be a shortage of oxygen supply to their tissues. Which may cause canines to pass out frequently.
Low oxygen levels will also affect a dog’s brain. And this will make them look disoriented. Or cause mental alteration.
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
- Fainting.
- Lethargy.
- Dizziness.
- Vomiting.
- Weakness.
- Pale gums.
- Loss of appetite.
- Dark-colored urine.
- Breathing difficulty.
#7: Hypernatremia
Apart from sodium ion poisoning, too much salt may also cause hypernatremia.
This disease could occur when there are water and sodium imbalances in the blood. Say your pooch consumes too much sodium and too little water.
“How dangerous can this become for Fido?”
Sadly, this can be fatal. If there’s excessive salt in the pooch’s blood, their cells will be dehydrated. Especially your fur baby’s brain cells.
And due to this, dogs may experience:
- Fainting.
- Convulsions.
- Disorientation.
- Higher heart rate.
- Breathing difficulty.
- Muscle stiffness or jerking.
BONUS: Heart disease
Another effect of salt on a dog’s health is heart failure.
Other than salt itself, parmesan cheese has a high sodium content.
It’s due to the preservation process. Mostly, salt is used as parmesan cheese’s natural preservative.
And the longer the preservation, the more sodium is used.
Yet, heart failure is a secondary effect of too much sodium intake in dogs.
Because at first, Fido may experience an increase in their blood pressure. Which will eventually damage bloodstreams and give rise to heart failure.
Acquired heart disease will have symptoms in pooches such as:
- Fatigue.
- Seizure.
- Fainting.
- Dry cough.
- Rapid weight loss.
- Shortness of breath.
- Restlessness when sleeping.
3 scenarios of dogs eating Alfredo
#1: My dog ate Alfredo sauce
It may be difficult to ensure that your pooch won’t eat anything bad for them.
Try to picture this:
You’re enjoying eating an Alfredo. When suddenly you hear a…
*Ding! dong!*
Someone’s at the door. You get up and leave your meal.
But when you come back, you’re surprised to see your dog munching on your Alfredo.
Your goofy pooch took the opportunity to have a taste of your food.
If this accident happens, you have to remain calm.
Yes, it may be dangerous for Fido to eat an Alfredo. But the effect may differ depending on how much your dog consumed.
It’s best to check first if your pooch still has some in their mouth. Then, make sure to take the remaining food out.
If your pooch hasn’t finished all of it, then a stomach upset is likely to happen. But if they’ve eaten 1 whole serving of Alfredo, food poisoning may occur.
After consuming an Alfredo, it’s best to keep an eye on the symptoms.
Some of the signs of toxicosis are vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea. And in severe cases, seizures and fainting.
“Okay. What should I do then?”
Dr. Mitchell says that you may try fasting Fido for 24 hours.
Meaning: no food for them. But you may offer them water to avoid dehydration.
If your dog vomits again. Collect it and put it in a jar. Then let your veterinarian run some tests. This is to help the vet diagnose what your pooch is feeling.
#2: My dog ate fettuccine Alfredo
If your pooch happens to eat fettuccine Alfredo, watch their behavior.
Usually, a dog might experience vomiting and diarrhea due to this.
These are the common symptoms of an upset stomach. But can also be a sign of a more severe illness. Such as pancreatitis and food intoxication.
Now, if this happens, you may use medications to make your pooch feel relieved.
Disclaimer: Never give your dog any medicine without your vet’s advice. The drug medications mentioned below are just some examples of it.
Dr. Peter says you may buy 0.0003 oz (10 mg) of Pepcid AC (famotidine). You may find this in any pharmacy. For the next 2-3 days, make your pooch have this every 12 hours.
Next, your pooch should have 8-12 hours of fasting. This is to let Fido’s stomach rest from any food.
After that, wait for about 30 minutes and watch for signs of vomiting.
If there’s none, you may give your pooch rice and boiled chicken. Do this in small amounts for 4-6 times per day.
On the other hand, bring them straight to the nearest animal hospital if they’re still vomiting.
If there’s no animal clinic or veterinarian near your place, you may visit Just Answer. This is a website wherein you can get online vet advice. Also, it’s pretty convenient since they’re available 24/7. 🙂
#3: My dog ate chicken Alfredo
Dogs can be sneaky at times. Especially if there’s something that piques their nose.
With the appetizing aroma of an Alfredo, it’ll surely attract your pooch.
So, they can climb on the table and eat some of it.
How is this going to affect them?
Again, the result may vary depending on what components of an Alfredo a dog has eaten. Or how much of it has been consumed.
In smaller quantities, your pooch may experience indigestion and diarrhea.
And when it comes to larger amounts, it may lead to a more severe illness. Which include:
- Obesity.
- Pancreatitis.
- Heart failure.
- Hypernatremia.
- Food intoxication.
- Hemolytic anemia.
When to take your dog to the vet
‘Food indiscretion’ is a term used when dogs eat something they shouldn’t. Such as inedible objects or foods that are harmful for them.
Eating an Alfredo is an example of it. Which could put a toll on a canine’s life if not addressed quickly.
So what could a dog parent do if there’s a food indiscretion incident?
Take a deep breath. I understand your worries but avoid panicking.
Keep calm and be mindful of your dog’s behavior. Watch for any changes or physical symptoms such as:
- Diarrhea.
- Vomiting.
- Collapsing.
- Rapid panting.
- Loss of appetite.
- Swelling of limbs.
- Extreme salivation.
- Frequent urination.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Yellow or pale gums.
Note: The said symptoms may not show right away. Some of them might take about 3-4 days to occur. Especially if it’s food poisoning. So, it’s best to keep a careful eye on your fur baby.
Aside from that, the effects of food indiscretion may range from mild to severe diseases.
If you’re seeing Fido defecating with a watery substance, it could be diarrhea.
While lethargy, vomiting, and pale gums, might be a sign of anemia.
But to be sure, you’ll need to take your pawed baby to the vet. This is to provide immediate and proper treatment to your dog’s case.
The veterinarian may also run blood tests. Which is needed in diagnosing toxicosis, anemia, and other serious health issues.
People also ask:
Can dogs eat Alfredo noodles?
Dogs may eat Alfredo noodles. As long as they’re cooked plain and don’t contain any Alfredo sauce. But this can be only safe for canines in moderation.
Fettuccine pasta is often used as Alfredo noodles.
If you happen to let Fido have some of this occasionally, it could be harmless.
However, frequent pasta consumption may cause your fur child to gain some weight. Which could eventually lead to obesity.
And obesity is associated with issues such as:
- Heart disease.
- Breathing problems.
- Joint or muscle pain.
- High blood pressure.
Also, your pawed baby won’t benefit much from Alfredo noodles. It’s because it has a very minimal nutritional value.
Note: Some dogs are wheat allergic. Therefore, they shouldn’t eat Alfredo noodles or pasta.