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7 Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Spaghetti Bolognese (2023)

Can Dogs Eat Spaghetti Bolognese

Whenever you eat…

Some dogs stare at you, don’t they?

And for many fur parents…

Those puppy eyes can be irresistible. 

But what if you’re eating something like…

Spaghetti bolognese? 

You might be thinking…

“A bit of pasta wouldn’t hurt my pooch, right?”  

Hmm, let me tell you all about it……

Continue reading to find out: 

  • 5 vital tips if your pooch ate spaghetti bolognese.
  • 3 alarming signs that you need to contact the vet.
  • 7 reasons why dogs can’t eat spaghetti bolognese.
  • And a lot more…

7 reasons why dogs can’t eat spaghetti Bolognese


#1: It’s toxic

There’s one big reason why dogs can’t eat spaghetti bolognese. 

And that’s because it’s toxic.

How so? 

You can blame the ingredients inside this dish. 

And in case you’re not familiar with its contents…

Here are the toxic items for dogs inside this spaghetti:

  • Salt.
  • Wine.
  • Garlic.
  • Chives.
  • Onions.
  • Bayleaf.

Note: Spaghetti has tomatoes. But only unripe tomatoes are poisonous to dogs.

That aside, you might be thinking… 

“How are these ingredients toxic for my pooch?” 

Don’t worry. I’ll explain the rest of them.

#1: Onions

Now, here are the findings of one research:

Onion and garlic can cause anemia in dogs. It’s a condition where Fido’s blood is abnormally low.

And that means your pooch could be at risk for: 

Now, these alarming issues would make you wonder:

“How can something small like garlic do all that?” 

Well, the same research above says… 

Any type of onion can damage Fido’s red blood cells. So, it won’t matter whether it’s cooked or not. 

And in that case… 

Always avoid onions for your pooch. 

#2: Salt 

Too much salt or sodium can be bad for your canine friends. 

That said… 

Spaghetti bolognese has 0.4 oz (114 mg) of sodium in them. 

And other people like their food salty. So the amount can be higher. 

But what makes it dangerous for Fidos? 

A study found that over 5.7% of dogs had sodium poisoning.

That means they have too much salt in their body. And this condition is also called hypernatremia. 

Moreover, the fatality rates for canines were as high as 20.6%. 

That said…

Here’s what could happen to your pooch, based on research:

And while this condition is rare in Fidos…

You should still avoid feeding them food that’s high in salt. 

#3: Wine

Wine is always used in spaghetti bolognese. And as we all know, alcohol is toxic, even for humans. 

In fact, a study also reveals: 

Wine can cause brain damage in canines. 

And that could be life-threatening for Fidos.

#2: Causes gut problems

Other than the ingredients above…

Some people love using spices in their recipes. 

For example…

They like to put cayenne peppers in their bolognese.

And while some dogs might actually like chilis…

That doesn’t mean they can eat spicy peppers. 

Why? 

For one, it can cause gut problems in your pooch.

And if Fido eats large amounts of spices, they could face:

That said…

Even inhaling cayenne peppers can be harmful to your pooch.

In what ways, you ask?

Here are its dangers for your dog:

  • Sudden death.
  • Blocked artery.
  • Respiratory problems.

So even if you don’t put a lot of spices in your spaghetti…

Any amount of cayenne peppers could still harm Fido.

With this, every fur parent should avoid this meal for their dogs.

Related topic: 19 Shocking Reasons Why Dogs Can’t Eat Hot Chips

#3: Diarrhea 

Dogs Could Get Diarrhea If They Eat Spaghetti Bolognese

Your pooch could have diarrhea from this spaghetti. 

It’s one of the gut-related problems that might occur. And this would still happen even if there were no spices in the food.

How so? 

Vets revealed: 

Suddenly giving new food to your dog can affect their gut. 

And with that shock in their belly…

Fido’s body reacts by having diarrhea. 

So, how could you tell if your pooch has this issue? 

As per VCA, watch out for these signs of diarrhea:

But in most cases… 

This level of diarrhea would go away on its own. 

However, you should take your pooch to the vet if:

Warning: These symptoms could be a sign of more serious issues. For example, parasites or viruses would’ve infected your dog. 

So if you have any concerns, always consult a professional.

Check out also: 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Has Diarrhea At Night + 5 Tips

#4: Bloating

Another danger your pooch will face is bloat. 

And medically, it’s known as GDV. That stands for gastric dilatation and volvulus. 

“But what does bloat mean, and how can it happen?”

A study answers: 

GDV happens if the food isn’t digested properly. Also, science tells us pasta is hard to digest

But what makes it that way? 

It’s because it has a low glycemic index. And with that, it stays longer inside your dog’s belly. 

All in all, this traps the gas inside Fido’s stomach. That causes Fido’s stomach to bloat or look like a balloon.

To add more…

Pasta also absorbs water when you cook it. 

And this can be too heavy for your dog’s tummy. Especially for toy dog breeds.

So what happens if Fido has bloat? 

AKC says the signs of GDV in dogs are:

  • Belly ache.
  • Stiff stomach.
  • Restlessness.
  • Rapid breathing.
  • Enlarged tummy.
  • Hypersalivation, a.k.a, drooling.

Warning: Some dog breeds are more prone to a sensitive stomach. This puts them at a higher risk of severe bloating. 

So if you spot signs of GDV, see an expert ASAP.

You might also like: 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Is So Restless At Night + 9 Tips

#5: Constipation leading to megacolon

Other than diarrhea…

Your pooch could get constipated instead. 

And that means Fido will have a hard time going potty.

But how does this happen? 

Doctors explain:

When your furry friend eats spaghetti bolognese… 

The pasta can be hard to digest for your dog. And it can block Fido’s gut. 

That’s how it makes it hard for your pooch to poop.

Though, in most cases… 

Constipation goes away on its own. But you should still keep a close eye on Fido. 

Why so? 

Well, constipation can get worse. I’m specifically talking about it leading to megacolon. 

And here are the signs that your dog will show:

Warning: These are 7 symptoms of megacolon. It’s a severe form of constipation. So if you spot these signs in Fido, visit the vet ASAP.

Learn more: Help, My Dog Hasn’t Pooped In 4 Days! 15 Reasons + 5 Tips

#6: Triggers allergies

Did you know? 

Research states that some dogs have allergies too. 

And here are the common foods that can trigger Fidos:

Note: Not all dogs are allergic to the same thing. 

That aside… 

Spaghetti bolognese tends to use those ingredients. 

So, not only could your pooch get poisoned…

But they might have an allergic reaction too. 

Read next: 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Can’t Eat Cheddar Cheese (Must-Read) 

#7: Can be life-threatening

With all these reasons I’ve listed above…

You’re now fully aware of why spaghetti is bad for Fido.

But let me add one more thing. 

And it’s the fact that certain dogs are more at risk than others. 

“What do you mean by that?” 

To simplify, take a look at this list:

  • Puppies.
  • Senior dogs.
  • Toy or small breeds.
  • Pregnant or nursing Fidos.
  • Dogs with existing health problems.

Now, does your pooch belong to this group?

As you can tell, these furry friends are more vulnerable than others.

And that means…

Even a small amount of spaghetti bolognese can be fatal for them. 

Meanwhile, healthy adult dogs typically end up fine. But that’s if Fido only had a few bites. 

Otherwise… 

Your dog could be in danger if they ate a full plate of spaghetti.


My dog ate spaghetti Bolognese: 5 tips


#1: Check for signs of allergy 

As I mentioned above…

Some dogs would have allergies.

So if your Fido ate bolognese…

The first thing to do is check their reaction. 

After all, a small amount won’t always cause a big effect. 

So, how can you tell if your dog has an allergy? 

According to professionals

Here are the signs of an allergic reaction in dogs:

  • Swelling.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Stomach ache.
  • Scratching and itching.
  • Abnormal energy levels.

Warning: Swelling could also be a sign of anaphylaxis. And it’s a severe reaction to allergies. If this occurs, call a vet ASAP.

Suggested read: Help, My Dog Is Constantly Scratching And Biting Himself!

#2: Know the signs of poisoning

Poisoning can be fatal for dogs. 

So, no matter how much spaghetti your Fido ate…

You should always check if they’re ill. 

That said, as per AKC… 

Here are the signs of intoxication in dogs:

Warning: The level of intoxication in dogs is hard to measure. So, don’t take any risks and call a vet right away.

#3: Give your dog medicine 

If your dog doesn’t seem sick or allergic… 

Then a little home remedy could be helpful. 

That said, here are a few examples to try: 

Note: These medicines are good for an upset tummy in dogs. 

But for your pooch’s safety… 

Consult the vet before giving them any treatment. 

Not sure how to do this tip? 

Learn how to give Fido their medicine here: 

#4: Keep your pooch hydrated

If you noticed in the earlier sections…

Spaghetti bolognese could make your pooch dehydrated. 

In that case…

You only have to make sure that Fido drinks enough. It helps give them energy. 

But of course, don’t give them too much water as well. You’ll have to keep it balanced. 

So, the rule of the paw is: 

Dogs should drink 1 fluid oz (29.57 ml) of water per pound (kilo) of their body weight.

For reference, use the table below: 

WeightAmount of water per day
16 to 33 lbs (7 to 15 kg)16 to 33 oz (473 to 975 mL)
50 to 67 lbs (22 to 30 kg)50 to 67 oz (1.4 to 2 L) 
85 to 100 lbs (38 to 45 kg)85 to 100 oz (2.5 to 3 L) 

Note: In case of bloat or severe diarrhea, don’t rely on this method. Instead, go to the vet immediately.

#5: Let them rest

Now, in most cases…

A bit of spaghetti bolognese won’t be fatal. Perhaps, your pooch would throw up for a bit, and that’s it. 

In that case, just observe Fido for now. 

Let them rest as much as they need. 

After all…

Panicking might just stress out your dog. And that could add to their health risks. 

But if Fido ate a full plate of spaghetti bolognese…

Then you can go to the vet instead.

This also applies to dogs listed in reason #7.