It’s a processed grain product, so is it good for dogs? Can dogs eat couscous? This is what you need to know about different types of couscous and dogs.
There are so many different types of couscous and lots of ways you can prepare it. This guide will look at all of them and how safe – or dangerous – they are for your pet.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating couscous.
Can Dogs Eat Couscous
Couscous is crushed durum wheat that is commonly served in North African and Mediterranean foods. It’s basically a pasta that is shaped like teeny little beads. It has surged in popularity because there are endless ways to prepare it.
So when we ask, “can my dog eat couscous” we really need to look at how it is cooked. In general, it is safe for dogs to eat plain cooked couscous in moderate amounts.
This guide will look closely at this pasta and how safe it is for dogs.
Is Couscous Good For Dogs
Yes, plain cooked couscous has lots of nutrients that are good for your dog. You still need to be careful with how much of it they eat because dogs that eat a high-calorie and carb-dense diet might gain unhealthy amounts of weight (and the negative health effects that follow weight gain).
Couscous is a healthier grain because it has lots of protein, fiber, selenium, magnesium, and vitamin B6.
Selenium is known to help cells function properly and even help prevent cancer. Please keep in mind that too much selenium is also bad for dogs – so that’s why it is important to give your dog small amounts of couscous.
Is Couscous Bad For Dogs
No, couscous by itself isn’t bad for dogs – unless your pet has a wheat allergy or sensitivity. This pasta is made from wheat, so it has lots of gluten in it.
Another thing you need to watch out for when you give your dog couscous is how it is prepared and cooked. If the couscous is seasoned with garlic or onions, do not let your dog eat it. This also means don’t give them couscous that is made in a broth that is seasoned with garlic and onions.
Another thing you need to watch is how much salt your dog eats. If the couscous is heavily salted, keep it away from your pet. If your dog eats too much salt it can lead to excessive thirst and even kidney problems.
Finally, since couscous is a grain, it contains lots of calories and carbohydrates. Dogs that eat too many calories and carbs might gain lots of weight. Excessive weight gain increases their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems.
Can Dogs Eat Plain Couscous
Yes, dogs can safely eat moderate amounts of plain couscous. As long as it is cooked without extra salt, sugar, or unsafe spices, it is safe to give them a small amount of couscous.
Can Dogs Eat Israeli Couscous
Yes, it is safe to give your dog Israeli or pearl couscous. In fact, you can use it in moderate amounts in homemade dog food. Just mix some cooked couscous with some meat and vegetables for a healthy meal.
Can Dogs Eat Whole Wheat Couscous
Yes, dogs can eat whole wheat couscous as long as they don’t have a gluten allergy or sensitivity. Balance the amount of couscous with some plain-cooked meats and vegetables.
Can Dogs Eat Cooked Couscous
Yes, dogs can eat cooked couscous, as long as it is cooked in a dog-safe way.
Do not season it with too much salt (dogs don’t need any extra salt added to it). Do not use anything spicy and keep garlic and onions away from your dog’s food.
Basically, just prepare plain couscous with some meat and veggies and it’s safe for your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Uncooked Couscous
What about uncooked – can dogs eat raw couscous?
Even though uncooked couscous won’t hurt your dog, chances are they won’t want to eat it. Most dogs prefer cooked couscous to crunchy uncooked pearls.
Final Thoughts
Of all the different grains you can feed your pet, couscous is one of the healthiest options you will find. As with all high-fiber and grain-based foods, you still want to moderate how much they eat so that don’t gain too much weight.
If you like to share human foods with your pet, then plain cooked couscous is a healthy option.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are some articles about other human foods and whether they are safe or toxic for your dog to eat.
- Are Beets Good for Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Brown Rice
- Can Dogs Have Quinoa
- Can Dogs Have Sesame Seeds
- Can Dogs Have Zucchini
- Is Ginger Safe for Dogs
- Is Mustard Bad for Dogs
Find even more articles on human food dogs can and can’t eat here on Spoiled Hounds!
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