Can Dogs Have Curry?

Nothing slaps harder than a bowl of tantalizing curry with a side of fluffy naan bread to go with it.

But before you let Bingo in on the fun, we need to answer the question, “Can dogs eat curry?”

 

It is not safe for dogs to eat curry. Some ingredients in curry, like onions and garlic, are toxic and harmful to your dog. Also, excess sugar and salt, as well as processed spices may not be beneficial to dogs.   

 

Curry is a spicy dish that originated from India.

Different spices are used to achieve different flavors in curry dishes.

 

Also, you can use meat or vegetables to make curry.

The aroma of freshly made curry is so tantalizing and will attract everyone in the house, including Bingo.

 

 

 

 

Can you share your bowl of curry with your dog?

Not so fast. As good as it tastes, curry may not be the best food choice for your dog.

 

Can Dogs Eat Curry?

Curry is not safe for dogs to eat.

Curry soup uses lots of different spices to bring out its unique flavor.

Most of these spices are not pet-friendly.

 

Common spices in curry include;

• Curry powder
• Chilies
• Onions & Garlic
• Canned pureed tomatoes
• Yogurt
• Salt

 

1. Curry powder

Curry powder is a spice blend made with turmeric, ground coriander, chili powder, ground pepper, and cumin.

The chilly flavor in curry powder will vary from mild to really hot.

Is curry powder safe for dogs?

 

To begin with, dogs have no taste buds for spices.

They can only taste salt and fats in food.

Dogs can taste sugar too but they won’t find it as sweet as humans do.

 

Turmeric is healthy for dogs.

In the right dosage, turmeric for dogs can help reduce inflammation from;

• Arthritis
• Dog elbow dysplasia
• Parasitic infections
• Injuries
• Deformities

Also, turmeric helps improve cardiovascular health, boosts memory, and helps dogs lose weight.

This medicinal spice reduces symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and prevents the risk of stroke.

 

Cilantro or coriander, in its fresh or powdered form, is equally healthy for dogs.

Coriander can help reduce constipation and bloating in hounds.

Also, coriander can reduce or prevent nausea in sickly pups.

 

Cumin is a spice in the cilantro family.

This spice has variants that may have a sharp, hot, or bittersweet taste.

In healthy dosages, cumin can give old dogs a boost in energy.

Cumin also strengthens your dog’s immune system.

 

Chili powder or ground pepper is not safe for dogs either.

Let’s find out why.

 

2. Chilies

Dogs cannot taste chili but they can feel the effects of chili.

When ingested, the chili will have a burning sensation on the throat and digestive system due to an ingredient called capsaicin.

The level of discomfort felt by your dog will depend on how much capsaicin the chilies have.

 

 

 

 

3. Onions and Garlic

These two spices are a no-go-zone for your dog.

Onions and garlic contain toxic ingredients, disulfides, and thiosulfates.

When ingested, these two toxins destroy red blood cells through oxidative damage.

 

Even in small doses, onions and garlic can cause canine anemia.

 

 

 

 

4. Pureed Tomatoes

Fresh tomatoes are safe for dogs when they are ripened and without the stalk and leaves.

 

Tomatoes, whole or pureed, pack a lot of beta-carotene, vitamin A, and Vitamin C.

These nutrients are important for the formation of healthy bones, good eyesight, and a strong immune system in your dog.

 

Unripe tomatoes or any green part of tomato- the leaves and stalk- are not healthy for canines.

They contain an organic chemical, solanine, which is toxic to dogs.

 

If your dog eats lots of tomatoes at once, he can develop the following symptoms;

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Drowsiness and disorientation
• Irregular heart rhythms

Also, keep your dog away from tomato-derived products like ketchup and tomato sauce.

These two products are commercially processed with additives that will cause health problems in your dog.

 

5. Yogurt

Yogurt contains probiotics (good gut bacteria) that are healthy for dogs.

But some dogs are lactose intolerant and may not find yogurt that much amusing.

Find out if your dog is allergic to dairy products before giving them yogurt.

 

6. Salt

Small amounts of salt are healthy for your dog.

About 1.5g/100g of salt is what your dog needs to maintain healthy cellular functions.

Too much salt, on the other hand, can cause sodium poisoning in dogs.

 

Easy chicken dog curry recipe

Though your dog is not allowed to eat spiced up curry, you can still make him his version of curry.

Make sure you use ingredients that are healthy for dogs.

 

Ingredients

• 500gm of chicken thighs
• 100ml of natural yogurt (Greek)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (or fish oil)
• Two ripened tomatoes
• Dog-friendly herbs (Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary)

 

Method:

• Add coconut oil to a saucepan
• Chop the chicken thighs into small bits
• When the oil is hot, add the chicken bits and shallow fry until they brown
• Blend the tomatoes and yogurt
• Add the tomato-yogurt blend to the sautéed chicken
• Cover the pan and let the mixture cook for 10 to 15 minutes
• Add a pinch of any herb of choice before serving your dog

There you have it, an easy and healthy dog curry recipe made with love.

Bingo rates this dog curry two paws up!

 

Conclusion

If you like your curry hot and spicy, your dog cannot join you at the dinner table.

Luckily, we have given you a simple dog curry recipe that will leave your pooch slurping for more.

Happy cooking!

 

See Also

• Can Dogs Eat Fish Food?

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Frequently Asked Questions