Falafel is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in Middle Eastern cuisine. It is made from ground chickpeas or fava beans, mixed with herbs and spices, and then fried in oil. Falafel can be enjoyed in various ways, such as in a pita bread, with salads, or on its own. But what if your dog wants a bite of your falafel? Can dogs eat falafel safely, or is it harmful to them? In this article, we will answer this question and explain why falafel is not a good food for dogs. We will also provide some alternatives that are more suitable for your canine companion. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what foods are safe and healthy for your dog, and what foods you should avoid.
why is falafel bad for dogs
Falafel contains garlic and onions, which are poisonous to dogs
One of the main reasons why falafel is bad for dogs is that it contains garlic and onions, which belong to the Allium family of plants. These plants contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide, which can damage the red blood cells of dogs and cause hemolytic anemia. Hemolytic anemia is a condition where the red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced, resulting in low oxygen levels in the body. Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, jaundice, and dark urine.
Garlic and onions can also cause gastrointestinal irritation and upset in dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. The toxicity of garlic and onions depends on the amount ingested, the size and weight of the dog, and the individual sensitivity of the dog. However, even small amounts can be dangerous, especially if consumed regularly or in combination with other toxic foods4. Therefore, it is best to avoid giving any amount of falafel to your dog, as it may contain a significant amount of garlic and onions.
Falafel contains spices that can irritate your dog’s stomach and mouth
Another reason why falafel is bad for dogs is that it contains spices that can irritate your dog’s stomach and mouth. Falafel is typically seasoned with various spices, such as cumin, coriander, parsley, cilantro, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. While some of these spices may have health benefits for humans, they can be too strong or spicy for dogs, who have a more sensitive digestive system and taste buds. Spices can cause inflammation, burning, and ulceration in your dog’s stomach and mouth, as well as increase the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Spices can also trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, causing skin rashes, itching, swelling, and breathing difficulties.
Falafel is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs
A third reason why falafel is bad for dogs is that it is high in calories, fat, and carbohydrates, which can lead to obesity and other health problems in dogs. Falafel is made from chickpeas, which are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals for humans, but not for dogs. Chickpeas are high in carbohydrates, which can raise your dog’s blood sugar levels and cause weight gain, diabetes, and pancreatitis. Chickpeas are also high in phytic acid, which can interfere with the absorption of minerals, such as calcium, iron, and zinc, in your dog’s body.
Moreover, falafel is deep-fried in oil, which adds extra calories and fat to the dish. Fatty foods can cause inflammation, indigestion, and diarrhea in dogs, as well as increase the risk of pancreatitis, a serious condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed and unable to produce digestive enzymes. Pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and shock in dogs, and may require hospitalization and intensive care.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Falafel?
If your dog only ate a small amount of falafel, they may not experience any problems other than a slight stomach ache that goes away soon.
Still, it’s wise to let your vet know what happened so they can tell you if your dog needs a check-up. Watch your dog closely and if they show any signs of illness, take them to the vet right away.
On the other hand, dogs that consume a lot of falafel are at a higher risk of developing serious complications. If your dog has ingested more than a bite or two of falafel—even if they look fine—call your vet as soon as possible so they can evaluate the situation and advise you on what to do next.
Conclusion
Falafel may be delicious, but it is not a good idea to share it with your dog. Some of the spices and herbs in falafel can harm your dog’s health, especially if they eat too much.
If your dog likes chickpeas, you can give them some as a treat, but only if they are cooked, plain, and in moderation. Avoid canned chickpeas, as they are usually processed and may contain salt or other additives. Fresh chickpeas are the best option for your dog.
I hope this information was helpful to you. Please let me know if you have any other questions or requests.
