Originated in Hong Kong, boba has gained worldwide popularity. Also known as tapioca pearls, boba adds chewiness to the sweet taste of milk teas. These pearls give people some sort of “break” from experiencing the same consistency from their drinks.
If you love chewing on boba pearls, the idea of sharing them with your dogs might already come to mind. But should you? Is boba safe and healthy for your furry friends? Is it okay for you to incorporate boba into your dogs’ diets?
The short answer to the question posted in this article is: no, you should never give your dogs boba. The ingredients used in making boba aren’t poisonous to your dogs but contain empty calories. It’s best if you don’t feed any boba to your dogs as this might trigger the following:
Risk Of Allergies
Boba can cause allergic reactions in your dogs, which can cause several symptoms, namely itchy skin, diarrhea, or vomiting. When left untreated, allergies can worsen and cause a lack of energy, aggression, or weight loss.
Intestinal Obstruction
Humans can easily chew boba and swallow them. However, it’s not always the same for your four-legged friends, as their metabolic processes are slower. Giving boba to your dogs will only increase their risk of intestinal obstruction. When this happens, your dogs will require surgery for treatment.
Cause Indigestion
The high sugar content of boba might cause indigestion in pets, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and other health issues. When your dogs’ stomachs hurt due to indigestion, they’ll likely have problems eating as they’ll hack or choke as they try to get the food down. This will cause them to stop eating or even lose interest in food altogether.
Can Dogs Eat Popping Boba?
No, your dogs should never eat popping boba. Popping boba is made with seaweed juice but still has tapioca ingredients, which are unsafe for your furry friends. Popping boba also contains tons of artificial flavoring that can be harmful or toxic to dogs.
How About Strawberry Boba?
No, dogs shouldn’t be given strawberry boba because it contains artificial coloring, industrial flavors, and fruit juices. These can lead to several health issues in your dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Honey Boba?
Unfortunately, no, your dogs shouldn’t eat honey boba. Honey boba is full of calories and sugar that can cause indigestion, obesity, and tooth decay.
Can Dogs Eat Boba Ice Cream?
No, your dogs shouldn’t be offered boba ice cream as this can cause abdominal pain and upset stomach in dogs. In some cases, giving boba ice cream might even trigger constipation, bloating, gas, and diarrhea. This will likely happen if your dogs are lactose intolerant, as boba ice cream uses a lot of milk and other dairy products.
When Should You Take Your Dogs To The Vet?
You don’t have to worry too much if your dogs accidentally ate some boba. Your dogs’ bodies can tolerate small amounts of boba and might only experience temporary side effects. Just make sure that your dogs have access to clean water so their bodies can naturally flush out the boba from their systems.
However, if your dogs consume boba in large quantities, say more than two cups, take them to the vet immediately. The vet will properly assess the health conditions of your dogs and provide treatment to prevent any symptoms from getting worse.
Are There Safer And Healthier Alternatives To Boba?
Yes, there are! There are actually plenty of human foods that are safe and healthy for your four-legged friends. As long as you wash them thoroughly with running water, and remove the seeds, cores, and pits, adding these foods to your dogs’ diets will surely keep them happy and healthy:
Apple
Apples are rich in vitamins A and C, antioxidants, and potassium. Apples are also full of fiber that can help improve the digestive tracts of your dogs.
Banana
Banana has vitamin C that can boost the immune systems of your dogs and lessen their risk of getting infections. This fruit is also an excellent source of potassium that can alleviate muscle pain or cramps in dogs.
Watermelon
Because melon is 92% water, feeding a few slices to your furry friends can aid with their hydration. Proper hydration is crucial for dogs because it allows their bodies to carry important nutrients into and out of their cells. Watermelon also has vitamins A, C, B1, and B6.
Carrots
Carrots have high vitamin A content that can support eye health in dogs. This vegetable can also boost your dogs’ immune systems and improve their skin and coat health. Chewing on carrots can also aid in your dogs’ dental health as the minerals found in the vegetable can kill germs, and its abrasiveness can help eliminate dirt in the mouth.
Cooked Pumpkin
Cooked pumpkin gives a boost to your dogs’ nutrition because it’s packed with different minerals, such as potassium and iron. Cooked pumpkin also contains omega-3 fatty acids that can help dislodge kidney stones and prevent urinary incontinence.
Peas
Peas are an excellent source of vitamins to dogs, namely A, B, and K. Peas also contain protein that enables your dogs’ bodies to function properly and have healthier coats and skin.
Team Up With A Vet
Boba can have detrimental effects on your dogs’ health, so make sure that you don’t feed them any. Keep in mind that your dogs’ bodies are different from yours, and not all human foods are safe or healthy for them.
If you want to incorporate human foods into your dogs’ diets, don’t hesitate to reach out to a vet. They can suggest a well-balanced diet for your dogs based on their current health needs.