Common in the Indian subcontinent, South East Asia, East Asia, the UK, and other countries, curries are dishes cooked with a “complex combination of spices or herbs, usually including ground turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, and fresh or dried chilies,” notes Wikipedia.
In some instances, these dishes may be spiced with curry leaves, have different names and spices used as well as a different way of cooking. For instance, they can be cooked with lamb, chicken, fish, beef, vegetables, pork, et cetera.
Finally, curry powder is nothing other than a mixture of various spices whose key ingredients include garlic, turmeric, and ginger.
Can dogs eat curry?
No. Your dogs and even cats should not be given curry. While some may not have harmful ingredients, others may be harmful especially those that have garlic and onion as well as excessive amounts of sugar or salt.
Garlic and onions are poisonous to dogs as they will cause the breakdown of red blood cells since they have thiosulphate and possibly lead to hemolytic anemia and other symptoms of toxicity.
Secondly, some ingredients such as chilies that have capsaicin which will irritate your dog’s mouth and may cause indigestion, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration as Rover.com notes.
Thirdly, while some of the spices may not be toxic or harmful to cats, spicy foods should be avoided as their delicate digestive system may not handle the various spiced foods they have.
To confirm this, according to ASPCA, “many of our holiday favorites can be harmful, including sweets, fatty and spicy foods, and alcohol.” This is a clear indication that spicy foods are not good for your canine friend.
My dog ate curry
If your dog eats curry, you need to look at the various ingredients ensure none is poisonous especially garlic and onions. Inform your vet in case it has any toxic ingredient and watch for any signs of toxicity.
Excessive amounts of some herbs and spices especially those in the genus Allium can be lethal if consumed in large amounts.
Heathy doggy curry
If you are an expert in homemade dog foods, you can make healthy curries for your pooches. However, check on the list of the various spices and ingredients you use and ensure none is harmful.
Also, avoid excessive amounts of any of these spices even if they are not toxic or poisonous to these animals.
Making one with cooked rice, shredded chicken, a small amount of turmeric and vegetables as well as a chicken broth with very little salt should not be a problem.
Keep the amount given to be small and do not replace treats with normal balanced and healthy diets for dogs especially commercial foods.
Conclusion
Whether dogs can eat curries including the one in powder form will depend on the spices present. Some are toxic. Always avoid giving your pooch spicy foods.