Can Dogs Eat Ramen Noodles?

A college student’s best buddy is ramen. Cheap, easy to make, and filling, they are the perfect solution to a busy lifestyle. But what about our four-legged friends?

Can dogs eat ramen noodles? The answer is complicated!

While noodles are not toxic to dogs, the seasonings in ramen noodles can be. So, are they considered a healthy snack, or is it best to steer clear?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at ramen noodles and what kind of health benefits – or risks – they may pose for dogs.

So, should you feed your furry friend ramen noodles? Let’s find out!

Is Ramen Noodle Bad for Dogs?

The short answer is: it depends.

Ramen noodles are made with wheat flour, water, and salt. The dough is then extruded into long, thin strands and dried. Once dry, the noodles can be stored for long periods without refrigeration.

When you’re ready to eat them, all you have to do is add boiling water and let them sit for a few minutes. The result is a delicious, hearty meal – or snack!

The noodles themselves are not toxic to dogs. However, the seasonings packet that comes with most ramen noodle brands contains ingredients that can be harmful – even lethal – to pups.

Onion powder, garlic powder, and MSG are just some of the ingredients that can cause health problems in dogs. In fact, any product that contains onion or garlic in any form – powder, salt, oil, etc – can be dangerous to dogs.

When ingested in large quantities, onions and garlic can cause dog anemia. Anemia is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there is a decrease in the number of healthy red blood cells circulating in the body.

Symptoms of dog anemia include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, and difficulty breathing.

What Happens If A Dog Eats Ramen?

If your dog does manage to scarf down a bowl of ramen, the most likely outcome is an upset stomach and diarrhea. However, other potential problems could arise from eating ramen.

• Stomach irritation

This can happen if your dog eats ramen noodles often. The noodles can swell in the stomach and cause an obstruction. Additionally, the spices in some ramen varieties can irritate your dog’s stomach.

Salt is another ingredient in ramen that can be harmful to dogs. Eating too much salt can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. These can be serious problems, especially in small dogs.

Similar to raw bacon, ramen noodles are also high in calories and fat. If your dog eats too many of them, it could gain weight or develop pancreatitis.

• Hypernatremia in Dogs

Hypernatremia is a condition that can occur when dogs eat high-sodium foods. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can be dangerous.

Ramen typically contains a high amount of sodium. The noodles themselves are generally fine. It’s the seasoning packet that can cause problems. They can contain up to 2,000 mg of sodium, which is more than a day’s worth for a small dog.

If you think your dog has eaten too much ramen, watch for signs of dehydration. These include excessive thirst, dry mouth, lethargy, and sunken eyes. If you see any of these signs, take your dog to the vet immediately.

• Renal Failure

Eating large quantities of ramen noodles can also lead to renal failure in dogs. This is because the noodles are high in phosphorus. When dogs consumed ramen, the phosphorus binds with calcium in the blood and forms deposits in the kidneys. This can damage the kidneys and lead to renal failure.

In addition to renal failure, eating ramen noodles can also cause bladder stones. These are deposits of minerals that form in the urinary tract. They can be painful and may require surgery to remove.

• Allergy

Some dogs may have an allergy to the ingredients in ramen noodles. The most common allergens are wheat and soy.

If your pet dog is allergic to these ingredients, it may experience itchiness, redness, and swelling after eating ramen.

Ramen Noodles: Are Dogs Allergic?

Just like with people, some dogs can have allergies to certain ingredients in their food.

While some dogs can eat ramen noodles without any problems, some common allergies that could affect your dog include:

• Gluten Intolerance

This is a common allergy in dogs and is found in wheat, rye, and barley. Like a dog eating pizza, it can cause digestive issues like vomiting and diarrhea. Additionally, some dogs may develop a skin rash.

If your companion dog is allergic to gluten, you’ll want to avoid giving them ramen noodles as they contain wheat flour.

• Lactose Intolerance

Ramen noodles has powdered milk ingredient, which means they also contain lactose. Lactose is a sugar found in milk that some dogs cannot digest properly. This can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If your pet dog is lactose intolerant, you’ll want to avoid giving them ramen noodles.

• Meat Allergies

While chicken is the most common type of meat used in ramen noodles, your dog could be sensitive to any type of meat. If your dog is allergic to chicken, it may also be hypersensitive to beef, pork, or lamb.

Symptoms of a meat allergy include vomiting, diarrhea, and itching. If you think your dog may be highly allergic to meat, it’s best to talk to your veterinarian.

• Soy Allergies

Soy sauce is present in ramen noodles, which means they also contain soy. Soy is a common allergen in dogs and can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and itching.

It is also important to note that some dogs may be severely allergic to one type of soy but not another. For example, your dog may be able to eat tofu but not soy milk.

Can Dogs Consume Ramen Noodles Without Seasoning?

In general, it’s safe for dogs to eat plain, cooked and prepared ramen noodles without any seasoning.

However, some seasonings can be harmful to pets, so it’s best to refrain from feeding your dog flavored ramen noodles.

Additionally, the amount salt and fat in ramen noodles can be unhealthy for dogs if they eat them regularly. If you do decide to share your ramen noodles with your dog, be sure to give them a small portion size and limit their intake to occasional treats.

Additionally, the amount of fat in ramen noodles can also cause stomach upset or pancreatitis in some dogs. Tiny bits in moderation as an occasional treat should be okay, but anything more than that could be harmful to your dog.

How Often Can Dogs Consume Ramen?

Dogs can eat ramen noodles on occasion, but they should not be a regular part of your canine’s diet. The high salt and fat content in ramen noodles can cause health problems for dogs if they eat them too often.

If you do feed your pet dog ramen noodles, be sure to give them a small portion size and only let them have them as an occasional treat.

As they don’t offer any real nutritional value, it’s best to only give your dog ramen noodles on occasions.

Our Readers Favorite Questions

Can Dogs Have Hot Ramen Noodles?

The short answer is no. Hot ramen noodles can cause burns in your dog’s mouth and throat. If you must share your ramen noodles with your dog, make sure they are cool or lukewarm to the touch first.

Can Dogs Eat Raw or Uncooked Ramen Noodles

While we don’t recommend feeding your dog raw or uncooked ramen noodles, they are technically safe to eat. If you choose to feed your companion dog uncooked or raw ramen noodles, make sure to cook them thoroughly first to avoid any potential choking hazards.

Can Dogs Have Frozen Ramen Noodles?

Frozen ramen noodles are safe for dogs to eat, but they can become a choking hazard.

If you feed your pet dog frozen ramen noodles, make sure to thaw them completely first and cut them into small pieces to avoid any potential choking hazards.

Can Dogs Eat Flavored Chicken Ramen Noodles?

Yes, dogs can eat chicken ramen noodles. Just make sure the noodles are cooked thoroughly and cooled before feeding them to your dog. Also, be sure to remove any bones or skin from the chicken before feeding it to your dog.

Can Ramen Noodles Kill Dogs

No, ramen noodles will not kill dogs. However, they can cause stomach upset and may be a choking hazard if not fed properly. If you must feed your pet dog ramen noodles, make sure that they are not seasoned as the spices can cause gastrointestinal distress.

Can Puppies Consume Ramen?

No, it is not recommended to feed puppies ramen noodles because they are more prone to stomach upset. A puppy’s stomach is highly sensitive and they can easily become dehydrated if they eat something that doesn’t agree with them.

Are Noodles Good For Dogs?

No, not especially, as they offer very little nutritional value. Noodles are mostly carbohydrates and can cause your dog to gain weight if they are not burned off through exercise. It is always best to consult with your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet of your dog.

Conclusion

While technically safe, we do not recommend feeding your dog ramen noodles as they offer very little nutritional value and can cause gastrointestinal distress.

If you must feed your furry friend ramen noodles, make sure to cook them thoroughly and remove any bones or skin from the chicken before feeding it to your dog.

Like with Tuna fish, always remember to avoid using seasoning as the spices can cause stomach upset in dogs.

If you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian before making any changes to the diet of your dog.

Do you feed your pet dog ramen noodles? Let us know in the comments below!