The Indian culinary map boasts a wide range of savory snacks, and poha is usually in most of them. These snacks can be enjoyed while watching movies, playing games, or during tea-time snacks.
When I first got introduced to Indian dishes, I tried some curries with the signature paratha bread, and it was so awesome, but after trying some snacks and appetizers, I was fully blown away. While most snacks or foods we could make out of poha are safe and beneficial to humans, are they safe for our dogs?
This article explores all you need to know about serving poha for dogs, including the benefits, possible risks, and quantity needed to feed your pooch.
What is poha?
Poha isn’t complicated; it is just rice that has been parboiled, then rolled, flattened, and dried, producing flakes. These flakes have varying thicknesses depending on the force exerted during the flattening process.
Poha is characterized by its small size, lightweight, and flat appearance with a greyish-white color. The edges are not even, and the texture is coarse. These rice flakes are devoid of aroma and have a bland taste.
Like every rice product, including vermicelli noodles, poha can absorb the liquids and flavors of any dish it is used in. In Asian cooking, poha is very popular, but here in the US, It is mostly used in rice snacks and cereals.
Can dogs eat poha?
Giving your dog pohas as an occasional treat is safe. Pohas is not harmful to dogs and can be used as part of a dog’s treat, provided it is plain and devoid of spices and vegetables like onions and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs depending on the amount consumed, and excessive salt, which could cause sodium poisoning.
Poha doesn’t have all the nutrients your dog requires, so it cannot be a staple in your dog’s diet. However, you can offer 1/4 to 1/2 of a cup gradually on a lick mat or in bits for your pet.
Benefits
The benefits of poha as a treat for dogs are numerous, but here are some of them:
Poha can be very effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetic dogs. Poha is rich in fiber, and fiber is known to promote the slow and steady release of sugar into your dog’s bloodstream, therefore preventing any spikes in sugar.
These rice flakes are also a great source of probiotics for dogs. While I usually recommend kefir as a supplement for dogs, poha is a great option too. During the preparation of poha, the rice undergoes fermentation, which enables it to retain microbial flora from the partially digested proteins and carbs, making it a healthy choice for the gut.
Poha will never cause bloating for your dog, as they are easily digestible. They are also rich in healthy carbs, which could provide your pooch with energy during training sessions or hiking.
Poha has a great deal of iron. Lactating and pregnant dogs can benefit from eating softened poha, and it could prevent gestational anemia. Further, it could aid in the production of red blood cells.
To make poha even healthier for your pooch, you could cook it with a little olive or avocado oil and vegetables with no added spice or seasoning.
Risks
If you offer your dog plain poha as an occasional treat, there is hardly going to be any risk. However, poha cooked with seasoning or vegetables like onions could cause an upset stomach and possible anemia in your dog. The best kind of poha to offer a dog is plain, unseasoned versions.
Alternatives to poha for dogs
Poha is not a bad treat for dogs, like other rice derivatives like horchata. However, you could still explore a list of other safe treats you could offer your pooch from time to time:
Blue Buffalo Blue Bits Dog Treats
These are some awesome, meat-flavored training treats that my dog loves so much. The reason I love it is that it can be offered to both puppies and adult dogs. They can help maintain your dog’s coat and skin, all thanks to their omega-3 and omega-6 constituents. This treat is free from wheat, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives.
Rachael Ray Nutrish Burger Bites
This is another beef-flavored treat that I give to my dog from time to time. The brand also has roasted chicken versions, which are just as useful as the beef. These treats are perfect for both adult dogs, small dogs, and pups, as they are easy to break apart thanks to their soft texture. This treat is free from artificial flavors or meat by-products, making it great for dogs with sensitive stomachs.
Zukes Hip Action Hip and Joint Natural Dog Treats
This is another option you can try. Just like the burger bites, they come in both chicken and beef flavors and are great for dogs with joint issues, according to Zukes. These treats are made with the inclusion of shell membranes, which can improve joint and hip health, according to the brand. These treats are soft and contain lots of antioxidants.
Is poha good for dogs? Final Thoughts
Poha is good for dogs if used moderately as an occasional treat. They offer lots of amazing benefits, like iron, fiber, and even probiotics, which can help promote a healthy gut in dogs.
However, it doesn’t contain all the nutrients your dog needs, which means it should be strictly used as a treat and not a staple in your pooch’s diet.
