When it comes to handing human food to dogs, we need to take as much precaution as possible, as some foods and drinks like Prime Energy that are normally safe for us to consume may not be safe for our dogs to consume. Here is everything you need to know about glass noodles for dogs: whether they are safe, serving size, and better alternatives.
What are glass noodles?
Glass noodles, also referred to as cellophane noodles, are gelatinous long noodles used in dishes such as stir-fries and soups in China and across Southeast Asia. These noodles are referred to as glass noodles because they start white or brown but become translucent when cooked.
Potatoes, mung beans, and tapioca are common starches used in making glass noodles, and this is dependent on the region. Koreans mostly use potato starch, while Chinese often make use of mung beans. Glass noodles are generally bland; just like rice noodles, they take up the flavor of any dish they are used in.
Glass noodles are derived from a process of mixing a slurry of potato starch or other starch in boiling water, then stirring until a translucent, thick paste is formed. Once the resulting mix is cooled, it is passed through a sieve, forming the glass noodles we eat today. These noodles can take on any shape, from having a thickness like fettuccine to being very slender like angel hair pasta.
Can dogs eat glass noodles?
Glass noodles are not toxic to dogs, as they can safely have half a pack of cooked glass noodles. Glass noodles are made with mung beans, tapioca, or sweet potato starch, which are all safe for dogs. However, in the processed form of noodles, they don’t provide your pooch with many essential nutrients, making them an occasional, empty calorie treat for dogs.
Without any harmful sauce or high-sodium broth like the ones found in pancit bihon, dogs can eat vermicelli noodles, glass noodles, and all kinds of noodles safely. What makes noodles bad for dogs is usually the accompanying sauce which may contain sodium which could lead to dehydration and onions, and garlic which are known to be highly toxic to dogs.
To feed noodles to your dogs, you need to ensure they are plain, cut into bits, and cooked. You can add vegetables to make the dish more nutritious. You can equally cook some proteins like chicken, beef, or turkey (without seasonings and salt, of course) and turn the broth and chunks of protein into your dog’s bowl alongside the glass noodles, making it an irresistible healthy treat.
My dog ate glass noodles
There is no cause for alarm if your dog eats glass noodles that have been cooked. Nothing is likely going to happen to your dog. There is no toxic substance in glass noodles, except when they are paired with sauces or broths that contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs.
If your dogs ate raw glass noodles and are still fine, they probably won’t have many issues. The most common thing that happens after a dog consumes raw noodles or pasta is choking, and depending on the amount, intestinal blockage could also ensue. Since dogs can’t access the higher cupboards, it is best to keep away or store foods that could be problematic.
Alternative treats to glass noodles for dogs
Noodles are not poisonous to dogs, but they don’t provide enough nutrients to suffice as a standalone treat for dogs, which is why you need to consider more nutritious treats for your pet.
Carrots or apple slices
Carrots or apple slices are a great standalone treat for dogs. They are crunchy, and both have low calories. making them a great treat for dogs. Ensure to remove the seeds of the apple. As for the apples, there are numerous ways you could prepare them for your pooch. I made a low-fat treat for dogs with pancreatitis using just apples. All I had to do was cut them into thin slices and bake them—yum!
Sweet Potato Chews
Sweet potato chews are a dog-tasting bud-pleaser, and they are also very nutritious! To get this treat ready, all you have to do is get some fresh potatoes, wash them under running water, and slice them into thin, uniform strips, then bake until they are dehydrated.
Turon
Turun is not safe for dogs in its traditional form since it is fried, but we have made a turon recipe that makes a dog-safe version. This turon is made with thin slices of banana and jackfruit wrapped in banana wrappers made from boiling, mashing, and rolling bananas before baking them to form an egg roll-like wrapper. This is a great treat, and dogs love it!
Are glass noodles good for dogs? Final thoughts
Glass noodles are not the best treat to give your dog, but they are not a bad treat either. Glass noodles lack enough nutrients to make them a good standalone treat for dogs, but with the addition of veggies and protein chunks, you could turn glass noodles into a nutritious experience for your dog. The ideal serving size is 1/4 of a pack or at most 1/2 of a pack of glass noodles.
