Dogs can eat just about anything you offer them, from takis to hajmola; they will eat it all. This is why you need to know if the human foods you intend to give them are suitable for their system.
You can’t say you love Indian dishes without having tried biryani, butter chicken, curries, or bread like methi paratha. A common thing you should have noticed with Indian dishes is the amount of spice used in them. While the spices and vegetables in butter chicken are safe for humans, are they safe for dogs? Here is everything you need to know.
What is butter chicken?
Butter chicken, also referred to as Murgh Makhani, is a popular delicacy of Indian origin. This dish is formed when a grilled marinated chicken is cooked in a creamy tomato sauce and then flavored with spices such as turmeric, garam masala, chili powder, and cumin before the likes of cream and butter are added for extra enrichment. This tasty dish is served with sides like naan bread or basmati rice.
This dish boasts a spicier variation known as butter chicken curry. This version is put together with marinated chicken breast, a blend of spices like cumin, ginger, coriander, cayenne pepper, and paprika, and then the tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, yogurt, and cream.
Can dogs eat butter chicken?
While dogs can have a tablespoon or two of butter chicken without any problems, it is not recommended to feed your dog foods like butter chicken as they contain lots of spices that are certainly going to cause an upset stomach for your dog. Also, garlic and onions are among the common ingredients used in making this dish, making it a possibly harmful dish for dogs.
The chicken is not an issue at all. Dogs can safely consume chicken breast. Chicken is an integral part of the treats I make for my dog. On rare occasions when I feed my dog glass noodles, I cook some chicken (which I cut into easy-eatable chunks) without salt and seasonings, then add the broth and chicken to my dog’s bowl alongside the glass noodles and veggies, making it a balanced diet.
Most of the spices used are safe for dogs in moderation. For instance, the turmeric used in butter chicken has lots of anti-inflammatory properties, which can come in handy for dogs that have pancreatitis. You could use the turmeric and make some low-fat dog treats. Cumin, coriander, and paprika are all safe in moderate quantities. As for the chili peppers, they are going to cause an upset stomach, depending on the amount present in the butter chicken.
The main contention here is the garlic and onion content. Garlic and onions are known to be enemies of a dog’s well-being. They contain N-propyl disulfide, a compound that causes the red blood cells to break down, leading to anemia in canines. However, your dog has to consume a certain amount of these vegetables before the toxic effect takes place, so it is best not to put their system to the test.
Further, the sodium content may just be too much for your dog, especially if you’re handing them a bowl of butter chicken. Salt is not bad for dogs in an essential amount as it is useful in maintaining fluid balance and upholding muscle and nerve function, but it can also cause excessive thirst, dehydration, and even nerve damage if given to dogs in excessive amounts.
My dog ate butter chicken; what will happen?
If your dog ate a small amount of butter chicken, depending on your dog’s health status, they may not react negatively, as they have to eat significant amounts of butter chicken to experience any negative effect.
When you feed your dog so much butter chicken, you open them up to the risk of an upset stomach, onion and garlic toxicity, and possible sodium poisoning. Butter chicken is unfit to serve as a dish for your dog. At most, a small amount of it can be used as a once-in-a-blue-moon treat.
Can puppies eat butter chicken?
Just like adult dogs, butter chicken is not a suitable food for puppies. Puppies are delicate, and their organs are not fully developed. Giving them butter chicken could hurt them. Stick to age-specific foods that will help their organs and bodies develop properly.
Alternatives to butter chicken for dogs
With a little customization here and there, your dog could still have a great experience without having to suffer bloating, an upset stomach, or possible toxicity. Here are some great alternatives you could try:
Chicken dog treats
Chicken can be made in many ways for your dogs. You could bake some chicken breasts and serve them to your pooch. You can also offer the raw neck to your dog: they help in cleaning their teeth and eliminating tartar buildup. You could also steam some veggies, cook some vermicelli noodles or rice, turn them into unseasoned chicken broth, and serve them to your pooch.
Peanut butter
Peanut butter is a great treat for dogs and can be used for just about any occasion. You could rub some peanut butter on the chicken and offer it to your dog, you could offer the peanut butter just as it is. Ensure to get dog-safe peanut butter or peanut butter made specifically for dogs.
Can dogs eat butter chicken curry? Final Thoughts
Dogs should not have butter chicken curry as it contains lots of spices, which could cause an upset stomach for them. Also, they are made with vegetables that are toxic to dogs, like onions and garlic. Consider giving other dog-tailored treats that will be nutritious and offer certain benefits to your dog.
