You can’t list one of the most loved southern Indian breakfasts without mentioning upma. Now, it is not only being appreciated in south India for its delicious taste and health benefits; it is also eaten across India in its entirety.
I love cooking and eating food, but with my tight work schedule, I may go long periods without eating, and upma just compensates because when you eat it in the morning, you stay full for longer because it digests slowly. I usually start my day with upma on days I want to avoid junk, and these are just a few benefits upma offers to humans, but what about dogs? Should they have some of this Indian delicacy? Let us explore.
What is UPMA?
Upma, also referred to as uppittu, uppindi, and uppeet, is a southern Indian breakfast porridge that has similarities with farina.
It is made with semolina flour as the base, which is roasted until a light brown color is achieved in its plain form. It has a bland taste that is spiced up with some beans, tomatoes, onions, and seasonings like turmeric or nuts, giving it a savory final taste.
This delicacy is not limited to breakfast alone; it is also eaten as a snack or brunch. Upma is considered a vegetarian diet as it is made with only plant products, and depending on the chef, different ingredients can be used. I add grated coconuts and ground carrots, introducing more textures to my version.
Can dogs eat UPMA?
Dogs can eat three tablespoons of upma and no more, unless onions are not part of its ingredients. Then your dog can have more. Upma made with onions can pose a risk of toxicity to dogs.
Onions contain toxic compounds that could cause anemia in dogs, and sometimes they could be fatal, which is why you should avoid feeding foods that contain onions to dogs. While onions are toxic, it takes a significant amount to cause toxicity to dogs, like a medium-to-large bulb for a 25-kg dog, which is why your dog could technically have a few spoons without any issues, but it is best to avoid feeding them.
The semolina flour used for making upma is not toxic to dogs. Dogs can have semolina flour in any form (cooked, roasted, or baked); the only time it is not advisable is when it is leavened and in the form of unbaked dough, as this could cause bloating and a possible upset stomach.
One of the common spices added to upma, turmeric, is a great spice for dogs. It is usually my most recommended spice for dogs. When I got to understand the power of this spice when my dog, some 8 years ago, suffered pancreatitis, turmeric was a great antiinflammatory spice. I kept adding it to my dog’s low-fat treats to help reverse the damage done, and we were able to prolong his life in addition to other measures suggested and implemented by his vet.
Ural dal, or black lentils, are commonly used in making upma, and they are safe for dogs when eaten moderately. They offer fiber and protein, which are essential for regular bowel movements and the building of muscle, making the ones found in upma a nutritious addition to your dog’s diet.
Dogs can have upma if you could entirely remove the onion content to be on the safer side, as upma could offer lots of health benefits to your dog.
Is up a good for dogs? Final thoughts
Up a is good for dogs and they can eat any type of upma: rice, millet, whole wheat, oats, quinoa, ragi, and rajgira, provided the onions are removed. Upma is a rich source of iron, potassium, vitamins B and E, zinc, and selenium for dogs.
