Who doesn’t love pancit? Pancit (noodles) is a Filipino cuisine staple that has been around for over 200 years and has taken on different toppings and flavors as its recipe has journeyed through different regions and keeps evolving.
Ever since I learned how to make pancit bihon (rice noodles) and canton (egg noodles), my partner and kids would always jointly come to beg me to make some at least once a week while I did this joyfully, as nothing makes me more happy than making some meals for eager mouths. There is our pup, always looking and waiting his turn to be served some, but is pancit canton good for dogs?
Dogs can eat lots of human foods safely without having problems, but not all foods we eat are safe for dogs. Here is everything you need to know about pancit cantons and dogs: possible benefits, inherent risks, and how to prepare some dog-safe pancit cantons.
Pancit canton, What is it?
Pancit canton is a Filipino dish made with stir-fried wheat noodles, seafood, veggies, and different kinds of meats. It is a symbol of long life and a commonly served dish during festivities like birthdays and special occasions.
The name “Pancit Canton” originates from the kinds of noodles used in the dish, which are also referred to as lo mein, or flour sticks. These noodles are characterized by their distinctive yellow color and require a short soak in water before they are cooked, producing a soft noodle.
The ingredients for pancit canto vary heavily as different regions indulge in their culinary traditions and preferences. However, proteins such as pork, chicken, liver, fish balls, and sausage are commonly used. As for the vegetables, carrots, cabbage, celery, snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms are used. Then the seasonings consist of soy sauce, garlic, onion, calamansi, pepper, and salt.
The method of preparation is more like that of chow mien. The seafood and meats are sauteed before the veggies are added and cooked until tender. Then the noodles and sauce are added and tossed until heated and coated.
Can dogs eat pancit canton?
Dogs can have little pancit cantons without backlashes. However, pancit canton should not be considered a regular meal for dogs, as it contains onions and garlic, which can be toxic to dogs in significant amounts, and soy sauce, which can cause sodium poisoning in dogs.
Homemade pancit canton, where the harmful ingredients are omitted, is usually the best option to offer your dog. The common pitfalls that may not make pancit canton good for dogs lie in some vegetables, like onions, and the soy sauce used.
Onions, chives, and garlic belong to the allium family, and they are notoriously toxic to dogs. Medium- to large-sized onions can be toxic to a 25-kg dog. The toxicity of onions and garlic is represented by symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and depletion of red blood cells, which lead to anemia. This is why it should not be included in any food you intend to give your pooch.
Soy sauce, as you know, contains lots of sodium and too much sodium, which can lead to sodium poisoning in dogs. Symptoms like lethargy, fluid buildup, loss of appetite, excessive thirst, disorientation, and even death.
As for the noodles, dogs can eat noodles of all forms, including Pancit Bihon noodles. The basic ingredients used in making noodles include semolina, rice flour, wheat flour, a little salt, and water, which are all safe for dogs. However, noodles have too many carbs and can contribute to weight gain if excessively fed to dogs.
Is pancit canton good for dogs?
Pancit canton for dogs can be a great nutrient-dense meal if prepared with dog-safe ingredients. It contains lots of protein, which is important for your dog’s body to function properly. It also contains vegetables, which supply vitamins and minerals. The noodles balance it all by adding carbs, which are important to keep the dog energized.
My dog ate pancit canton: What will happen?
If your dog only had a little pancit canton, nothing would happen to it. When they say onions are toxic, it doesn’t mean a little slice of onion will cause toxicity. Your dog has to consume a significant amount, depending on its size, to experience onion and garlic toxicity, as any vet will tell you.
However, we do not intend to test the toxicity threshold of our dogs, so we have to be proactive by not offering them much pancit or preparing a dog-specific pancit at home like I do for my dog.
How to make pancit canton for dogs
Making pancit canton for dogs is as easy and fun as making it for yourself. What do you need?
Vegetables of choice, or the ones your dog loves, usually include carrots, peas, cabbage, and celery. For the proteins, you can use as much as you can afford to; if you can afford the seafood and other meats, get them all; if not, you can make do with a modest amount of protein. For the noodles, pancit canton noodles, vermicelli noodles, or any noodle will work just fine.
Soak the noodles for 5 minutes. Cook the proteins without salt or seasoning, and save the broth. Steam the veggies, then add them and the noodles to the meat and broth, and cook until the noodles feel soft enough for your pooch.
Is pancit canton okay for dogs? Final Thoughts
Pancit canton for dogs is okay as an occasional treat, provided it is made without harmful ingredients like garlic, onions, and soy sauce. Pancit canton is made with veggies and proteins, which offer numerous benefits to dogs.
