The Indian culinary tradition is always a beauty to behold, giving us all those feet-sweeping savory curries, soups, or stews served with bread like paratha and naan, etc.
While these foods are safe for humans in moderation, can dogs have puri or its derivatives, like pani puri? Here is everything you need to know about serving puri to dogs.
What is Puri?
Puri is an Indian staple at festive gatherings. This bread has a characteristic airy and light texture with a crispy exterior and a round shape. Puri is used for a variety of Indian chaats like dahipuri, sevpuri, panipuri, and curries like yellow curries.
Puri is made from a combination of semolina and wheat flour or any other flour apart from white-bleached flour, water, oil, and salt. before it is kneaded and rolled into a round flat sheet and then deep-fried. The steam creates puffs up the bread as the flour gets cooked by the oil, retaining the shape of the bread afterward.
There are numerous variants of puri, like the bhatoora, which is made with yeast and is triple the size of the regular puri and is usually served alongside spicy chickpeas (chholey). Another variant you will commonly see in the northern parts of India is bedvi; it is stuffed with lentils and is stiffer and saltier than the regular puri.
Can Dogs Eat Puri?
Dogs can have half to a whole puri bread, as the semolina used, common wheat flour, insignificant salt content, and baking soda are all safe for dogs in moderation. However, puri is deep-fried, and fatty foods should not be included regularly in a dog’s diet so they don’t develop pancreatitis.
Semolina is safe for dogs, provided it is not served as dough, which could lead to allergies or bloating. They are derived from durum wheat and are commonly used in lots of dog foods and treats as fillers.
The salt content present in puri is insignificant enough to cause sodium poisoning in dogs. Baking soda is safe for dogs in small quantities, like that present in puri, but in large amounts, it could be toxic.
Further, it is always best to give your dogs low-fat treats and foods that are not fried. Baked or cooked foods are always best for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Pani Puri?
Pani pur, also referred to as golgappa, is made with hollow fried puri and then filled with chickpeas, potatoes, and spiced water, of which a dog can safely have one piece. However, onions are added to some, and while the onion used may not be sufficient to cause toxicity, it is best to exclude onions from pani puri fed to dogs.
May Dog Ate Puri, What Will Happen?
If your dog ate puri, nothing terrible will happen; they will just be fine. There are no dog-harmful ingredients used in puri. However, it isn’t a dog-specific food and lacks the essential animal-based proteins dogs need; hence, it can only suffice as an occasional treat and not a staple in your pooch’s diet.
In cases where the puri is used alongside other foods, you need to screen the ingredients and ensure no dog-harmful ingredients like onions, lots of salt, and lots of spices are used.
Other Types of Bread Dogs Can Eat
Puri is a deep-fried bread, and fried foods are not the best options to offer your dog. So, what are other bread dogs able to have?
- Ezekiel bread: Ezekiel bread is made from sprouted legumes and grains; it is rich in fiber and lots of nutrients, so it should be handed to your pooch sparingly. A slice can supply your dog with lots of minerals and vitamins that would effectively supplement the ones derived from their quality dog food.
- Paratha: Paratha is another Indian bread; it is safe for dogs in moderation, but it provides little to no health benefits. If at all, it is best to offer it to your dog instead of a toxic bread.
- White and brown bread: Dogs can have white and brown bread provided they are plain and free from seeds, garlic, chocolates, raisins, or xylitol.
Ensure to feed your dogs only plain pieces of bread; toppings like jam and butter are not toxic, but they have a high sugar and fat content, respectively.
Final Thoughts
Dogs can have puri or its derivative occasionally as a treat, but you should make sure there are no added harmful ingredients like garlic, onions, or xylitol.
