Can Dogs Eat Mac and Cheese?

No, mac and cheese isn’t a good food for dogs. Pasta and a little cheese aren’t poison on their own. But the dish is rich in fat, salt, and dairy, and some versions have onion or garlic, which can damage a dog’s blood cells. A tiny lick is unlikely to cause trouble. Don’t offer it as a treat.

Why is mac and cheese a poor choice for dogs?

Several things in the bowl can cause problems, and they add up.

• Dairy. The ASPCA says pets don’t have much lactase, the enzyme that breaks down the sugar in milk. Dairy can upset a dog’s stomach.
• Fat. The AKC says cheese is high in fat. Too much can cause weight gain and pancreatitis, a painful and sometimes deadly swelling of the pancreas. Butter and cream in the sauce add more fat.
• Salt. The ASPCA says too much salt can make dogs very thirsty and make them pee more. In larger amounts it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.
• Onion and garlic. These are the biggest worry, and they’re covered next.

Does mac and cheese have onion or garlic?

It can. Some recipes, sauces, and packaged mixes include onion or garlic, sometimes as dried powder. Read the ingredient list. Restaurant and homemade versions are harder to check.

The Merck Veterinary Manual says raw, cooked, dried, and powdered onion and garlic can all poison dogs. They damage red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Signs include tiredness, not wanting to eat, fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, weakness, and collapse. Merck says these signs usually don’t show up until a few days after your dog ate it.

What are the signs of a stomach problem?

After a rich meal like this, watch for:

• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat
• Tiredness or weakness

Call your vet if these last or get worse, especially if your dog ate a large amount or ate food with onion or garlic.

What should I do if my dog ate mac and cheese?

1. Check how much. A lick or a noodle is different from a full bowl.
2. Look at the label or recipe for onion, garlic, chives, or their powders.
3. Call your vet if it was a large amount, or if onion or garlic was in it. Have the box or recipe ready.
4. Watch your dog for a few days. Because onion and garlic harm can show up late, keep checking.

Other kinds of mac and cheese

Is boxed mac and cheese okay for dogs?

No. It’s the same dish, and the sauce powder or mix may have onion or garlic. Check the ingredients if your dog got into it. If the label lists onion or garlic in any form, call your vet.

Is homemade mac and cheese okay for dogs?

It’s still not a good treat. You know what went in, so you can tell your vet if your dog eats some. But butter, milk, cream, and salt are still in there. A plain, small portion without onion or garlic is less risky than a mix. It is still not good for your dog.

Can dogs eat macaroni noodles on their own?

Plain cooked pasta isn’t toxic. The AKC lists cooked pasta as part of a carbohydrate meal given at home to a dog with low blood sugar, and it advises no seasonings, salt, sugar, oil, or butter when sharing people food. Pasta has little nutrition for dogs beyond energy, so keep it rare. The sources I read don’t give a safe amount.

The AKC says wheat is one of the foods dogs are most often allergic to, though most dogs are fine with it. If your dog seems to react after eating pasta, skip it and ask your vet.

Can dogs eat the cheese from mac and cheese?

A small piece of plain cheese is usually okay. The AKC says a small cube or a few shreds is enough for a reward, and suggests mozzarella, cottage cheese, or soft goat cheese. Cheese sauce is different, because it often has butter, salt, and other additions. Read more in our guide to whether dogs can eat cheese.

What can I give my dog instead?

If your dog wants to share dinner, try a few of these. Serve them plain.

• A small piece of plain low-fat cheese
• A bit of plain cooked pasta with nothing added
• A dog treat made for dogs

Keep treats to about 10% of your dog’s daily food. For foods that are never okay, see our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.