Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Can Dogs Eat Couscous? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Can Dogs Eat Couscous

Couscous has become an increasingly popular grain in people’s diets because it’s delicious, versatile, and healthy. If you make couscous often and have a dog, you might have wondered if this food is safe to give to your pup. After all, rice is safe for dogs to eat (and good for them if they have to be on a bland diet), and couscous is practically the same thing, right?

While couscous differs from rice, it’s perfectly safe for canines to consume. However, there are some caveats to feeding couscous to your dog, such as that it needs to be plain. What else should you know? Keep reading to find out!

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

How Is Couscous Different From Rice?

Couscous may seem like a grain similar to rice, but it’s actually a tiny pasta! Whole-grain couscous is made from barley or durum wheat and comes in three varieties: Lebanese, Moroccan, and Israeli. Despite technically being pasta, this food is considered a healthy alternative for those who aren’t fans of rice and similar grains.

Couscous grain in wooden bow
Image Credit: Yulia Furman, Shutterstock

Why Can Dogs Eat Couscous?

Dogs can safely eat couscous because it’s a whole grain, and whole grains are fine for canines (at least in moderation). This pasta isn’t toxic to pups and can actually offer them some health benefits. Of course, you need to make sure you stick to plain couscous only when it comes to feeding it to your pet. Otherwise, you could run into issues!

Benefits of Feeding Couscous to Dogs

What sort of health benefits does couscous offer your favorite canine? Well, it’s an excellent source of carbohydrates, for starters. Carbohydrates provide energy, and your pup needs energy to accomplish all the running and playing they do.

This food is also high in fiber, which helps dogs feel fuller for longer and is good for digestive health. Plus, couscous is low in fat, so you don’t have to feel guilty about feeding it to your pup. It is rich is selenium, which is a healthy antioxidant. This pasta also contains magnesium, protein, minerals, and vitamins essential to your dog’s well-being.

cream dog eating from the bowl
Image By: Dmytro Zinkevych, Shutterstock

Dangers of Feeding Couscous to Dogs

Don’t give couscous to a dog who is allergic or has a sensitivity to wheat. Because this product is made from wheat, giving it to a pup with a wheat or gluten intolerance probably wouldn’t end well. Too much can also lead to an upset stomach.

Then, there’s the risk you take if you give your pup couscous that isn’t plain. If your dog eats couscous that is ready-made or seasoned in some way, the couscous could contain a spice or other ingredient that is toxic to your pet. (Particularly if the couscous has been flavored with anything from the Allium family, like onion or garlic!) Only feed plain, unseasoned couscous to canines.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Have other questions about couscous and canines? We have answers! Here are a couple more things people are curious about when it comes to feeding couscous to their dogs.

How do I feed couscous to my dog?

We’ve already mentioned that any couscous should be cooked for dogs plain and unseasoned. An ideal way to give it to your pup is to mix it with some boiled chicken breast, pumpkin, or broccoli. Just don’t give them a whole meal’s worth. This should be a treat and giving too much can lead to unhealthy weight gain, since most of your pup’s calories will come from their usual dog food. In general, you should ask your vet before adding anything new into your dog’s diet.

If you need to speak with a vet but can't get to one, head over to PangoVet. It's an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1

Does couscous need to be cooked before my pup eats it?

We recommend cooking couscous as this improves the digestibility of the food, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal upsets. However you can give it uncooked, just keep in mind that when this food is uncooked and comes in contact with water, it expands. That means you must be careful with how much you give your dog. If you give them too much, the uncooked couscous could end up swelling in their stomach and causing discomfort or possibly even blockages.

divider dog paws 4 oct 2024

Conclusion

Couscous is perfectly safe for most dogs, provided you limit how much they eat and only serve it plain and unseasoned. This healthy pasta has some health benefits for your pup (though it also comes with a few risks) and can make a nice treat for your pop. If you want to start giving your dog couscous, we recommend you talk to your vet about how much is suitable for your them.

Sources

Featured Image Credit: Svetlana Monyakova, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Can Dogs Eat Mango? Vet-Approved Safety & Feeding Tips

No matter what you’re eating, your dog likely stares on with envy. Most dogs love to eat what their humans eat, but dogs...

Shorkie Tzu (Yorkie & Shih Tzu Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

Everyone is familiar with Shih Tzus and Yorkshire Terriers. They take the world by storm, being some of the most favored small dogs...

Are Cockapoos Smart? Facts & Breed Intelligence Explained

We all like to think our dogs are the smartest canines in the world. Many pets act submissive or neutral toward people. However,...

10 Best Dog Leashes in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

You’d think picking a dog leash would be straightforward enough; after all, they all do the same thing, right? Yes and no. While...

More related

5 Benefits of Sweet Potatoes for Dogs: Vet-Reviewed Facts & Considerations

Sweet potatoes are superfoods chock full of many health benefits for humans. They’re loaded with vitamins and minerals and are generally considered a...

Is Sweet Potato Good for Dogs With Pancreatitis? (Vet Answer)

If your dog has been diagnosed with pancreatitis, your vet probably told you about the importance of managing their diet. Some vets will...

Freshpet Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Introduction One of the first brands to promote fresh food for pets, Freshpet has been on the market since 2006. Freshpet...

Why Does My Dog Nibble on My Other Dog? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Dogs can engage in behaviors that are normal to them but puzzling to us. Licking, chewing, and nipping are all common behaviors in...

Keep reading

Natural Balance Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Natural Balance is a brand of dog food that was first created in Burbank in California back in 1989 by Dick Van Patten. This company aims to produce high-quality pet foods that meet your dogs’ nutritional requirements and...

Dogster_Natural Balance Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Eat Kale? Vet-Reviewed Facts to Know

Kale is a popular health food in America and around the world, so it’s natural to wonder if dogs can also eat kale and get the same health benefits. The short answer is yes; most dogs can eat kale in...

Can Dogs Eat_Kale

Can Dogs Eat Tamarind? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

Tamarind is a pod-like fruit with a tangy and sweet flavor. It’s native to tropical Africa, though it can grow in some places in the United States (namely Southern Florida). Though it is not as easy to find in most...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Tamarind

Can Dogs Eat Avocado? Vet-Reviewed Health Concerns

Avocados are one of the most popular foods in modern America. Avocados have appeared everywhere, from being eaten raw for breakfast to appearing on toast, being added to hamburgers, and continuing to be a feature of guacamole. Many people love...

Can Dogs Eat Avocado

5 Safe Chews for Dogs: How to Choose the Right Dog Chews (Vet Approved)

No one would argue that dogs love to chew! It seems to be one of their favorite daily activities. Since it’s something that they do so frequently, you may think that they have an iron stomach and can chew up...

Golden Retriever holding a chew

Freeze-Dried Dog Food: 8 Vet-Verified Pros & Cons

Freeze-dried raw dog foods are becoming a popular option because of their high palatability and ability to provide a raw diet rich in vital nutrients. These diets also take the guesswork out of feeding a raw diet, ensuring your dog’s...

Freeze Dried Cat or Dog Food

10 Foods With Potassium for Dogs: Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

If your dog has hypokalemia or a low concentration of potassium in their bloodstream, your veterinarian may have recommended that you supplement your pet’s regular meals with high-potassium treats. Potassium is vital to the function of the muscles, nerves, and...

cute beagle puppy eating at a living room

Can Dogs Eat Clam Chowder? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

If you have prepared a hearty bowl of clam chowder, you will undoubtedly notice your dog’s nostrils flaring and tail wagging at the irresistible smell. And while it’s cold out, you may wonder if it’s okay for your companion to...

Can Dogs Eat_Clam Chowder