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 Falafel? Vet Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Can Dogs Eat_falafel

Falafel is a typically vegan-friendly Middle Eastern dish made of chickpeas or fava beans, spices, herbs, garlic, and onions and that is often served up with pita bread, tahini sauce, and with a side of salad. Now, falafel is an absolute delight for us humans as many of us can attest, but it’s also something dogs shouldn’t eat under any circumstances.

There are several reasons dogs shouldn’t eat falafel, not least the inclusion of ingredients that could make them sick. Read on to find out more about why feeding falafel to your dog is a bad idea.

dogster face divider

Why Is Falafel Bad for Dogs?

Though chickpeas—the main ingredient of falafel—are not harmful to dogs as long as they’re fed in moderation, falafel as a whole contains a host of ingredients that are toxic to dogs, including garlic and onions.

Garlic and onions fall into the Allium foods category along with chives, leeks, and shallots—all of which are poisonous for both dogs and cats. It doesn’t matter whether these foods have been cooked or are fed raw—they can still make your dog seriously sick. Foods from the Allium family contain N-propyl disulfide1, a compound that harms the red blood cells and can result in anemia. Dogs also run the risk of gastroenteritis if they consume onions and/or garlic.

If a dog experiences poisoning as a result of ingesting onion or garlic, they may show signs like pale gums, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, loss of coordination, fast breathing, an increased heart rate, and their urine may take on an unusual color. The presence of garlic and onions in falafel is reason enough to keep dogs away from this delicacy.

In addition to harmful ingredients like onions and garlic, falafel commonly contains spices like cayenne pepper. Though cayenne pepper is not toxic to dogs, it might cause an upset stomach and a burning feeling if swallowed. If cayenne pepper touches your dog’s skin, eyes, or nose, these areas may become irritated.

falafel balls on wooden table
Image By: Dmitrii Ivanov, Shutterstock

My Dog Ate Falafel, What Should I Do?

If your dog has only managed to snaffle a little bit of falafel, this may not affect them at all due to the low amount of garlic and onion consumed. A small amount of falafel may cause nothing more serious than a minor stomach upset that passes quickly.

Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to give your vet a heads-up so they can advise whether or not your dog should get a check-up. Keep an eye on your dog and if they start to appear unwell, seek veterinary treatment immediately.

However, dogs that eat a large amount of falafel are much more in danger of suffering ill effects. If your dog has eaten more than just a little bit of falafel—even if they seem fine—contact your vet immediately so they can assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.

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

dogster face divider

Final Thoughts

Though there are many great things about falafel, we’re afraid your dog is going to have to sit out any family dinners at which it will feature. This is because some ingredients used to make falafel are toxic to dogs, especially in large amounts.

If your dog has a thing for chickpeas, it is best to feed them cooked, plain, in small amounts, and free of added seasonings. Stay away from canned chickpeas, too, as canned foods are often highly processed, so stick to fresh chickpeas only.

Related reads:

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

187 Popular & Unique Papillon Names for Your Parisian Pup

Papillons are sweet, adorable pups; if you’ve just gotten one, you’ll need to find a name that truly fits your new pet. Naming...

What Breed Is Bullseye the Dog from Target? Famous Pup Facts

Target stores have one of the most adorable mascots around. The Target mascot is a white Bull Terrier named Bullseye. This pup has...

Dogs and Cats: How Lava & Hela Treat the Kitties

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela. For those of...

10 Best Dog Insurance Companies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Dog insurance can save you thousands of dollars should your dog get sick or injured. Despite the many benefits, only about half of...

More related

7 Bull Terrier Health Issues to Look Out For (Vet Answer)

Bull Terriers are medium-sized, muscular, strong, and fast dogs. They are considered a tough, brave, bold, and lively breed. As cute as they...

Dog Eye Allergies: Vet-Reviewed Signs, Causes, & Treatments

If you’ve ever noticed your pup’s eyes looking a bit red, or even swollen you probably wondered why that was. Chances are, your...

Are Canna Lilies Poisonous to Dogs? Vet-Verified Facts & Safety

Dogs and plants don’t always mix. In fact, many plants are totally toxic and even deadly to your pets. If you are a...

Can Dogs Get STDs? Important Health Facts (Vet Answer)

Can dogs get sexually transmitted diseases as humans do? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. There are a fair few canine-specific diseases that dogs...

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Sourdough Bread? Vet-Approved Facts & Risks

Sourdough bread is a popular type of bread that many people enjoy. During the pandemic, many people picked up the hobby of breadmaking while they were quarantining at home. If you’re one of those people, then you probably have a...

Can Dogs Eat_sourdough bread

Why Do Dogs Eat Cat Poop? 5 Common Vet-Reviewed Reasons

It isn’t odd for dogs to eat cat poop, though the behavior may be quite disgusting in our minds. There are many reasons for this behavior. Most of them are harmless — it’s just something that dogs do. However, there...

Austrian black and tan hound dog eating the grass

7 Golden Rules for Feeding Your Dog: Expert Tips

As a dog owner, you know the key to your pup’s good health is proper nutrition. Navigating the different types of dog food out there can be confusing. You want to make sure they are getting what they need, but...

Dog Feeding Schedule

5 Dog Trail Mix Recipes You Can Make Today

Going on outdoor adventures with your dog is an excellent way to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle while having fun and creating memories together. Engaging in outdoor activities expends a lot of energy, so it’s important to pack nutritious...

Dog Trail Mix Recipes You Can Make Today

American Journey Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Recalls

Review Summary Introduction American Journey dog food has quickly become a favorite of dog parents everywhere. However, if you’re searching for it in your local pet store or even online, you are not likely to find it. This brand of...

Dogster_American Journey Dog Food Review

Can Dogs Drink Wine? Vet-Verified Risks & FAQ

If you enjoy relaxing with a glass of wine in the evenings, you might feel inclined to give your dog some. Their adorable begging as you sip the wine could make you question whether a small sip could do them...

Can Dogs Drink Wine

Can Dogs Eat Roast Beef? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Dogs need meat as a regular part of their balanced diet. Meat provides a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals for dogs which is necessary for the healthy development of brain functions, good digestion, and proper functioning of the...

Can Dogs Eat_Roast Beef

Can Dogs Eat Apple Pie? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

We can share a lot of our food items with our dogs, permitting we know the safety and nutritional quality. After all, our dogs are omnivorous just like us. However, when it comes to sweet treats and heavily processed goods,...

Dogster-Can-Dogs-Eat-Apple Pie