In many Indian homes, feeding pets from the dining table is an everyday habit. A piece of roti, a spoon of dal, or a bite of mithai often feels harmless, even affectionate.

But not all foods prepared in Indian kitchens are safe for dogs.

At Pet’s Paradise, a significant number of emergency cases are linked to food ingestion, often involving common household meals rather than unusual substances.

So, the next time you slip your dog an aloo tikki under the table, you might want to give it some more thought beforehand.

Everyday Indian foods that can be harmful

These are foods many pet parents unknowingly share:

Curries, sabzis, and gravies (onion-garlic base)
 • Most Indian cooking starts with onion, garlic, and masala
 • These ingredients can damage a dog’s red blood cells over time
 • Found in dishes like butter chicken, paneer masala, dal tadka

Oily and spicy leftovers
 • Rich gravies, fried foods, and street-style dishes
 • Can trigger vomiting, diarrhoea, or pancreatitis
 • Common culprits: biryani, samosas, pakoras

Mithai and desserts
 • High sugar and fat content
 • Some may contain artificial sweeteners (like xylitol)
 • Includes laddoos, barfi, gulab jamun

Kismis (raisins) in Indian cooking
 • Often added to pulao, sweets, or festive dishes
 • Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs

Cooked bones from non-veg meals
 • Chicken or mutton bones from leftovers
 • Can splinter and cause internal injuries

Signs your dog may have eaten something toxic

Symptoms may vary, but watch for:

 • Vomiting or diarrhoea
 • Tremors or unusual behaviour
 •  Sudden lethargy
 •  Excessive drooling
 •  Refusal to eat
 •  Rapid breathing

Dr Sanghavi highlights that some ingredients, like onions or raisins, may cause delayed symptoms, making early action even more important.

What to do immediately

If your dog has eaten something concerning:

• Contact a veterinarian without delay
 • Recall what food was consumed (ingredients matter more than the dish)
 • Monitor behaviour closely
 • Seek care even if symptoms are not immediate

🩺 Why this matters

Food-related toxicity is one of the most preventable emergencies.

At Pet’s Paradise, many such cases could have been avoided with simple awareness about ingredients commonly used in Indian cooking.

Dr Ami Sanghavi advises pet parents to think beyond the dish and focus on what goes into it, oils, spices, and additives can all impact a dog’s health. She highlights that there are ways to include your dog, such as feeding your dog foods like plain roti, in moderation. There are also many vet-approved treats you can feed your dog if they’re making irresistible puppy-eyes at the dinner table.

In Indian homes, food is closely tied to care and affection. But when it comes to pets, safety matters more than sharing.

A small change in habit can prevent a serious health risk.