Can Dogs Eat Falafels? When it is or isn’t an Emergency

Falafels are one of many human foods that dogs shouldn’t be allowed to eat. They can be toxic to dogs due to the ingredients used.

A typical falafel may use ingredients like onion and garlic, both of which are toxic to dogs and will cause serious issues with the dog’s red blood cells. Falafels may also contain other ingredients and seasonings that aren’t toxic but can trigger a gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large amounts. Examples include ground cumin and cayenne pepper.

The amount of “unsafe” ingredients used in one falafel is unlikely to be fatal to dogs but it can trigger other unpleasant side effects. A falafel incident doesn’t necessarily mean you need to take your dog to the vet. If it was a small amount then you may want to watch over your dog carefully for the next several days. The dog may end up fine or may only suffer a mild stomach upset.

A large consumption of falafels, however, is a different matter. In such cases, we would recommend calling the vet for advice and whether a check-up is necessary.