Desi Ghee, Roti, or Milk? The TRUTH About Indian Pet Diets Will Shock You!
Nikita Kanyal | Feb 28, 2025, 23:46 IST
Are you slowly poisoning your dog without even realizing it? Indian pet parents often feed their furry friends roti, milk, desi ghee, and dal, believing it's healthy but the truth is shocking. These common Indian foods can cause obesity, digestive issues, diabetes, and even life-threatening conditions in dogs. From hidden dangers in dairy to the real impact of carbs and spices, this article uncovers the shocking truth about Indian pet diets and what you should be feeding instead!
Indian pet parents, let’s be honest we love feeding our dogs like they’re part of the family. Whether it’s a piping hot roti with ghee, a bowl of milk, or leftover dal-chawal, our dogs often eat what we eat. Sounds normal, right?
WRONG!
What if I told you that some of the most common foods Indian pet parents feed their dogs are actually harming them? That’s right—desi ghee, roti, and milk might be secretly wrecking your dog’s health without you even realizing it! Let’s bust some myths, expose the dangers, and reveal the TRUTH about Indian pet diets so your furry friend can live a long, healthy, and happy life!
1. Roti – The ‘Desi Dog Food’ That’s NOT Dog-Friendly!
For generations, Indian households have believed that feeding roti to dogs is totally fine. It’s filling, homemade, and always available. But guess what? Your dog’s stomach was NOT designed to digest wheat properly!
Why Roti is BAD for Dogs:
Gluten Sensitivity – Dogs lack the digestive enzymes to break down gluten properly, leading to bloating, gas, and stomach issues.
Nutritional Deficiency – Roti is mainly carbs and lacks essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals dogs need.
Weight Gain & Diabetes – Excess carbs turn into fat and increase the risk of diabetes, especially in older dogs.
Better Alternative?
Instead of roti, feed your dog boiled chicken, fish, or veggies. These are protein-rich and way healthier!
If you grew up in an Indian household, you’ve probably heard, "Beta, ghee is good for health!" But does the same apply to your pet? Not really. While ghee in small amounts can be okay, most pet parents overdo it, which leads to serious health problems.
Why Too Much Ghee is BAD for Dogs:
High in Fat – Excess fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and deadly condition.
Weight Gain – Obese dogs suffer from joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.
Diarrhea & Vomiting – Too much fat can cause digestive distress in dogs.
Better Alternative?
Use ghee in tiny amounts (a few drops) or switch to healthy fats like fish oil, coconut oil, or eggs.
3. Milk – The Biggest Myth in Indian Pet Diets!
One of the biggest misconceptions in India is that dogs love milk and that it’s “good for their bones.” FALSE! In reality, most adult dogs are lactose intolerant!
Why Milk is BAD for Dogs:
Digestive Problems – Many dogs lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, causing diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Skin Allergies – Dairy can trigger itching, ear infections, and rashes in sensitive dogs.
No Real Nutritional Benefit – Unlike humans, dogs don’t need calcium from milk. They get it from meat, bones, and balanced dog food.
Better Alternative?
Instead of milk, give your dog fresh water, bone broth, or lactose-free dog-safe milk.
4. Rice & Dal – Healthy or Harmful?
Rice and dal seem like a nutritious, home-cooked meal for dogs, right? Well, it’s a bit complicated.
Why Rice & Dal Are NOT Enough:
Too Many Carbs, Not Enough Protein – Dogs need high protein diets (chicken, fish, eggs) and rice/dal alone won’t provide that.
Lack of Essential Nutrients – Dal has plant-based protein, which is harder for dogs to digest compared to animal protein.
Gas & Bloating – Certain dals (like chana dal) can cause excessive gas in dogs.
Better Alternative?
If you want to feed rice, mix it with boiled chicken, fish, or eggs for a balanced diet.
Use moong dal (easiest to digest) in small amounts instead of heavy dals.
Indian food is famous for its spices, oils, and masalas but your dog’s stomach cannot handle them! Even if your dog begs for a bite of biryani or butter chicken, don’t give in!
Why Spices & Masalas are DANGEROUS:
Can Cause Ulcers & Stomach Irritation – Spices like chili, turmeric, and garam masala are too strong for dogs.
Toxic Ingredients – Onions & garlic (commonly used in Indian food) are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells.
Leads to Vomiting & Diarrhea – Spicy food can wreck your dog’s digestive system and cause severe dehydration.
Better Alternative?
Keep your dog’s food simple, mild, and natural. No salt, no oil, and absolutely no masala!
So, What’s the Right Diet for an Indian Dog?
Now that we’ve busted the myths, here’s what your pet should eat for a long, healthy life:
Protein-rich diet – Chicken, fish, eggs, and organ meats like liver.
Healthy fats – Fish oil, coconut oil, or egg yolk.
Veggies & fruits – Carrots, pumpkin, cucumber, apples (no seeds).
Limited carbs – Small amounts of plain rice or boiled potatoes.
Plenty of fresh water – Always keep them hydrated!
Many Indian pet parents unknowingly feed their dogs harmful foods out of love. But now that you know the truth, you can make better choices and give your furry friend the healthy life they deserve! So, are you ready to ditch the roti and ghee and switch to a balanced, nutritious diet? Your dog will thank you with a longer, healthier life!
WRONG!
What if I told you that some of the most common foods Indian pet parents feed their dogs are actually harming them? That’s right—desi ghee, roti, and milk might be secretly wrecking your dog’s health without you even realizing it! Let’s bust some myths, expose the dangers, and reveal the TRUTH about Indian pet diets so your furry friend can live a long, healthy, and happy life!
1. Roti – The ‘Desi Dog Food’ That’s NOT Dog-Friendly!
Desi Dog Food
( Image credit : Pexels )
For generations, Indian households have believed that feeding roti to dogs is totally fine. It’s filling, homemade, and always available. But guess what? Your dog’s stomach was NOT designed to digest wheat properly!
Why Roti is BAD for Dogs:
Gluten Sensitivity – Dogs lack the digestive enzymes to break down gluten properly, leading to bloating, gas, and stomach issues.
Nutritional Deficiency – Roti is mainly carbs and lacks essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals dogs need.
Weight Gain & Diabetes – Excess carbs turn into fat and increase the risk of diabetes, especially in older dogs.
Better Alternative?
Instead of roti, feed your dog boiled chicken, fish, or veggies. These are protein-rich and way healthier!
2. Desi Ghee – Superfood or Silent Killer?
Why Too Much Ghee is BAD for Dogs:
High in Fat – Excess fat can lead to pancreatitis, a painful and deadly condition.
Weight Gain – Obese dogs suffer from joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease.
Diarrhea & Vomiting – Too much fat can cause digestive distress in dogs.
Better Alternative?
Use ghee in tiny amounts (a few drops) or switch to healthy fats like fish oil, coconut oil, or eggs.
3. Milk – The Biggest Myth in Indian Pet Diets!
Milk
( Image credit : Pexels )
One of the biggest misconceptions in India is that dogs love milk and that it’s “good for their bones.” FALSE! In reality, most adult dogs are lactose intolerant!
Why Milk is BAD for Dogs:
Digestive Problems – Many dogs lack the enzyme needed to digest lactose, causing diarrhea, gas, and bloating.
Skin Allergies – Dairy can trigger itching, ear infections, and rashes in sensitive dogs.
No Real Nutritional Benefit – Unlike humans, dogs don’t need calcium from milk. They get it from meat, bones, and balanced dog food.
Better Alternative?
Instead of milk, give your dog fresh water, bone broth, or lactose-free dog-safe milk.
4. Rice & Dal – Healthy or Harmful?
Rice & Dal
( Image credit : Pexels )
Rice and dal seem like a nutritious, home-cooked meal for dogs, right? Well, it’s a bit complicated.
Why Rice & Dal Are NOT Enough:
Too Many Carbs, Not Enough Protein – Dogs need high protein diets (chicken, fish, eggs) and rice/dal alone won’t provide that.
Lack of Essential Nutrients – Dal has plant-based protein, which is harder for dogs to digest compared to animal protein.
Gas & Bloating – Certain dals (like chana dal) can cause excessive gas in dogs.
Better Alternative?
If you want to feed rice, mix it with boiled chicken, fish, or eggs for a balanced diet.
Use moong dal (easiest to digest) in small amounts instead of heavy dals.
5. Spicy & Masala Foods – A BIG NO!
Indian food is famous for its spices, oils, and masalas but your dog’s stomach cannot handle them! Even if your dog begs for a bite of biryani or butter chicken, don’t give in!
Why Spices & Masalas are DANGEROUS:
Can Cause Ulcers & Stomach Irritation – Spices like chili, turmeric, and garam masala are too strong for dogs.
Toxic Ingredients – Onions & garlic (commonly used in Indian food) are toxic to dogs and can damage red blood cells.
Leads to Vomiting & Diarrhea – Spicy food can wreck your dog’s digestive system and cause severe dehydration.
Better Alternative?
Keep your dog’s food simple, mild, and natural. No salt, no oil, and absolutely no masala!
So, What’s the Right Diet for an Indian Dog?
Protein-rich diet – Chicken, fish, eggs, and organ meats like liver.
Healthy fats – Fish oil, coconut oil, or egg yolk.
Veggies & fruits – Carrots, pumpkin, cucumber, apples (no seeds).
Limited carbs – Small amounts of plain rice or boiled potatoes.
Plenty of fresh water – Always keep them hydrated!