Overview
No, dogs should not eat Kunafa. This sweet Middle Eastern dessert is high in both sugar and fat but also contains dairy which can be difficult for a dog to digest and can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
Can dogs eat Kunafa?
Risks
- Kunafa (or Knafeh) is a Middle Eastern pastry dessert soaked in syrup, originating in the Levantine region, and is very popular in most of the Arab countries, especially during Ramadan.
- Made with shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) that is soaked in sugar syrup, Kunafa is layered with cheese, cream, or semolina custard. The ingredients are not toxic to dogs, but the health effects can pile up over time.
- Kanafa’s high sugar content can cause a dog’s blood sugar to spike and potentially lead to diabetes later on. Overconsumption of sugar can cause dental issues and obesity as well.
- Kunafa is typically made with unsalted cheese, which contains lactose. The vast majority of dogs are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting.
- The butter or ghee for browning the kataifi can cause pancreatitis in dogs who have suffered from fat intolerance in the past.
- A few Kunafa recipes may include pistachios, which are not poisonous to dogs but are high in fat and can cause tummy upset or pancreatitis even from a few grams.
