Overview
No, Mhallabiyeh is not appropriate for dogs. This Middle Eastern milk pudding is high in sugar and dairy, both of which can upset a dog’s stomach and contribute to long-term metabolic and digestive issues.
Can dogs eat Mhallabiyeh?
Risks
- Mhallabiyeh is a Middle Eastern milk pudding dessert popular in Lebanon, Egypt, Syria, Turkey, and the broader Levant region, especially during Ramadan.
- Mhallabiyeh is made from milk, sugar, and cornstarch, and usually comes flavored with rose water, orange blossom water, or cardamom. It is then topped with crushed pistachios or shredded coconut. Mhallabiyeh is not recommended for dogs due to its dairy content, added sugar, and choice of nuts.
- Most dogs are lactose intolerant and cannot easily digest milk. Even a small amount may cause diarrhea, gas, or stomach cramps in sensitive dogs.
- The sugar in the milk pudding will add extra calories to your dog’s diet, increasing the risk of obesity and tooth decay and over time, diabetes. One serving can have up to 15 grams of sugar, well above what any dog can handle in added sugars.
- Cornstarch or corn flour is not toxic, but it does add refined carbohydrates that are of no nutritional benefit to dogs but can cause blood sugar spikes.
