10 Pinoy Food That’s Safe for Dogs

Just like us humans, dogs should be able to enjoy beneficial breaks in their routine, such as what they eat! So, if you’re looking to spruce up your dog’s menu at home, here’s a rundown of 10 Pinoy food for dogs that you can safely add or alternate their dog food with!

1. Malunggay

Rich in minerals, nutrients, proteins, and vitamins, malunggay or moringa is widely known as a “miracle food.” But while this vegetable is already popular among humans, research now suggests that this superfood is just as remarkable for dogs! 

Apart from boosting your dog’s energy and immune system, malunggay has also been found to help with the following pet ailments: cancer, obesity, digestive problems, diabetes, arthritis, and seizures. 

How to serve malunggay: Malunggay pods can be served raw or cooked, or you may also choose to grind the leaves into a powder that you can mix with their food.

2. Monggo

Monggo or mung beans are safe for dogs to eat raw or cooked, and are a good source of iron, and vitamins K and C. These sprouts also contain enzymes that help your dog digest carbohydrates, protein, and fat. 

How to serve monggo: You can either whirl mung beans up in a food processor, or boil them for 45-60 minutes and mash them with a fork before serving. However, it’s important to introduce this new addition to their diet slowly to see what they can tolerate, as the high fiber content of monggo can lead to excess gas.

3. Pechay

Raw pechay or bok choy is a leafy vegetable that is not only safe for dogs to eat but actually helps support their vision, heart, digestion, and immune system. However, pechay’s high fiber content can upset your dog’s stomach, so it’s best to minimize your serving or opt to give it only as an occasional treat. 

How to serve pechay: Before introducing pechay to your dog’s diet, make sure to gently rinse the vegetable, and cut them into smaller pieces to avoid choking.

4. Fish balls

Yup, you read that right! This beloved Filipino street food can be a safe snack for dogs to eat, as fish is generally a healthy source of protein. 

How to serve fish balls: It’s best to feed your dog homemade fish balls, to avoid the risk of them consuming unknown harmful ingredients. Additionally, make sure to boil or steam the fish balls instead of frying them. Unlike humans, our dogs don’t have the digestive system to handle the fatty content of fried food. Worse, it can even lead to diseases such as pancreatitis!

5. Lugaw

A popular meal during rainy weather, lugaw or congee is a simple Pinoy soup-based dish that can also be enjoyed by your dogs. 

How to serve lugaw: Simply boil rice in water. For extra nutritional value, you can add small pieces of meat, grated pumpkin or carrots, or vegetables like malunggay!

But remember—too much carbs for your dog may not be too good for them. Your dog’s staple diet should be made up of high-quality dog food, as it has all the nutrients they need to stay strong and healthy. You can get some from PetPal’s online pet store!

6. Sinigang soup

With a 4.63 rating, this Filipino soup topped Taste Atlas’ 2021 list of best soups in the world. And if you’ve ever wondered whether your dog can get a taste of this crowd-favorite soup, the short answer is yes!

How to serve sinigang soup: Like any other kind of soup, sinigang is best served with other food to ensure that your dog is meeting their nutritional needs. It’s also important to remove any bones or fatty chunks of meat before serving.

7. Kamote

Kamote or sweet potato offers dogs a wide range of benefits, including promoting a healthy digestive system and providing essential vitamins like C, A, and B6. It also comes in a sweet flavor your dog will most likely enjoy! 

How to serve kamote: Steam or boil the kamote, and skip the seasoning! Experts suggest starting with between a teaspoon and a tablespoon serving size, depending on the size of your dog.

8. Sayote

One of the more affordable vegetables in the market, sayote is a safe addition to vegetables that you already feed your dog. Rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, sayote can not only boost their immune system but even keep cardiovascular diseases at bay.

How to serve sayote: Boil the sayote before feeding it to your dog. Grate the flesh, and remove the seed to avoid stomach irritation. There’s also no need to add any seasoning or salt, as sayotes already have a natural slightly sweet flavor!

9. Puto

Puto is a Filipino steamed rice cake, made with rice flour, water, and, in some cases, sugar. While puto is generally safe for dogs to eat, there are still a few factors to consider such as their weight and any existing health conditions. 

Being relatively high in carbohydrates, it’s best not to feed puto to dogs that are trying to lose weight or diagnosed with diabetes. For healthy dogs, puto can be safely given in moderation as a treat. 

How to serve puto: Serve plain puto with no toppings or flavors that could potentially harm your dog.

10. Cassava

A relative of yams and potatoes, cassava is a safe addition to your dog’s diet. It’s rich in vitamin B9, which is essential in proper cell growth and function as well as the overall performance of the immune system. 

Despite its health benefits though, dog owners should opt to give cassava as more of a treat than a regular meal, given its high caloric content. 

How to serve cassava: Serving cassava can be tricky because of its cyanide content. It’s important that cassava is prepared properly by washing the vegetable, removing the skin, and cooking by steaming, roasting, or boiling. To be extra safe, you can also soak the cassava for 24 hours before cooking. 

Takeaway

Our pets can greatly benefit from a varied diet. Knowing what Filipino food is safe for dogs can help you ensure they’re enjoying different flavors and having different nutritional needs met.  Rotating their kibble with any of these 10 Pinoy food for dogs is essential for a happier, healthier pup. 

But when it comes to something with an impact on your dog’s health as direct as their diet, it’s important to never introduce new food way too quickly or without proper guidance. Not all dogs will respond to the same food the same way. When in doubt, it’s always best to talk to a vet online before whipping a new dish for your dog to try! 

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to consult with a vet, download the PetPal app from the Play Store or App Store to start using our top-tier, on-demand vet teleconsult services.