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Times Life
Times Life
Lifestyle
Aishwarya Kapoor

Roti, Dal, and Dogs: What Indian Home-Cooked Meals Provide and the Nutrients They Miss

What dal and roti actually contribute

Dal, whether toor, moong, or masoor, delivers plant protein, B vitamins, and soluble fibre. For a dog eating a plain, unsalted version, that protein does count toward daily requirements. A medium-sized dog needs roughly 18 to 25 grams of protein per 100 grams of dry food matter, per AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) guidelines. Dal protein is digestible, though its amino acid profile is incomplete compared to animal-source protein. Roti made from atta contributes carbohydrates and some iron, but dogs have no dietary requirement for carbohydrates the way humans do. Their digestive systems can process starch, but carbs are not doing essential metabolic work the way protein and fat are. Rice, often mixed in, is the most digestible component of the typical Indian home meal for dogs, it is bland, low in fibre, and easy on the gut, which is why vets routinely recommend plain rice and boiled chicken during digestive upset.

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