Carbonara

What is carbonara?

Carbonara is a traditional pasta sauce from the Lazio region of Italy. It was probably invented after the Second World War, when American soldiers brought back eggs and bacon and asked a cook to make something with them. The original ingredients for carbonara are

• Bacon: it is best to use pancetta or guanciale, which are air-dried types of bacon from the belly or cheek of the pig.
• Cheese: Pecorino and Parmesan are typically used, which are Italian hard cheeses made from sheep's or cow's milk. They can be mixed in a ratio of 1:1 or 3:2, depending on taste.
• Eggs: For the sauce, you only need the egg yolk, which sets at a higher temperature than the egg white. However, you can also use one whole egg per person to make the sauce smoother.
• Pepper: The only spice you need for carbonara is freshly ground black pepper.

The preparation is simple: fry the bacon in a pan, cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, whisk the eggs with the cheese and pepper in a bowl and mix everything together in the pan over a low heat. This creates a creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

What are the benefits of carbonara for dogs?

Carbonara can have some benefits for dogs if fed in moderation. For example:

• Protein: the sauce contains lots of high quality protein from the bacon, cheese and eggs. Protein is important for muscle building, cell regeneration and the immune system of dogs.
• Calcium: The cheese provides a lot of calcium, which is essential for the bone and dental health of dogs.
• Fat: The bacon and egg yolk contain a lot of fat, which serves as a source of energy for dogs and is also important for skin and coat care.

What are the disadvantages of carbonara for dogs?

Carbonara can also have some disadvantages for dogs if fed too often or too much. For example:

• Salt: the bacon and cheese are often very salty, which can be harmful to dogs. Too much salt can lead to thirst, vomiting, diarrhea or even poisoning.
• Lactose: Cheese contains lactose, which is a milk sugar that many dogs cannot digest well. Lactose can lead to flatulence, abdominal pain or diarrhea.
• Cholesterol: The egg yolk contains a lot of cholesterol, which can lead to cardiovascular problems in dogs. Too much cholesterol can lead to arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure or a heart attack.

What should you look out for when preparing carbonara for dogs?

If you want to treat your dog to some carbonara from time to time, there are a few things to bear in mind:

• Amount: you should only feed a small portion, about one tablespoon per 10 kg of body weight. The sauce should not make up more than 10% of the daily calorie intake.
• Quality: You should only use high-quality ingredients that contain as little salt, preservatives or additives as possible. It is best to buy organic products or make the bacon and cheese yourself.
• Hygiene: You should make sure that the eggs are fresh and do not contain salmonella. You should also not leave the sauce to stand for too long, but feed it immediately or keep it in the fridge.