What Spices Can Dogs Eat?
Most of us cannot live without spice in our food. These additives give food life and also have some health benefits. The problem comes when we want to share our food with pets, as some spices can be toxic to them.
Dogs appear to be the most affected when it comes to spices, calling for care when preparing or sharing our food with them.
What Spices Can Dogs Eat?
As we know, dogs cannot eat garlic, and onion, two common spices in our kitchens. But there are plenty that they can eat for their health. Let us look at the dog-friendly spices and herbs you can use to prepare your food.
1. Coriander
Starting our list of dog-friendly food additives is coriander, also known as cilantro. It is a green herb you can put in dog food for its many health benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins A, C, and K, which your dog needs to fight several ailments. Other nutrients are proteins, carbs, fiber, and minerals such as potassium and zinc.
Coriander is a great remedy for nausea in dogs. Also, it works wonders in the digestive system, acting as an anti-diarrheal and will ease intestinal gas. Moreover, this herb is anti-parasitic and can help improve milk flow in lactating dogs.
Do not give coriander to pregnant dogs because it may trigger contractions.
2. Basil
Do not hesitate to share food cooked with basil with your furry friend. This spice is a good source of vitamin A, which is essential for your dog’s eyesight. It also provides vitamin K, a requirement for blood clotting. Additionally, basil is rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, and iron.
Basil has antibacterial properties needed to keep off infections. Its antioxidants prevent free cellular radicals that can cause cancer. Additionally, basil prevents diabetes, is an analgesic and fights inflammation. This herb will relieve pain in dogs with arthritis.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is safe for dogs. It comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree. Its calcium content aids in the development of bones and teeth. Other minerals are potassium and magnesium, which are crucial in physiological processes.
Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties, suitable for dogs with allergies and arthritis. Moreover, it regulates blood sugar, keeping diabetes at bay. The antioxidants in this aromatic spice will fight cancer and heart diseases.
4. Ginger
Did you know that ginger is good for dogs? An occasional serving of this root spice will provide your canine with calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are crucial in bodily processes. Ginger is also rich in vitamins B3, B6, and C, that help in boosting your dog’s immunity.
Ginger has antioxidants that cancel out oxidative stress in the cells brought by free radicals. If not countered, oxidative stress can lead to cancer and aging-related complications.
Does your pup have nausea? Look no further than ginger. Crush a small rhizome and feed your pet. Optionally, you may mix the crushed ginger with water and let your dog drink it.
Moreover, ginger will relieve bloating.
5. Anise
Dogs love anise, hence the label ‘catnip for dogs’, though it is not related to catnip. Anise is an aromatic herb used in various recipes. Dogs get excited when they catch a whiff of its aroma, explaining its extensive use in dog training.
Other than that, anise has plenty of perks for your canine. It is a remedy to respiratory issues, like congestion and coughs. You can sprinkle a tablespoon of this spice on bone broth for dogs to alleviate colds and nausea.
For a long time, anise has also been the go-to solution for dogs with seizures and gas.
6. Turmeric
Turmeric is popular for its anti-inflammatory effects. Adding it to your dog’s food will relieve the pain and inflammation from arthritis.
It also optimizes metabolism and hastens weight loss, making it an ideal food additive for obese canines.
Turmeric can prevent cancer courtesy of its antioxidants that fight free radicals. Furthermore, this spice is good for gut health and enhances brain function.
Always limit the serving of turmeric to dogs, as it acts as a blood thinner in large quantities.
7. Oregano
Satisfy your pup’s nutritional needs by regularly serving it the nutrient-rich oregano. This spice will provide your dog with proteins, though in small amounts, to complement other dietary sources.
The fiber in oregano ensures your dog has a healthy gut. Fiber aids in food motility and encourages the growth of probiotics. Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K will help keep off diseases, as they are immune boosters.
Oregano is one of the spices with a high concentration of minerals. Your canine will gain iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and copper from this spice. Other minerals are selenium and sodium, which have a significant role in several bodily processes.
The terpenes in oregano, such as thymol, carvacrol, limonene, and ocimene, are antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents.
8. Parsley
Picture a diuretic, an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory agent packed in one herb; that is parsley for you. This spice is safe for your pooch, offering vitamins A and C, folic acid, and antioxidants.
Parsley prevents urinary tract infections and gallstones in dogs. While it is a healthy spice, please do not give it to pregnant dogs, dogs prone to calcium oxalate stones, and those with kidney issues.
9. Mint
A fresh leaf of mint or two a day is safe for your pup. Vitamin A in mint is vital for your pet’s immunity and skin health, while vitamin C helps in tissue repair and collagen formation. Minerals in mint are calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron.
The spice has antioxidants that prevent cell oxidation, which can lead to cancer. The rosmarinic acid in the leaves can alleviate seasonal allergies in your canine.
Nonetheless, limit your dog’s consumption of mint leaves, as too much of it can bring tummy issues. Also, do not feed the English pennyroyal mint to your pups due to its toxicity.
10. Dill
The final entry is dill, a popular herb in Eurasian cuisine. It is a great dog food additive, courtesy of its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antibacterial elements. Dill boosts digestion in dogs, lowers blood sugar, and is a remedy for diarrhea.
Experts advise against giving dill to pregnant dogs due to the risk of miscarriage.
What Spices Should Dogs Not Eat?
We can see that dogs can tolerate various spices. Let us now shift our focus to the spices you should avoid.
- Onions – Your furry friend should not eat onions due to their disulfide and sulfoxide content. These compounds damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
- Garlic – Many dog owners use garlic to ward off fleas and other parasites. It is however toxic, especially if dehydrated or in powder form. A small serving of fresh garlic won’t hurt your pet.
- Nutmeg – Its toxicity in dogs comes from the myristicin content, which can upset the stomach and affect the nervous system, leading to seizures.
- Salt – While it may seem harmless, salt should not feature in your pet’s diet, as it is a dehydrating agent. Too much can cause diarrhea, body weakness, nausea, and vomiting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rosemary Good for Dogs?
Rosemary contains anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants necessary for your dog’s well-being. The anti-inflammatory agents offer relief to canines with allergies or arthritis. The antioxidants fight free-roaming cellular radicals to prevent cancer and heart diseases.
Do not give rosemary to dogs with seizures, as it may worsen the situation.
My Dog Ate a Garlic Clove; What Should I Do?
While garlic is toxic to dogs, a single clove will not hurt it. Nonetheless, several factors come to play, such as the state of the clove and the size of your dog. Dehydrated and powdered garlic appears to be more potent due to its concentration. A small dog may have it rough after eating garlic than a larger dog.
Watch out for signs of garlic poisoning, such as pale gums, bloody urine, jaundice, and lethargy. Reach out to your vet for help if the situation worsens.
Can Dogs Eat Black Pepper?
A little serving of black pepper is okay for dogs. Excessive consumption of this spice can upset your pup’s tummy. The good news is that dogs often avoid black pepper due to its pungency.
Final Words
Not all spices are harmful to dogs. This article introduces us to some canine-friendly spices and herbs, which have plenty of perks for your furry friend.
Play safe by limiting the serving of these spices. Also, do not give pregnant or sick dogs spicy food before talking to your vet about the spice’s safety.