If you want to let your dog eat food from the table, or you enjoy cooking for your dog, it is important to know which spices dogs can and can’t eat. It is critical for your dog’s health and safety. This is what you need to know about dogs and spices.
Cooking for yourself is one thing, but you have to be more careful when you cook for your dog. When it comes to spices for dogs, there are some that are too strong, some that are dangerous, and others that won’t affect them at all. Keep reading to learn more about which is which.
For ultimate pet safety, I recommend consulting with your vet about all the questions you have about your dog eating spices.
Dogs and Spices: What You Need To Know
It might be tempting to whip up an extra portion of your dinner and give it to your dog, but is it safe? Can dogs eat spices?
This is a comprehensive list of spices that dogs can and cannot eat, including ones that are safe but you should still be cautious about.
Safe Spices For Dogs
If you have ever wondered, “what spices can dogs eat?” Then this is the list for you. There are so many spices that are either safe, completely toxic, or even just fine for your dog.
First, let’s look at all of the spices that are completely safe for your dog and how to use them.
Can Dogs Eat Cinnamon?
According to the ASPCA, cinnamon is non-toxic for dogs. This is a great spice to add to homemade dog biscuits, especially in the fall.
Be aware that when you bake dog treats, there are lots of ingredients that are often paired with cinnamon that are actually really bad for your dog. Avoid giving your dog nutmeg, chocolate, raisins, or macadamia nuts.
Can Dogs Eat Saffron?
Saffron is generally safe for your dog to eat in small doses. Of course, if your dog ate an entire jar of saffron it might upset their stomach.
Some dogs might not react very well to saffron, so only give your dog a small bit at first.
Can Dogs Eat Turmeric?
Turmeric has been used by humans for it’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. There haven’t been a lot of studies about whether it’s just as good for dogs, but it is known to be safe for dogs to eat.
In fact, some dog foods list turmeric as an ingredient. It is a pretty common additive that enhances flavor and gives the food more natural color.
Spices Bad For Dogs
These are the spices dogs should not eat. Read this list closely and keep these spices away from your dog’s food and don’t let your dog eat human food that has these spices.
Within this list are spices that are poisonous for dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Bay Leaves?
Bay leaves are toxic for dogs. They have eugenol and other toxic essential oils in them.
If your dog eats a bay leaf, they might have some of these symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Depression
- GI Tract Blockages
This leaf has sharp edges that could damage the GI tract.
Dogs don’t have enzymes that can metabolize the eugenol and some essential oils like humans do. If you think your dog ate a bay leaf contact your veterinarian immediately.
Can Dogs Eat Chili Powder?
No, dogs cannot eat chili powder. Dogs are very sensitive to spicy foods, and chili powder could upset their stomach in a very bad way.
Chili powder is not exactly toxic for dogs. If they eat something accidentally that was spiced with chili powder, they might just start sneezing a lot and have an upset stomach. Give them plenty of water and watch for worse symptoms.
Can Dogs Eat Cloves?
Just like bay leaves, cloves also have eugenol, which a dog’s body cannot digest. For this reason, cloves are considered toxic to dogs. It can cause serious liver problems.
There are some sources that claim cloves might not be very dangerous to dogs. But since there is still a chance it could harm them, I suggest avoiding it completely and talking to your veterinarian before introducing it to your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Curry Powder?
Curry is another spice that is too powerful for dogs to digest. Just like chili powder, too much curry could cause diarrhea and other problems like and upset stomach.
If your dog gets into your curry meal, give them plenty of water and watch out for health problems like lethargy and vomiting.
Can Dogs Eat Garlic Salt or Garlic Powder?
Garlic is an ingredient that you should always keep away from your dog in all forms. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, garlic contains thiosulfate which is toxic to dogs.
Fresh garlic, garlic salt, and garlic powder, are all toxic to dogs. Thiosulfate causes oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells. This results in hemolytic anemia.
Rest assured that a sprinkle of garlic powder won’t do much damage. Studies show it would take about 5 cloves of garlic to harm your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg?
Nutmeg is another spice that is toxic to dogs. This is because it contains Myristicin.
Just like with the other spices in this list, it takes a large dose to really cause harm to your dog. At high doses, nutmeg cause cause disorientation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and higher blood pressure.
If they eat one cookie that has a minor amount of nutmeg, just keep an eye on them. Chances are they will be ok. Dogs with really sensitive stomachs might still experience an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Onion Powder?
Onions in all forms – even the powder – contain N-propyl disulfide which causes a breakdown of red blood cells and anemia in dogs. You should keep your dog away from onions and anything containing onion powder.
Can Dogs Eat Paprika?
Paprika isn’t as dangerous to dogs as some of the other spices in this list, but it is still unsafe to just give your dog.
It’s been known to cause skin and eye irritation. It can also upset your dog’s stomach. Keep your dog away from the jar of paprika and avoid giving your dog anything that is made with paprika.
Can Dogs Eat Vanilla?
Vanilla extract and imitation vanilla both contain a high alcohol content that isn’t safe for your dog.
Dogs cannot break down alcohol in their bodies. If they drink too much vanilla extract, it could give them alcohol poisoning.
That being said, if you find an alcohol-free vanilla that uses vegetable glycerin, you can use this safely in homemade dog treats.
Spices Ok For Dogs
These spices are ok for dogs. In this list, you’ll discover the spices you can give to your dogs, but you should still only give them a little bit of it.
Can Dogs Eat Anise?
Anise is the flavor most off associated with licorice. If you have ever seen a cat go crazy about catnip, you’ll know how dogs will react to anise! In fact, the artificial hare used in greyhound racing is doused in anise oil.
Anise is safe for dogs in small doses. If your dog eats too much, it could rile up their stomach or depress their nervous system.
The safest way to use anise for your dog is to sprinkle a tiny bit in a homemade dog treat.
Can Dogs Eat Cayenne Pepper?
Dogs can safely eat cayenne pepper, but they won’t want to touch it. It is really irritating for a dog’s eyes, nose, and skin. Even though it is safe for dogs, keep it away from your dog.
Can Dogs Eat Cumin?
In small amounts, cumin is completely safe for dogs. Be careful with how much you use, however. In large doses, it could upset your dog’s stomach or give them painful gas.
In small amounts, cumin could give older dogs energy or an immune-system boost.
Before you start sprinkling it on your dog’s food, give them a tiny amount and observe how they handle it.
Seasoning For Dog Food
If you want to make your own dog food or add a little flavor to the food you buy your dog, these are the seasonings that are safe for dogs.
What can I season my dog’s food with?
If you want to add a little bit of flavor to homemade dog food, always just add a little bit. You might enjoy spicy food, but a dog can’t handle the same amount you can.
Season dog food with just one type of the following dog-friendly spices per meal.
- Fresh parsley
- Ginger
- Fresh blueberries
- Sage
- Fresh green peppers
Learn more about dogs and fresh herbs.
Dogs and Spices: Final Thoughts
As you can see, dogs don’t really need a lot of extra spices and flavors in their food. Feeding them food recommended by your veterinarian will give them all the nutrition they need.
If you want to make your own dog food, be very careful with how many spices you add. Avoid toxic spices and always watch for any gastrointestinal reactions to new flavors you introduce.
More Dog Food Resources
Here are even more resources about different human foods your dog can and cannot eat.
- Can Dogs Have Salt and Pepper
- Can Dogs Eat Cockles
- Safe and Toxic Nuts for Dogs
- Can Dogs Eat Salmon
- Can Dogs Eat Zucchini
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