While dogs don’t require five-star meals, dog owners should cater to their pets’ unique tastes. Adding some flavor to your dog food can make it tasty, and healthier. You can achieve this by including some spices in your dog’s food. However, some spices are harmful to dogs, so you should know the right ones to use and the ones to avoid.
It is imperative to consult a veterinarian before adding any spices to your dog’s food. Additionally, it is also important to follow instructions when using manufactured spices in your dog’s food. Some of these manufactured items might have hidden ingredients that may be harmful to your pet. This article explores the five safe and five dangerous spices for your dog.
Safe Spices for Dogs
There are several safe spices for dogs out there. Here are the top five safe spices you can consider for your dog.
Basil
Basil is a herb consisting of antioxidants with antiviral and antimicrobial properties. The herb produces spices for dogs that can play a role in elevating the pup’s mood, providing a remedy for anxiety and stress as well as helping reduce the impacts of arthritis. Serve the spices in small quantities of about a teaspoon sprinkled over dog food. The spices offer several medicinal properties and minerals that are good for dogs. However, if a dog consumes excessive amounts of basil spices, it can experience gastrointestinal upset, which leads to diarrhea and vomiting. You should closely check if your dog does not react to these spices.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another natural herb that produces spices and supplements with properties designed to address anxiety. The spices made from this plant come with several benefits including the following:
- Calming of sedation issues
- Muscle relaxant
- Treatment of inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach ulcers
Ensure your dog does not ingest large quantities of spices made from chamomile for an extended period. Avoid giving this spice to dogs with known allergies, puppies, and pregnant ones.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another plant that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is used to produce spices and treats for dogs that come with an antioxidant boost. Another good aspect of cinnamon products is that they help improve bad breath. If your dog is experiencing this problem, you can add cinnamon spices to its food. The spices have natural ingredients, and they have no known side effects.
Ginger
Ginger root contains antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This flavorful agent can be used to produce different products including spices that can soothe nausea, improve circulation, and boost your dog’s digestive system. Ground ginger is strong, and it is a perfect product for a dog with an upset tummy.
Parsley
Parsley is another health agent that contains vitamins, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. The dog spice made from this plant helps improve bad breath, flush toxins from the body, and improve overall organ function. This plant grows easily in different parts of the US, and it can be used in the production of a variety of breath-freshening dog treats. The products made from Parsley contain natural ingredients, and they’re good for your dog’s health.
Five Dangerous Spices for Dogs
The following five spices are toxic for dogs, and some may even surprise you because they’re a delicacy for humans.
Onion
Onion powder is not good for your dog since it can easily upset its tummy and cause diarrhea and vomiting. The main issue is that onion contains disulfides and sulfoxides, which can harm the dog’s red blood cells. Your pup is likely to suffer from anemia due to the consumption of toxic onion products.
Garlic
Although some people believe that fresh garlic can scare away fleas on their dogs, it is dangerous for consumption. Processed or powdered garlic is dangerous for dogs because it contains a toxic substance known as thiosulfate. Your pup can develop Heinz body hemolytic anemia after consuming garlic powder because it contains thiosulfates that cause oxidative damage to your pet’s red blood cells. Once the cells have been affected, they can malfunction or die. However, garlic is found in some dog treats.
Curry
While curry is one of the best spices that add flavor to human food, it can cause gastrointestinal upset in your dog. You should keep it away from your pet’s food because it can cause diarrhea or vomiting. When you buy dog food, you should carefully check the ingredients to ensure they are safe for your pup.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is commonly used in baking, but some pet owners may be tempted to add it to their dogs’ food. However, cocoa is dangerous to dogs because, like chocolate, it contains harmful compounds like caffeine, which are dangerous to your pet’s nervous system. Cocoa powder can contribute to heart and kidney problems in your dog. Therefore, it should always be avoided to safeguard your pup’s health.
Nutmeg
Although it is a delicacy for humans, nutmeg is a dangerous spice for dogs since it can upset the stomach and cause agitation of the nervous system. After eating nutmeg, your dog may become overexcited, but it will eventually become drained and exhausted. Nutmeg is highly dangerous for dogs because it can lead to death.
Some toxins are safe for your dog, while others can be harmful. You need to consult your veterinarian first because some toxic substances can still be okay if consumed in moderate quantities. If you suspect that your dog has been impacted by some of these toxic ingredients, it is important to visit a vet clinic immediately.