Most pet owners are cautious about what to give their dogs. As far as feeding them is concerned, vet-approved meals or the usual kibble foods may seem like the safe bet. However, others may consider a natural way to enhance their dog’s diet. This may include various types of meat, such as chicken, beef, or turkey.
However, one concern is that some meats may contain herbs and spices. This raises the following question: Are there any safe spices for dogs? While spices may seem like a no-go for dogs on paper, there may be some that are safe to consume (albeit in small amounts). Knowing this, you can take a cautious and measured approach to what you can feed your dog.
Why Add Herbs & Spices to Your Dog’s Diet?
What are the safe herbs and spices for dogs that are worth adding? For one, spices themselves are flavor boosters for your dog's food. Second, most of them have been known to provide health benefits for humans. However, are there any of those benefits for your canine companion's health?
Once again, these safe spices can be given to your dog in small amounts (and perhaps sparingly). Yes, they can still get excellent benefits, such as digestion and joint support, reduced inflammation, and better overall wellness. If you think about it, not all spices are safe, which means you need to be cautious about what to choose for your dog moving forward.
What Are the Best Safe Herbs and Spices for Dogs?
Below is a list of eight of the best safe spices for dogs. We will explain why these are great for dogs, along with some of the benefits they come with. Plus, we’ll provide you with details on how to serve it. Here’s a look at the following:
Ginger
Ginger is great for soothing an upset stomach. If your dog typically has digestive sensitivities, it may be a great addition to their diet, especially when it can reduce nausea, support digestion, and give them a boost in antioxidants. If your dog typically experiences motion sickness or mild digestive discomfort, ginger is the best option. You can grate it and mix it into bland foods, such as Under the Weather’s bland food diet lineup, or add small amounts of ground and dried ginger into homemade treats you can give to them before car rides.
At least ⅛ teaspoon or a pinch can be good for small dogs. If your dog is a larger breed, you can up it to about ¼ teaspoon. Of course, when introducing something new to your pet’s diet, always monitor your dog for any possible adverse reactions.
Turmeric
Turmeric is considered one of the more popular spices in terms of health benefits. One of them is the major antioxidant boost it can give to dogs. Not to mention, it happens to be one of the best safe spices for dogs who deal with joint discomfort and inflammation. That’s because it can provide them with excellent relief from pain and stiffness. It may also help improve their immune system.
Sprinkle it on top of your dog’s meals or mix it into soft foods (whichever you prefer). As for how much to give them, consider ⅛ teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Begin with a very small amount and gradually increase over time. Remember that too much can be a bad thing, and stomach upset is the one indicator that you have given too much.
Ceylon Cinnamon
There has been advice floating around about never giving dogs cinnamon. However, there is a kind of cinnamon that is safe for dogs: Ceylon. This spice is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also be the perfect flavor booster for your dog’s treats and the bland foods they eat.
Ceylon cinnamon should be given in very small amounts. Specifically, you should not exceed ¼ teaspoon per meal. Be sure to read the labels so you know it’s Ceylon cinnamon. Cassia, the toxic kind of cinnamon for dogs, is known to contain higher amounts of coumarin, which can endanger your dog’s liver.
Parsley
Parsley is a breath freshener for your dog. Not only that, it contains a good blend of vitamins A, C, and K. You’ll find these in treats that are designed for a dog’s dental health. With finely chopped parsley, you can sprinkle it over meals or mix it into frozen doggie treats. Here is where things get tricky; you’ll want to choose the right parsley for your dog.
Spring parsley is something you want to avoid giving to your dog due to potential toxicity. Instead, it needs to be flat-leaf or curly parsley. A small pinch per 10 pounds of body weight is a reasonable amount for your dog.
Basil
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties and the ability to keep a dog calm, basil is perhaps an excellent, safe spice to include in your dog’s meals or treats. Or, they can eat it as is. It’s great for when dogs are usually anxious or overstimulated. Aside from feeding it to them as is, you can mix it with cooked rice or veggies. A pinch a day for small dogs is ideal, but up to a teaspoon is good for larger breeds.
Thyme
Known for its antimicrobial properties and antifungal compounds, thyme has been included in most natural pet products over the years, making it one of the more dog-friendly herbs. Aside from those beneficial compounds, it can also be great for immunity and respiratory support. Dried thyme sprinkled over meals or steamed in warm water may be the best option for your dog. The amount should be just less than a ¼ teaspoon. If your dog has had a history of seizures, this spice won’t be a good one to serve them.
Rosemary
High in antioxidants and often found in natural preservative blends, rosemary is excellent for digestive support and brain health for dogs, especially when they are in their senior years. It can be perfectly blended into protein-rich meals or homemade dog biscuits. However, it needs to be served in very small amounts. One last thing, avoid using rosemary essential oil, as concentrated oils are unsafe for pets.
Fennel
The last safe spice on the list is fennel. What makes this the best option for dogs? It can freshen breath and support digestion, especially in dogs that may deal with gas or bloating regularly. The seeds can be crushed in cooked meals or added to water in small amounts. Typically, a pinch of seeds can be a good amount for medium dogs.
What Spices Should Be Avoided for Dogs?
With the list of safe spices out of the way, let’s revisit the list of what you should avoid giving to your dog. These spices can either be toxic or irritating to dogs, even if given in small amounts.
- Cocoa Powder
- Paprika
- Salt (in high amounts)
- Bay Leaf
- Mustard Seed
- Onion
- Garlic
- Nutmeg
- Black pepper (if in large amounts)
Just because the spice is “natural” doesn’t mean it’s usually safe for dogs. It would be better suited for you to contact your veterinarian for any questions or concerns you might have regarding which spices to give to your dog and what to avoid. In addition, you may want to monitor issues such as gastrointestinal issues, which are common when a dog ingests spices that are considered "hot" to the taste.
How to Introduce Spices to Your Dog Safely
If you are considering adding safe spices to your dog’s food, it is important to start small. Here are some other tips that you can follow:
- Start with a tiny amount. Monitor for any changes in behavior or digestion.
- Use whole or ground herbs and spices. Avoid essential oils as they are toxic oils.
- Stick to one new spice at a time. Don’t mix it with others. This will allow you to determine which spice may have a good reaction or a bad one.
- Consult your vet before introducing spices, especially if your dog has a health condition, takes medication, or has sensitivities to food changes.
Remember that the purpose of introducing spices is to provide them with a small amount of health and wellness support. So long as the ingredients are safe and gentle, it should be fine.
Final Thoughts
The spices we’ve listed above should be the only safe ones you should give to your dog. Of course, it may be a good idea to be vigilant of what to give them by reading the labels (such as with cinnamon or parsley) so you know you are giving them the right type. Also, be mindful of the amount you are giving them, as we have instructed above. For more wellness support and dog nutrition products, be sure to check out what Under the Weather has for them today.
