I’m always looking at various ways that I can supplement my dogs’ diet with something that will have a positive impact on their health. This usually involves a fair amount of research and the other day I was looking at herbs and spices. and their various health benefits.
This got me thinking, can dogs eat herbs & spices, and if so, which herbs are safe for them to consume?
Yes, dogs can eat certain herbs and spices and can benefit from all their healthy properties. It is important to note that not all herbs and spices are good for dogs and that some can even be very toxic.
I therefore recommend that you do research before adding a herb or spice to your dog’s diet
5 Herbs & Spices That Dogs Can Eat
First, let’s start off with herbs and spices that are safe for dogs to eat, and let’s list their benefits as well.
Cinnamon
A personal favorite of mine, and my dogs love it too. Cinnamon is delicious and when mixed into your dog’s food, it can help fight bad breath and it can also help fight chronic diseases such as diabetes.
Coriander
Coriander is another herb that is safe for dogs to eat. In fact, it is very good for your dog’s digestive system as it helps to combat diarrhea, nausea, and intestinal gas.
Ginger
Just like coriander, ginger is very good for your pup’s digestive system because it helps to combat diarrhea and nausea. In addition to this, it helps with pet food absorption.
Peppermint
Another great herb to promote a healthy digestive system in dogs. Peppermint helps with an upset stomach, it combats diarrhea, intestinal gas, and it helps to alleviate irritable bowel syndrome.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a spice with anti-inflammatory properties and it helps to relieve arthritis and it boosts brain function as well.
5 Herbs & Spices That Dogs Should Not Eat
While certain herbs and spices can be safely consumed by dogs, there are certain herbs and spices that you should avoid giving to your furry friend. Let’s have a look at them.
Black Pepper
Black pepper contains piperine which increases the absorption of prescription medicine. So if your pup is taking medicine, avoid black pepper specifically as it can pose a risk of overdose.
Garlic
While garlic can make food taste delicious, it is not safe for dogs to consume in large quantities.
Cocoa Powder
Cocoa powder is toxic to dogs and should be avoided at all costs because it can affect your dog’s nervous system.
Nutmeg
Nutmeg is very bad for your dog’s digestive system, and in certain cases, it can also affect his nervous system.
Salt
Salt is a spice that should be given to your dog sparingly, or not at all. Salt contains sodium and can cause problems with your dog’s health, and it can even cause sodium ion poisoning when consumed in large quantities.
What Is The Difference Between Herbs & Spices?
Herbs and spices are both plants, however, herbs are fresh plants whereas spices are plants that have been dried to be consumed at a later date.
Can Dogs Eat Basil?
Yes, dogs can eat basil in moderation because it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help alleviate anxiety and arthritis in dogs.
Can Dogs Eat Oregano?
Yes, dogs can eat oregano because it helps to boost the immune system in dogs, and it also promotes a healthy digestive system.
Can Dogs Eat Rosemary?
Yes, dogs can eat rosemary in moderation as it is high in iron and calcium, and it also has great antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Can Dogs Eat Parsley?
Yes, dogs can eat parsley because it helps to promote a healthy digestive system in dogs, and it also helps to give your dog fresh breath.
Can Dogs Eat Sage?
Yes, dogs can eat sage in moderation because it is considered to be an astringent, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial as well as an antiseptic.
Can Dogs Eat Thyme?
Yes, dogs can eat thyme because it promotes a healthy digestive system because it creates a more healthy digestive tract, and helps to relieve irritable bowel syndrome.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are various herbs and spices that dogs can safely eat. Some of these even have healthy properties that dogs can benefit from, so it is a great idea to supplement your pup’s food with a healthy herb or spice.
Just note though that not all herbs and spices are good for dogs, some are even very toxic. So, it is a good idea to do your homework on a specific herb or spice before adding it to your dog’s diet.
