CAN MY DOG REALLY EAT THAT?

In one of our earlier blogs, Food Safety Guide for Dogs, we offered a list of foods that your pup can enjoy safely, along with a list of foods that can be toxic to your pets. 

In addition, did you know, there are a list of herbs and spices that you can add to your doggie’s food that may help to improve digestion, help with inflammation and provide for antioxidants?

Let’s discuss those, along with ones that you should avoid feeding to Fido. 

HERBS AND SPICES THAT ARE SAFE AND HEALTHY FOR YOUR PUP

The following is a list of herbs and spices that may be of benefit to your dog’s health. Some, may even serve to elevate your dog’s mood and take care of that stinky breath!

Cinnamon

Most likely, your pup will enjoy the taste of cinnamon. Mixing just a teaspoon of ground cinnamon in their dog food can load your pup up with antioxidants and help with inflammation. 

Additionally, cinnamon may also help:

• Fight bad breath

• May be beneficial in protecting against diabetes and sepsis

Parsley

Parsley contains fiber, vitamins and minerals that can help improve your pup’s overall health. Add a teaspoon or so of fresh, or dried for some of these potential benefits:

• Fight bad breath

• Remove toxins

• Better organ function

Rosemary

Rosemary is high in fiber and essential vitamins. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. If your pup can get past the taste/smell, administer, either fresh or dried, with their food to potentially:

• Promote heart health

• Prevent certain diseases

Turmeric

Most of us already know the benefits of adding turmeric to our diets to help with inflammation issues, but did you know your dogs may also benefit from this powerhouse spice?

Curcumin has anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and is full of antioxidants.

The curcumin in turmeric can help to:

• Improve your dog’s immune system 

• Boosts metabolism

• Helps to stave off infection

• Improves healing

We love these Zesty Paws Turmeric Curcumin Bites, that also support hip and joint health. 

As an alternative to the bites, follow this guide on How to Feed Turmeric to Your Dogs. Follow the rule, a little goes a long way when administering turmeric to your dog. Too much may cause digestive issues. 

Ginger

Just how ginger root can calm our bellies, it may do the same for your pup! Administer with your pup’s food either finely ground from the root, ground or dried.

Potential benefits include:

• Helps with nausea

• Great for motion sickness

• Increases circulation 

• Helps with digestion

Basil

Basil is a great mood enhancer for your pup. It’s full of vitamins and minerals that have antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Add fresh or dried to your pup’s food.

Potential benefits of basil include:

• Enhances mood

• Promotes overall health

• May help to prevent certain diseases

HERBS AND SPICES TO AVOID FEEDING TO YOUR PET

As mentioned earlier, not all herbs and spices are good for your pet. Some, can even be toxic. Feeding any of the following to your pet can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting and/or sadly, even death.

• Cocoa powder

• Nutmeg

• Garlic

• Onion, chives, shallots

• Salt

• Paprika

• Pepper

• Mace

• Tea tree oil

• Essential oils

• Yucca

• Hops

If you believe your pup has ingested any of the above, in amounts that can be harmful or even fatal, contact your veterinarian immediately, and/or the Poison Control Helpline!

FINAL THOUGHTS

As with any changes or additions to your dog’s diet, it’s always best to have a conversation with your veterinarian prior. Your pup may have unique health concerns that may make some of the beneficial herbs and spices not well suited for his or her special needs. 

Feel free to reach out to our team at Independence Veterinary Clinic if you have any questions!