Are spices foods that dogs can eat?

Of all the foods that dogs can eat, spices are a very special case. The fact that they are of natural origin does not necessarily mean that all of them are beneficial to their health. Since there is no general rule for cataloguing them, it is essential that you learn which spices dogs can and cannot eat.

Spices: natural dog food

The diet (human and dog) is not only composed of food but also of seasonings. These complements, on the one hand, serve to season the taste of the food; on the other hand, their inclusion in the diet implies an extra contribution of nutrients, whose intake in appropriate amounts is beneficial to health in the short, medium and long term.

Unlike what happens to us, the palate of dogs is not usually so demanding, so we will rarely have to season their food to facilitate intake. However, their nutritional needs are a reality, and it is highly recommended to add these supplements to their food in moderate doses.

By introducing spices in the food that dogs can eat, we will be giving them the opportunity to improve their muscle and bone health, their immune capabilities and their brain performance, among many other benefits.

However, just as there are foods that dogs cannot eat, there are also toxic spices that under no circumstances should we give to our furry friends. In addition, of the spices that dogs can eat, there are some that should be given in moderation.

Which ones can dogs eat?

• Basil. Basil contains essential vitamins, nutrients and minerals. Its intake has an anti-inflammatory effect and helps the dog's body fight bacterial infections.
• Oregano. Oregano has mainly an antifungal function (prevents the proliferation of fungal colonies), as well as helping with digestive problems and preventing diarrhea and flatulence.
• Ginger. The intake of ginger helps the dog to absorb nutrients from the food it eats. It contributes to keep its teeth in good condition, and also has anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
• Parsley. Parsley is rich in fiber, so it has a marked antioxidant effect. It will not only help the dog in its digestive processes, but will also contribute to prevent the development of cancer.
• Rosemary. It is rich in fiber, iron, calcium and vitamin B6, and also has an antioxidant function. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties, and promotes blood flow to the brain.
• Peppermint. In very controlled doses, peppermint is good for relieving dizziness and nausea. It is beneficial for the digestive system.
• Cinnamon. Cinnamon is a natural anti-inflammatory, recommended (in very controlled doses) for dogs suffering from arthritis. It also contains calcium, manganese and iron, helps soothe coughs, stimulates circulation, relieves respiratory problems and prevents infections.
• Turmeric. Perhaps turmeric is the best condiment your best friend can eat. It is rich in fiber, mineral salts and vitamins. Its metabolic support functions make it especially recommended for overweight dogs.

At baluka we have compiled the best of spices (vitamins, minerals and amino acids) to develop our vitamin supplement for dogs rich in turmeric, whose risk of excess intake is moderate. Even so, we recommend controlling the doses to avoid possible problems in your dog's liver.

What can't dogs eat?

• Onion, garlic, chives. The ingestion of these seasonings, no matter how light the dose, can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Your dog will quickly vomit and suffer from diarrhea, and it can be the prelude to anemia. Garlic, in particular, is the least bad of the three in moderate doses, but you will have to be extremely cautious if you decide to give garlic to your dog.
• Salt. Although salt is not harmful to dogs in very controlled doses, it is true that if your dog eats too salty food, he could suffer kidney problems and sodium ion poisoning.
• Pepper. This spice causes gastrointestinal alterations that will manifest themselves in diarrhea and vomiting, besides causing irritations in the dog's skin.
• Curry. The problem with curry is the mixture of substances that compose it. Some of them, such as the pepper itself, are not at all recommendable for dogs.
• Cocoa, nutmeg, mace. Keep these spices far away from your dog, ingestion can cause death. You will see signs such as tremors, convulsions, diarrhea and vomiting, as well as deep drowsiness. This is due to its impact on the central nervous system.

Fortunately, there are many foods that dogs can eat, and the inclusion of certain seasonings will have a very beneficial effect on their health. Always keep in mind which spices you should avoid, and you will give your dog a healthy and balanced diet, which will help him to have more health and, therefore, a better quality of life.

If you want to give your dog a complete supply of vitamins, we recommend our balukaVIT, with turmeric extract, the most powerful natural anti-inflammatory that you can give your pet.