What Spices Can Dogs Have? The Spices You Should Never Ever Feed your Dog
You love cooking for your dog and adding human ingredients to your dog’s food. Spices are an important part of cooking for humans so you’re probably wondering how to best incorporate spices into your dog’s meals. In this post, we will discuss which spices you can and cannot include. How much spice should you include? Of course lots of recipes that include our favorite dog-friendly spices.
Can dogs eat Ginger?
You’re probably wondering if ginger is good for dogs. Ginger is highly effective for dogs who suffer from digestive problems, mainly when they consume food that is hard to digest. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory agent that can reduce nausea, vomiting, and bloating. Feeding your dog ginger treats or adding ginger to their regular meals can help to relieve symptoms of gastritis, indigestion, and intestinal parasites.
Ginger contains various antioxidants that can help support your dog's immune system and fight off infections and diseases. The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger root can support protecting your dog against harmful bacteria. Ginger can boost your dog's immunity by adding it to their meals or as an ingredient in their treats.
In addition to improving digestion and boosting immunity, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Ginger contains compounds called gingerols that reduce inflammation in dogs affected by arthritis, allergies, or other inflammatory diseases. The compounds in ginger work by blocking the formation of chemicals involved in inflammation, thereby reducing pain and swelling.
It is important to know that too much ginger can be harmful and must be fed in moderation.
Adding Ginger to Your Dog Food
There are risks associated with feeding too much ginger to dogs. Here are some tips on how to add ginger to their diet safely:
- Start small- begin by adding a few pieces of freshly grated ginger root into their meals each day until they have adjusted; this will also give you time to monitor any side effects.
- Use fresh ginger root- fresh ginger is more potent than dried so it’s best to use freshly grated ginger root whenever possible; if using dried, start with smaller amounts as it is less potent than fresh.
- Supplement with treats- you can also make homemade treats using ginger root as an ingredient; this way you can control the amount of ginger being consumed by your pup. For a great recipe that your dog will love, check out our homemade gingerbread cookies.
Ginger & Our Essential Nutrient Mix
If you’re a home cooking dog parent looking to add some spice and nutrients to your dog’s meals then our Dog Child Essential Nutrient Mix is perfect. When cooking for your dog it is difficult to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need and that’s why we developed our Nutrient Mix. Our Essential Nutrient Mix empowers dog parents to cook complete and balanced fresh homemade meals for their dogs at home. Dog Child’s Essential Nutrient Mix includes lots of spices such as ginger and turmeric. Get your paws on a bag of it!
For more information on ginger for your pup, check out our blog dedicated to Ginger.
Is Turmeric Good for Dogs?
Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection. However, chronic inflammation can lead to various diseases in both humans and dogs. This is where turmeric comes in. Curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation in the body. This is particularly beneficial for dogs with arthritis, as it can ease joint pain and improve mobility.
Dogs, like humans, need a strong immune system to fight infections and diseases. Curcumin, found in turmeric, has been shown to enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells responsible for fighting infections. Adding turmeric to your dog's diet can help boost their immunity and keep them healthy.
Digestive problems are common in dogs, especially as they age. Turmeric can aid digestion by increasing bile production, which is responsible for breaking down fats in the body. It also has antibacterial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria in the gut. This makes turmeric a great natural remedy for dogs with digestive issues.
How Should I Give My Dog Turmeric? Adding Turmeric To Your Dog's Diet
Adding turmeric to your dog's diet is easy and can be done in various ways. You can mix turmeric powder with your dog's food or make homemade turmeric treats. However, it is important to note that turmeric can stain surfaces, so be careful when handling it. It is also recommended to start with small amounts and gradually increase the dosage to avoid any digestive issues.
The best way to add a dose of turmeric to your dog's diet is by making them "golden paste." This paste consists of turmeric powder in small quantities. You can give your pup 1/2 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight twice a day. This can be added to dog food. If you'd prefer not to make the golden paste yourself, you can also purchase pre-made treats or turmeric supplements or all of Dog Child’s products include turmeric. Be sure to read labels carefully since some products contain other ingredients that may not be suitable for your pup's health condition(s).
Golden Paste for Dog’s Recipe
- 1 Cup of Water
- 1/2 Cup of Organic Turmeric Powder
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 5 tablespoons of coconut oil or olive oil
Mix together the water with the turmeric on low heat until it forms a paste. Add in the black pepper and coconut oil and mix together.
Want to know more about turmeric for your dog? Check out our blog, Can Dogs Have Turmeric.
Is Cinnamon Safe for Dogs: Health Benefits and Precautions
Cinnamon is a spice that has several health benefits for your dog. It can help reduce inflammation in your dog's muscles and joints, making it useful for senior dogs or dogs with arthritis. Cinnamon can help manage the blood sugar levels of diabetic dogs effectively, and it also has antimicrobial properties, which can help fight off harmful bacteria.
It's crucial to remember that too much cinnamon can be harmful. Too much cinnamon can cause your dog's blood sugar levels to drop too low, leading to hypoglycemia. Additionally, cinnamon contains coumarin, which can cause liver damage in large doses. Please ensure that the cinnamon you're using has low coumarin levels and is not sourced from Cassia.
You can find cinnamon in different forms, including ground and cinnamon sticks. There are various ways you can incorporate cinnamon into your dog's diet. Add a pinch of ground cinnamon to your dog's food or sprinkle some powdered cinnamon onto their treats. It would be best if you did not feed your dog more than one teaspoon of ground cinnamon per day.
Can Dogs Eat Nutmeg? Never!!
Nutmeg is a spice commonly used in baking and cooking recipes. While nutmeg is safe for humans in moderation, it can be toxic to dogs when consumed excessively. Myristicin, a compound found in nutmeg, can cause hallucinations, disorientation, and seizures in dogs. Dogs may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after eating nutmeg-containing products. Thus, it is best to avoid feeding dogs with these products.
Several herbs and spices, including turmeric, ginger, and parsley, provide flavour and nutrition to a dog’s meals without toxic effects. Up your cooking game by including these herbs in their home-prepared dog meals. For some great herbs to add to your dog's diet, read our blog on Herbs for Dogs.
In conclusion, some spices, such as ginger and turmeric, can benefit dogs greatly, but other spices, such as cinnamon and nutmeg, can be dangerous. Feed your dog with specially formulated dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients. By caring for your dog's health and well-being, you can have peace of mind and enjoy a happy and healthy life with your pup.
