What Seasonings Can Dogs Have?
Like humans, dogs enjoy spicing things up occasionally, and they may appreciate trying different flavors and textures in their food.
Key Takeaways
- Many seasonings like turmeric, basil, ginger, and parsley are safe for dogs and may offer health benefits when used in moderation.
- Toxic seasonings such as garlic, onion, nutmeg, and cocoa can cause serious health issues and should always be avoided.
- Signs of toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, elevated heart rate, and changes in urination—seek emergency care if symptoms appear.
- Always consult your vet before introducing new seasonings, especially during holidays when risky ingredients are common in table scraps.
- Dog insurance can help cover emergency treatments if your dog ingests something harmful—use Pawlicy Advisor to find the best coverage for your pet.
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If you’re going to add seasonings to your pup’s bowl, it’s important to know what seasonings are safe for dogs. This article takes a deep dive into dog-friendly seasonings you can incorporate into your best furry friend’s diet. It also covers which seasonings to avoid, and what to do if your dog accidentally eats something they shouldn’t.
✔️ Reviewed by multiple licensed veterinarians
✔️ Updated with the latest medical data
✔️ Compiled from veterinary research
What seasonings are safe for dogs?
There are many seasonings that are perfectly safe for your dog to eat. Some seasonings may even offer natural health benefits for your pup.
However, it’s best to consult your vet before adding seasonings to your dog’s meals or treats, since some human foods are unsafe for your canine friend.
Learn about these dog-safe seasonings and their potential benefits:
- Anise seeds (not star anise) — This seasoning may help with digestive issues (e.g., nausea, gas), and respiratory conditions (e.g., congestion and coughing), and can increase your dog’s energy.
- Chamomile — Chamomile may help ease anxiety, inflammation, muscle tension, and stomach problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or ulcers.
- Basil — This common herb, which is packed with vitamins (A, B, C, and K) and minerals, can potentially help with inflammation, promote a healthy immune system, and calm anxious dogs.
- Dill — Dill may soothe the stomach, relieve gas, help with constipation, freshen breath, reduce inflammation, fight harmful molecules, and boost cancer-fighting enzymes.
- Ginger — This popular seasoning can potentially diminish IBD flare-ups (fresh ginger works best), reduce nausea and vomiting (e.g., motion sickness or chemotherapy-related nausea), reduce inflammation e.g., arthritis), boost blood flow, support brain health, and fight harmful molecules
- Mint — Mint is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, and may help freshen your pet’s breath and aid in digestion.
- Oregano (in small amounts) — Oregano may help decrease inflammation, alleviate breathing and stomach problems, and defend the body against fungus and other germs. The herb also contains vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, which can benefit your dog's body and brain.
- Parsley — Packed with vitamins A, C, and K, parsley has antioxidant and breath-freshening properties.
- Peppermint — This natural breath freshener can also ease stomach issues like nausea, gas, and motion sickness.
- Rosemary — Rosemary is a good source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and may fight germs and help with muscle relaxation. However, it should be avoided in dogs with seizure issues.
- Sage — In addition to containing vitamins and minerals, sage may provide antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory benefits, and may help with stomach issues.
- Thyme — This herb is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, and may help fight fungus, bacteria, muscle spasms, and more.
- Turmeric — Turmeric is know for reducing inflammation, fighting germs, and helping increase bile flow while protecting the stomach and liver.
What seasonings aren’t safe for dogs?
- Allspice — This popular fall seasoning contains eugenols, chemical compounds that can be toxic to dogs in high amounts. Eugenols can potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and in severe cases, liver or kidney damage.
- Bay leaf — Bay leaf also contains eugenols, as well as toxic oils, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Ingesting large amounts can cause an intestinal blockage.
- Cayenne — While this spicy seasoning may not be toxic, it can irritate your dog’s nose, eyes, and throat, and may cause vomiting and diarrhea if swallowed.
- Cocoa or cocoa powder — The main ingredient in chocolate, cocoa powder contains theobromine, which is very toxic to dogs. At toxic doses, cocoa powder can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, an elevated heart rate, seizures, and potentially even death.
- Chives — This member of the Allium family, which also includes onions, garlic, and leeks, can damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Chives can also cause gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and drooling. Japanese breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus are most sensitive.
- Cloves — Cloves also contain eugenols, but a large amount of the powder or oil must be ingested to cause toxicity.
- Curry — Curry is not toxic, but the seasoning can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Garlic — This member of the Allium family contains thiosulfates, which damage red blood cells, leading to anemia. Dried or powdered forms are especially toxic.
- Leeks — Like onions and garlic, this seasoning contains thiosulfates that can damage red blood cells, causing anemia and reducing the oxygen supply to vital organs.
- Nutmeg — Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin, which can cause an upset stomach. In large amounts, it can lead to hallucinations, confusion, a fast heart rate, dehydration, pain, dry mouth, and possibly seizures.
- Onion — Like garlic, onions contain thiosulfates, and the dried or powdered forms are especially toxic to dogs.
- Paprika — This bold spice is not toxic, but it can cause stomach upset.
- Salt — Salt can be found in many products, including table salt, homemade playdough, rock salt, seawater, and paintballs. Ingesting too much can cause vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, tiredness, trouble walking, and excessive thirst and urination. In severe cases, salt ingestion can lead to tremors, seizures, coma, or even death.
- Spanish thyme — Spanish thyme contains diterpenes and other harmful oils. If this herb is ingested, symptoms include loss of appetite, diarrhea (sometimes bloody), excessive drinking and urination, depression, breathing trouble, and vomiting.
Pro tip: Always consult your vet before introducing new foods like fruits or seasonings, especially during the holiday season when there are additional risks from table scraps and seasonal dishes.
For example, seasoned turkey is not safe for dogs because of the seasoning mix, which often includes harmful ingredients like garlic, onion, and excessive salt.
Signs your dog may have ingested a toxic seasoning
Signs your dog may have ingested a toxin and needs veterinary care include:
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Abdominal pain
- Elevated heart rate
- Pale gums
- Panting
- Red-colored urine
- Increased drinking
- Decreased urination
What are the treatment options if your dog ingests a toxic seasoning?
Treatment varies based on the amount and type of seasoning your dog ingested and the severity of their symptoms. Your vet may induce vomiting, perform blood and urine tests, administer IV fluids, and recommend hospitalization if necessary.
If you know or suspect your dog consumed a toxic seasoning, call the Pet Poison Hotline at 855-764-7966 or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435, and seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Unexpected emergencies, like your dog ingesting a toxic seasoning, can lead to expensive vet visits, tests, and treatments. Pet insurance can help cover these costs, giving you peace of mind and ensuring your dog gets the best possible care without financial stress.
Recommended Reading: Is Pet Insurance Worth It In 2024? Here’s A Vet’s Perspective
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DVM, FFCP
Dr. Angela Beal has worked in private practice and taught veterinary technicians for 15 years. Angela is a veterinarian who loves using her writing to help pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. Since 2020, she has worked full-time within the veterinary education writing and editing industry. Angela lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, two sons, and their spoiled Chihuahua mix, Yogi.
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