Nothing beats a little seasoning to liven up your dinners. On occasion, even dogs like a little more flavour. Even if you can’t give your dog any food that contains garlic, salt, or onion powder, it doesn’t mean it has to taste bland.
In addition to having a flavour that is irresistible to dogs, many herbs and spices that are suitable for them to consume also have positive effects on their health. This will allow you to add flavour to your dog’s food without putting him in danger, but you must remember that dog probiotics are an absolute must if you want to keep your dog healthy.
#01- Rosemary
You may be shocked to learn that rosemary has a surprising number of nutrients, even if you are likely already aware that it imparts a woodsy flavour to dishes. Marjoram has anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy properties when taken moderately. Rosemary possesses antimicrobial qualities. The fact that it is a natural preservative means that it is occasionally included in dog food.
#02- Parsley
Although parsley’s most well-known use is as a breath freshener, that’s not all it can do for your health. Dogs suffering from arthritis may find relief from parsley’s anti-inflammatory effects, and research suggests it may even block the formation of cancer cells.
#03- Dill
Digestive health is supported by dill, which can also alleviate gas, bloating, and indigestion. Like parsley, dill can cure poor breath in addition to odorous gas.
#04- Cinnamon
Dogs adore the flavour and health benefits of cinnamon, so it’s a great choice to add to dog biscuits. Particularly for elderly dogs, cinnamon’s anti-inflammatory characteristics help alleviate joint stiffness and pain. Another benefit of cinnamon is its ability to lower blood pressure and improve circulation.
#05- Ginger
Canines with sensitive stomachs may find relief from nausea and vomiting by using ginger, a great digestive aid. Additionally, ginger has the potential to kill heartworm larvae in freshly affected canines, according to one encouraging study.
#06- Turmeric
The primary ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antibacterial capabilities.
#07- Basil
There are a lot of advantages to giving dogs basil. It helps the blood coagulate and is high in vitamins A and K, both of which are important for healthy eyes and skin. Basil is a great supplement for diabetic or hypoglycemic dogs since it helps control blood sugar levels.
Spices That Can Harm Dogs
#01- Chilli powder
One example is chilli powder, which is a spice blend that includes ground chilli peppers and other potentially harmful substances like garlic powder. Your dog’s health is at risk when exposed to certain spices, such as cayenne, ground chilli pepper, or black pepper. Spicy foods include the chemical capsaicin, which gives your pet a burning sensation and may cause both short-term difficulties like gas and indigestion and long-term health issues like digestive disorders.
#02- Garlic
Onions, scallions, garlic, and all seasonings in the Allium family are extremely poisonous to dogs and can cause serious health problems. Your dog may get hemolytic anaemia if he or she eats garlic because it damages his or her red blood cells through oxidative stress. Garlic powder, onion powder, and anything else containing these substances should not be given to your pet.
#03- Nutmeg
Derived from the nutmeg tree’s (Myristica fragrans) seed, nutmeg is a delicious and nutty spice. However, dogs can’t handle it in high quantities due to the hallucinogenic chemical myristicin it contains. You should keep cocoa powder in the pantry or spice rack, far from your pet, even if it isn’t a spice. Theobromine, a component in chocolate, is poisonous to dogs and, if given enough time to accumulate, can wreak havoc on their digestive systems and general well-being. Chocolate toxicity manifests itself in a variety of ways, including irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, increased urination, gastrointestinal problems, and seizures.
Conclusion
Herbs and spices, when used properly (with knowledge about which ones are acceptable for dogs), can enhance a dog’s food with flavour and health benefits. Dogs will go wild for treats that have a dash of fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on them. Just stay away from garlic, salt, chocolate, and nutmeg, as they are all considered to be hazardous herbs and spices. Before using herbs and spices in your pet’s food, it’s wise to see your veterinarian to find out which ones are safe.
