What spices can dogs eat that are healthy for dogs?

We, humans, use the various aromatic herbs and spices we know, inserting them daily into our dishes, with one double function: that of being flavour amplifiers for the foods we eat and at the same time have beneficial properties for our organism.

Well, the same is also true with dogs: their bodies benefit and strengthen with the intake of spices, therefore, it is good to consider them healthy and include them in Fido’s diet.

In particular, they can help our four-legged friends improve their endurance and muscle health (by making their bones stronger), boost immunity, and lead to better brain performance.

In this article, we find out the 12 herbs and spices that can dogs eat.

12 herbs and spices can dogs eat

Herbs and spices are important not only because they bring out the flavour of the food, but they also provide precious nutrients essential for the well-being of dogs. You can use Fresh and newly elected, but also dust or already dry (more readily available), but better quality organic or buy, because the common market may contain pesticides and herbicides, obviously harmful.

Holistic veterinarians consider these products that we will talk about to be safe for healthy dogs, who do not have particular health problems, but it is always good to be careful to introduce them slowly into Fido’s diet, to control their reaction and any side effects.

Specifically, these substances may not be as suitable for pregnant, nursing, and developing puppies.

So here is the list of 12 safe herbs and spices that are good for dogs, to enrich their meals with important nutrients and make their bowls more flavorful (always administered in moderation and without exaggeration).

1. Garlic

It is a common opinion that garlic is one of the harmful foods for dogs, but this is not really the case. There is a tendency to confuse garlic with onion, because both contain a high level of thiosulfate, an element that is really harmful to the dog, except that it is present in large quantities in onion, while in garlic it is almost difficult to trace it. The important thing is not to exceed the doses: a clove of garlic every 10 kg of weight is adequate to provide a dog in good health.

Many holistic vets even use it as a natural antibiotic, but not only, garlic can also:

• regulate blood pressure;
• strengthen the immune system;
• protect from allergies
• regulate blood sugar levels
• fight diabetes
• helps in treating liver, heart and kidney problems
• fight fleas and other parasites

2. Basil

This very common and easy to plant is rich in vitamins and minerals, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, contains a high level of beta-caryophyllene, a substance that helps reduce pain and discomfort caused by arthritis, making it especially suitable for piano. And then cleansing and reducing the levels of anxiety and stress in our faithful friend. In short, let’s remember to add a basil leaf to the bowl of Fido every now and then, it will do you good!

3. Rosemary

Here is another herb that is available and with great beneficial properties: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antiallergic! It contains vitamin B6, calcium, iron, fibre and helps improve cerebral blood flow, which is also useful for older dogs.

4. parsley

Parsley (fresh and dried) helps fight dental and eating problems (when simply chewed) and improves organ function, eliminating harmful toxins and calming an upset stomach once ingested.

5. Ginger 

It can be taken in pieces or in powder, inserted into other foods, but in any case, it provides important benefits. First of all, it improves the process of absorption of minerals and vitamins and helps to relieve the sensation of nausea and stomach pain, promoting digestion.

Regular consumption, helps in the prevention of diseases, improving the functioning of the circulatory system. It has antibacterial properties and is used by many veterinarians to treat cancer and other deadly diseases.

It is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food and promotes blood circulation, reducing the risk of heart disease: therefore, it is not recommended for dogs suffering from anaemia and other blood diseases.

6. Turmeric

Like ginger, turmeric spice can also be used in pieces or as a powder, it is rich in fibre, vitamins and minerals and is an excellent remedy for digestive problems. Many holistic veterinarians use it to prevent osteoarthritis, anaemia, heart attacks in the most predisposed dogs, but it really has many therapeutic uses, both in humans and in our four-legged friends. Here are your main properties :

• anti-inflammatory
• antibacterial (accelerates the wound healing process, among other things)
• antioxidants
• accelerates the antimicrobial wound healing process
• it is a protector of the liver
• lowers blood sugar levels
• is a digestive immunostimulating agent, mild antitumor
• accelerates metabolism and prevents obesity

Spices Quantity that can dogs eat

The recommended dose for the dog is low. , about 1/4 teaspoon for every 5 kg of body weight, as it can cause gastrointestinal irritation. It is contraindicated in cases of pregnancy, diabetes and stones.

Also Read: How to cool a dog down in summer?

7. cinnamon

Cinnamon is a great natural anti-inflammatory, also ideal in this case for dogs with arthritis. It is rich in calcium, iron, and manganese and has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It is also useful in case of cough or respiratory problems, stimulates circulation, regulates blood sugar level and can also be used externally to disinfect insect bites if combined with a little honey. Excessive amounts can be harmful to the liver: it can be introduced into baby’s food in small doses once or twice a week or used to prepare homemade cookies or sweets because in cookies form dogs can easily eat this spice.

8. Flax seeds

Flax seeds are an excellent source of fibre, antioxidants, omega 3 and B vitamins: they are perfect for keeping dogs’ circulatory and gastrointestinal systems healthy and promoting the appearance of their coat of hair.

They improve the immune system and promote the expulsion of harmful toxins from the body. They are best served in powdered form to aid digestion, or even grinding can replace the oils that are usually part of Fido’s diet.

9. Catnip

Catnip and Flax seeds are very beneficial spices that can Dogs eat, which is not unique to felines despite its name. This aromatic herb is rich in magnesium, manganese, flavonoids, tannins, vitamin C, vitamin E, and essential oils. It has a calming effect in many animals and is therefore useful for the treatment of nervousness and insomnia, but also in cases of colds, bronchitis, flu, flatulence and diarrhoea as an analgesic and antispasmodic. For the administration, to Fido, we recommend putting some fresh leaves in the bowl of water or a few teaspoons of dry herb (1/8 to half teaspoon for every 500 grams of food) on wet food or on the croquettes that you usually eat.

10. Oregano

Oregano helps to maintain a healthy coat and skin, it is rich in fibre and omega 3, it is antioxidant and antiseptic. So much so that its oil can be applied to scratches and wounds to counteract bacteria. It is also a great supplement to alleviate arthritis problems in older dogs.

11. Sage

Another plant widely used in our daily life is sage, known since ancient times for its many therapeutic properties, a source of antioxidants and vitamins. On the other hand, the etymology of its name says it all: salvia derives from the Latin “salvus” which means “healthy”. It has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial powers, as well as digestive and expectorant properties.

Also Read: How to train an American bulldog

12. Aloe vera

Aloe vera is also rich in vitamins and minerals and is considered one of the best plant spices can dogs eat. Contains amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents. Either consumed in its entirety or through a juice, aloe improves the defences of the immune system and helps fight some diseases. The gel found within the plant can also be used to heal wounds on the skin and speed up the healing process.