Do not give these 13 spices & seasonings to your dog. They are toxic!
You should be aware of “hidden ingredients” when deciding whether it is safe to give food to your dog.
Many popular seasonings and spices can be toxic or dangerous for dogs. If you don’t know which foods your dog can eat, it’s easy to feed your dog something they shouldn’t. There are many safe seasonings that you can give your dog. Even the most toxic ones are safe to eat in small amounts.
13 Toxic Spices for Dogs
These are the worst spices for your pet. Your vet should be contacted if your dog has consumed any of these spices, especially a large quantity. They will be able to provide you with further instructions.
Spice
What is the Toxic Level?
Toxicity Symptoms
Toxic Compound(s).
Allspice
You can either eat whole berries or large quantities of powdered allspice.
Although unlikely to cause toxic effects when added to baked goods, it is still not recommended.
– Vomiting
– Loss in motor function
Eugenol
Bay Leaf
Large quantities of whole bay leaves or powdered bay leaves.
Although unlikely to cause toxic effects when used in cooked foods, it is still not recommended.
– Vomiting
– Loss in motor function
Eugenol
Chives
A dog should not eat more than 0.5% of their body weight. If your dog weighs 10lbs, toxicosis could be a problem if they eat more than one ounce of chives.
– Increased heart rate
– Anemia
– Lethargy
Respiratory distress
Disulfides and Thiosulphates
Cloves
You can use whole cloves or large quantities of powdered cloves.
Although unlikely to cause toxic effects when added to baked goods, it is still not recommended.
– Vomiting
– Loss in motor function
Eugenol
Cocoa Powder
For every pound of bodyweight, 0.5g (or about 2 tsp), of cocoa powder should be consumed. If your dog weighs 10 pounds, toxicology can occur if you give it more than 1/3 cup of cocoa powder.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
Extreme thirst
Extreme Urination
Respiratory distress
– Increased heart rate
– Agitation
Theobromine
Garlic Powder & Garlic Salt
15g of garlic per kilogram body weight If your dog weighs 10 lbs or 4.5 kg, toxicity can be a concern after eating approximately 4 cups of garlic.
Although unlikely to cause harm when used in cooked dishes, it is still not recommended.
– Increased heart rate
– Anemia
– Lethargy
– Respiratory distress
Disulfides and Thiosulphates
Mace
2.5 – 4 grams.
Although it is unlikely to cause harm if mixed with baked goods, it is still not recommended.
– Vomiting
– Loss in motor function
– Disorientation
Hallucinations
– Gastrointestinal distress
Eugenol, Myristicin
Marjoram
Marjoram in large quantities, dry or fresh.
Although this herb can be used sparingly, it is best to avoid toxic effects.
– Drooling
– Lethargy
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
Hypothermia
Linalool and Tannic Acid
Mustard Seed & Mustard powder
Large quantities of whole or ground mustard seeds.
It is unlikely that you will cause harm if these ingredients are added to cooked foods, or if they are consumed in very small quantities.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Bloating/gas
Isothiocyanate
Nutmeg
1 tsp. Ground nutmeg or three whole nutmegs.
Disorientation
Hallucinations
– Gastrointestinal distress
Myristicin
Powder of Onion
1 tbsp. per 20 lbs. of weight. If your dog weighs 10 lbs, toxicities can occur after 1.5 tsp.
Although unlikely to cause harm when cooked, it is still recommended.
– Increased heart rate
– Anemia
– Lethargy
– Respiratory distress
Disulfides and Thiosulfates
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Pumpkin pie spice that is sold in stores contains mace and nutmeg, which can be toxic to dogs.
You can use as little as 1 teaspoon. It could be toxic.
– Disorientation
Hallucinations
– Gastrointestinal distress
Myristicin
Curry Powder
Curry powder is a mixture of spices such as cayenne, mustard seed, chili powder and other spices that can be toxic or dangerous for dogs.
Although it is unlikely that a small amount will cause any serious harm, toxicosis can occur in large quantities.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Bloating/gas
– Gastrointestinal distress
Capsaicin, Isothiocyanate
Spices that can cause irritation
Although these spices won’t cause your dog to go to the vet, they can cause severe stomach problems, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. To save both you and your dog from all the trouble, keep them away from these spices.
Spice
What is the Harmful Level?
Irritation Symptoms
Harmful Compounds
Cayenne
Cayenne can cause irritation in the gastrointestinal tract and oral cavities. Cayenne contains high levels of capsaicin, which is not recommended for dogs.
It is unlikely that small amounts of alcohol will cause any physical harm.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Gastrointestinal distress
Capsaicin
Chili Powder/Flakes
Cayenne.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Gastrointestinal distress
Capsaicin
Paprika
Cayenne.
– Vomiting
– Diarrhea
– Gastrointestinal distress
Capsaicin
Tarragon
Moderate amounts of dried or fresh tarragon.
It is unlikely that small amounts of alcohol will cause any physical harm.
– Vomiting
– Nausea
– Agitation
– Convulsions/seizures
– Increased heart rate
Estragole
Moderation of Dog-Safe Spices
Dog-safe spices can be given to dogs as long as they are not overused. You can share them with your dog because they have health and enrichment benefits.
Spice
What is the Safest Price?
Why Sparely?
Cinnamon
On occasion, 1 teaspoon or less
Large amounts of cinnamon can lead to liver distress, low blood glucose, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Parsley (leaves only).
1 tsp per 20 lbs. Parsley should not be more than 1/2 teaspoon for dogs under 10 pounds.
Parsley contains furanocoumarin which can be toxic in large quantities.
Black Pepper
Cooked food contains very little.
Although pepper is not toxic, it can cause stomach problems in dogs and offer no benefit to them.
Salt
Cooked food contains very little.
Salt is essential for the cellular function of dogs. However, dogs should have enough sodium in their daily diet.
Turmeric
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon for every 10 pounds. If your dog weighs 20 pounds, you could give them 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon turmeric.
Large amounts of turmeric can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even death.
Spices contain Toxic Compounds
Are you interested in finding out more about spices and their toxic effects on dogs? This blog will give you a brief overview of all compounds.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin, the active ingredient in chili peppers, makes them hot and gives you that burning sensation. Capsaicin is difficult to digest for dogs and can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, or gastrointestinal distress. Capsaicin is found in large quantities in peppers. However, it can also be found in small amounts in spices such as cinnamon that are safe for dogs if used in moderation.
Disulfides
Disulfides, found in the allium family, break down red blood cells and can lead to life-threatening anemia.
Estragole
Estragole is used in small quantities to flavor pet food. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal problems if it is consumed in large amounts.
Eugenol
Eugenol, a fragrance liquid made from essential oils, is known for its fragrant properties. Researchers discovered that high doses of eugenol can cause severe vomiting and motor function loss in the limbs.
Furanocoumarin
Many plants use furanocoumarin compounds to repel pests and insects. They are toxic to dogs, and sometimes humans. Furanocoumarin poisoning can lead to cellular damage and inflammation in dogs. It can also cause blindness and severe skin and eye conditions.
Isothiocyanate
Isothiocyanates, another defense system for plants, can cause gastrointestinal irritation in dogs and possibly induce toxicosis.
Linalool
Linalool, a natural essential oil that is found in citrusy plants and fragrant flowers, acts as an insecticide. Although linalool can be applied topically to dogs in small quantities, it can cause severe irritation. Linalool can cause liver damage and even liver failure if ingested.
Myristicin
Myristicin, which is a natural insecticide, can also cause disorientation, hallucinations and gastrointestinal distress in dogs when consumed in large amounts.
Tannic Acid
Tannic acid, an anti-fungal anti-bacterial compound, is astringent. Tannic acid can cause nausea, vomiting, and even renal failure in large amounts.
Theobromine
Theobromine, a bitter alkaloid, is extremely toxic for dogs. The symptoms of theobromine poisoning can include over-excitation and vomiting, serious seizures, heart problems, and even death.
Thiosulfates
Thiosulfates are used by plants to aid in the nutrient absorption process. They can also cause anemia in dogs.
Our guide to dogs eating peppers explains more about capsaicin as well as the foods that it can cause.
