Herbs and spices
Can dogs have herbs and spices?
Small amounts of some are harmless, others irritate the gut or damage red blood cells.
At a glance
| Food | Verdict | In short |
|---|---|---|
| Cinnamon | In moderation | Yes, a small amount of cinnamon is generally safe for dogs, and some sources suggest it may even have a mild positive effect on blood sugar. In larger amounts, or as a pure powder that gets inhaled, it irritates the airways and digestive tract, so use it sparingly. |
| Ginger | In moderation | Yes, a small amount of fresh or ground ginger is safe for dogs, and it's sometimes even used to help with mild nausea or motion sickness. In large amounts it can irritate the stomach, so keep servings small. |
| Parsley | In moderation | Yes, a small amount of parsley is fine for dogs and can even help with bad breath. In larger amounts, though, it contains compounds that stress the kidneys, so it should only ever be a small extra on top of a regular diet, not a regular ingredient. |
| Bay leaves | No | No, don't give dogs bay leaves. The stiff leaf has sharp, rigid veins that can injure the esophagus or gut, and it contains essential oils that irritate the digestive tract. |
| Curry | No | No, don't give dogs curry. The spice blend itself isn't automatically toxic, but curry powders and pastes often contain onion or garlic powder and are very spicy, both of which are hard on a dog's digestion. |
| Salt | No | No, dogs should not get salt added to their regular diet. They need a small amount of sodium, but complete dog food already provides enough. |
In detail
Can dogs eat cinnamon?
Yes, a small amount of cinnamon is generally safe for dogs, and some sources suggest it may even have a mild positive effect on blood sugar. In larger amounts, or as a pure powder that gets inhaled, it irritates the airways and digestive tract, so use it sparingly.
Can dogs eat ginger?
Yes, a small amount of fresh or ground ginger is safe for dogs, and it's sometimes even used to help with mild nausea or motion sickness. In large amounts it can irritate the stomach, so keep servings small.
Can dogs eat parsley?
Yes, a small amount of parsley is fine for dogs and can even help with bad breath. In larger amounts, though, it contains compounds that stress the kidneys, so it should only ever be a small extra on top of a regular diet, not a regular ingredient.
Can dogs eat bay leaves?
No, don't give dogs bay leaves. The stiff leaf has sharp, rigid veins that can injure the esophagus or gut, and it contains essential oils that irritate the digestive tract.
Can dogs eat curry?
No, don't give dogs curry. The spice blend itself isn't automatically toxic, but curry powders and pastes often contain onion or garlic powder and are very spicy, both of which are hard on a dog's digestion.
Can dogs eat salt?
No, dogs should not get salt added to their regular diet. They need a small amount of sodium, but complete dog food already provides enough. Added salt, salty foods, or even salt water can cause salt poisoning, which is fatal in severe cases.
Key: Yes, safe · Yes, in moderation · No, better avoided · Dangerous, never.