Can Dogs Eat Cumin?

can dogs eat cumin

Given how many of the spices and herbs we use while cooking are also good for dogs, you might be wondering: can dogs eat cumin?

Dogs can eat cumin safely but in very small amounts. It can be used to add flavour to their meals, but in larger quantities, it irritates their stomach lining and causes intestinal problems. So, it’s best to keep the amount smaller so that your dog can enjoy the flavor without any negative effect.

Cumin is a fairly popular spice and a staple in many Middle Easten and Asian cuisines. If you cook your dog’s food at home, you might be tempted to add cumin to the mix for some new flavours. But since it serves no benefit to dogs at all, cumin is best left out of dog food.

Can Dogs Have Cumin?

Is cumin safe for dogs? Yes, absolutely. In tiny amounts, it adds flavour to dog food and may be just the new ‘twist’ you need to convince a picky dog to eat.

However, cumin has no actual health benefits for dogs.

Even though it is excellent for humans and purportedly has medicinal value, dogs do not reap these benefits and simply don’t need it in their diet.

Additionally, in larger amounts or with regular use, cumin can irritate the lining of the stomach in dogs and cause acidity, stomach aches, acid reflux, as well as abdominal cramps, increased or loose stools, and discomfort while defecating.

So, can dogs have cumin powder in their food? Yes, if sparingly used and very infrequently. But dogs who are on blood-thinning medication should never be given cumin.

What Spices Can Dogs Eat?

There are many spices that are not only safe for dogs and make food more appealing and appetizing for them, but also contribute with various health benefits.

These include herbs like coriander, basil, dill, fennel, ginger, peppermint, oregano, and parsley. These herbs can be used both fresh and dried in dog food. They add flavour and fragrance, and also have medicinal properties like easing digestion, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective action, reducing bloating, reducing intestinal irritation, and have high antioxidant content, in some cases.

When it comes to spices, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, and anise, among others, are all safe for dogs to eat.

What Spices Are Good for Dogs?

Some spices that are commonly used in dog foods have significant beneficial properties. Basil and dill are known for antibacterial, antifungal, and immune-boosting action. Both Basil and Fennel also have anti-diabetic action, which overweight dogs and dogs who are on diets can profit from.

Coriander, mint, and fennel all aid digestion and help alleviate symptoms in dogs with upset or irritated stomachs. Fennel also has diuretic action, which helps dogs who are recovering from poisoning.

Cinnamon also has blood sugar regulating properties, in addition to strong antioxidant action, anti-cancer action, and having a cardioprotective effect that especially older and larger dogs can benefit from. Oregano and turmeric are also rich in antioxidants and boost both immune response and immunity.

What Spices Are Harmful to Dogs?

A lot of spices that we toss into our food without thinking are major no-nos for dogs. These include:

  • Garlic: garlic contains compounds called Thiosuphates, which attack red blood cells in dogs’ bodies. As a consequence, dogs develop anemia due to the rapid breakdown of their RBCs, and may need transfusions to stabilize them before their blood cells recover from the damage. 
  • Onions : onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide, along with Thiosulphates, which cause hemolytic anemia in dogs in biologically significant amounts.
  • Chives: chives belong to the same family as onions and leeks, and have the same thiosulphate content that is dangerous to dogs. Additionally, they can also cause respiratory collapse and cardiac failure, when dogs accidentally eat them in large amounts.
  • Nutmeg: Nutmeg is a common ingredient in festive cookies and cakes, but it contains Myristicin, which can trigger neurological symptoms in dogs ranging from confusion and disorientation to full-blown seizures.
  • Chamomile: chamomile is commonly used for its relaxing fragrance and taste, but in dogs, it can cause increased bleeding. Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and restless behaviour.
  • Paprika and chilli powder: paprika causes irritation of the stomach lining in dogs and strong abdominal discomfort in correspondingly larger quantities. The same applies to chilli powder as well. Although these spices are not toxic per se, dogs cannot tolerate them, either.
  • Curry powder: curry powder is a mix of spices, but it is too much for dogs’ digestive systems to handle. It can cause upset stomachs, nausea, and vomiting, if added to dog food.
  • Bay leaves and Cloves: both these spices contain Eugenol, which can cause severe liver damage in dogs. Bay leaves also contain other essential oils that dogs’ bodies cannot process.

Dogs inherently lack the enzymes needed to digest these compounds, and as a consequence, they can develop intestinal distress, vomiting, dehydration, and diarrhea, if they eat them.

Another herb called Tarragon that is also commonly used in cooking, is toxic to dogs because of its Eugenol content. Ingestion causes liver damage that can be irreparable, if ingested in larger amounts.

Can Dogs Have Cumin Powder in Moderation?

In very small amounts, dogs can be allowed to have cumin powder. Whether it’s added to their food or they get a little sampling of food from their owner’s plate, a very small amount of cumin powder is unlikely to cause dogs’ harm.

The key is to make sure that it does not turn into a regular part of their diet, to spare them digestive and abdominal trouble later.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What seasoning is OK for dogs?

Dogs’ food can safely be seasoned with parsley, coriander, mint, rosemary, sage, mint, oregano, and dill, among others like turmeric, cinnamon, and ginger. It’s best to use spices sparingly in dog food.

Can dogs eat paprika?

Dogs technically can eat paprika. It is not poisonous to them, but can cause gastric irritation and stomach upsets, which is why it is best avoided.

Can I season my dog’s food?

Yes, absolutely. Dogs respond well to food flavoured with mild herbs, which increase palatability and add flavour and appeal. But it’s best to use seasonings that are doggy-friendly.

Are any herbs toxic to dogs?

Herbs like Pennyroyal, Chives, Green Onions, Wormwood, Hops, Comfrey, Bay leaves, and Tarragon are toxic for dogs. If you suspect that your dog has eaten these, whether in your kitchen or in your garden, you should take him to the vet immediately.

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