Safe Herbs & Spices

I prepare quite a few meals and treats for Kirby and his furiends. Seasonings can not only enhance the flavors, they can provide nutrients valuable to a dog's overall well being. Consider growing your own herbs in a raised bed like I do so they are readily available. Fresh is best but dried can also be used.

These are the ones I use which are considered to be safe for healthy dogs with no underlying health issues. If you have any concerns check with your veterinarian.

Basil is rich in essential vitamins, minerals, phyto-nutrients, electrolytes and oils that are essential for optimal health. Basil is an anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant. Basil is well known for its multiple disease preventing and health promoting properties. You can use fresh basil or dry basil.

Carob is low in fat and sodium, high in fiber, potassium, and calcium, and can improve digestion. It has a natural sweetness and contains very little fat, no caffeine and encourages the absorption of calcium. Even though carob looks like, smells like, and has a taste that is similar to chocolate, it does not contain theobromine, the part of chocolate that is toxic to dogs.

Cayenne Pepper is the only pepper considered safe for dogs. It's an excellent source of many essential nutrients including beta carotene, fiber and vitamin B6. Because cayenne pepper stimulates circulation and enhances blood flow, it is considered food for the circulatory system and as a digestive aid. Red peppers are one of the few foods that contain lycopene, a phytochemical that may help prevent various forms of cancer.

Chia Seeds contain large quantities of protein, five times the calcium of milk, boron (a trace mineral that aids in the absorption of calcium into the bones), Omega oils 3 and 6, and can help regulate blood sugar levels and aid in maintaining a healthy weight. The seeds of chia plants can help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and reduce risk of heart disease. These seeds have no discernible odor and almost no taste, which means they can be added to your dog's meals without altering the flavors he loves. Seeds can be ground, eaten raw, or added to water, which will cause the seeds to produce what is called chia seed gel. This gel helps clean out intestines and slows digestion, allowing your dog's body to absorb more of the incredible nutrients that chia seeds provide.

Cinnamon has a pungent, slightly sweet flavor. It's recommended to relieve vomiting and aid digestion. Cinnamon is said to have one of the highest anti-oxidant levels of all food sources and can help remove the alfatoxins present in foods. Cinnamon is also good for keeping teeth clean and fighting bad breath.

Fennel which is crunchy and slightly contains protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, niacin, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, and Omega-6 fatty acids. It acts as a detoxifier and strong digestive aid.

Flaxseed, also known as linseeds, plays a significant role in canine cardiovascular health and skin and coat health since it is an important source of fiber and antioxidants, and it may have anti-tumor properties as well. omega-3 fatty acid and B vitamins, and ground flaxseed may be added in place of oils in the diet. It not only improves the shine of the pet’s coat but aids in the movement of food through the digestive system.

Garlic, contains germanium - an anti-cancer agent, helps to regulate blood pressure, helps strengthen the body's defences against allergies, and regulate blood sugar levels. It's considered an aid to fighting and treating diabetes and liver, heart and kidney disease. It provides Vitamin A, B, B2, C, Calcium, Potassium, and Zinc. Garlic is a natural flea repellent and de-wormer. I also list Garlic under Foods That Harm Dogs because large amounts given over a prolonged period can result in the formation of Heinz bodies on the surface of red blood cells which are then destroyed by the body resulting in a severe hemolytic anemia. Whole Dog Journal claims a healthy dog can tolerate 1 clove per 20 lbs of body weight per day without any toxic effects.

Ginger is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory used to treat digestive upset, nausea, gas, motion sickness, heart problems, joint inflammation due to arthritic conditions, to reduce fever, and is also effective as an anti-infective, especially against viruses. It can decrease blood sugar levels, and increase absorption of all oral medications. Too much ginger may cause nausea, especially when given on an empty stomach, and can affect how well blood clots. Do not give to a dog with a gastric ulcer or pregnant dogs.

Green Tea is rich in anti-oxidants and is helpful in fighting some cancers. It is also calming. Make sure you use de-caffienated Green Tea.

Kelp (seaweed) is a nutritional powerhouse containing Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, folate, iodine, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and selenium. Kelp benefits thyroid function, promotes heart health, helps fight and prevent cancer, is a powerful anti-oxidant, aids in healing skin disorders and enhancing coat health. It can be purchased in dried form at most health stores.

Oregano is a rich natural source of fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains Vitamin K, anti-oxidants, iron, manganese, fiber, and is a natural source of Omega-3 fatty acids. It is renowned for its anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-parasitic properties.

Parsley Leaves are packed with B vitamins, C vitamins, carotene, iron and calcium. In addition to its use for dog bad breath, it can stimulate the kidneys to filter out toxins and increase urine.

Rosemary is high in fiber, rich in vitamins, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti fungal, anti-septic, disease preventing and health promoting properties.

Sea Salt, in small amounts, is considered safe for dogs. It provides sodium, which is necessary for life. It helps with muscle contraction and expansion, nerve stimulation, the proper functioning of the adrenals, chloride which helps produce acids necessary to digest protein and enzymes for carbohydrate digestion necessary for proper brain functioning and growth, and finally, magnesium which is important for producing enzymes, nerve transmission, bone formation, forming tooth enamel, and resistance to heart disease.

Thyme contains Vitamin K, iron, manganese, calcium, fibre and tryptophan, phytochemicals and anti-oxidants. It has antiseptic, anti-spasmodic, anti-bacterial properties, and is thought to have anti-cancer properties. It’s good for the skin, respiratory system, good brain function and gastrointestinal health.

Turmeric, or rather Curcumin - the principle active component in turmeric, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agent that shows promise in the prevention and treatment of cancer among other conditions. It is generally found to be safe for dogs and cats with veterinarians frequently recommending the addition of turmeric (up to a quarter of a teaspoon per day for every 10 pounds of weight) to a dog or cat's diet if they have been diagnosed with cancer. Turmeric can also be good for reducing arthritis inflammation and pain in pets. You can use powder, crushed or fresh root.

Kirby the Dorkie

Kirby the Dorkie

Safe Herbs & Spices

Kirby the Dorkie