4 Safe Holiday Spices for Dogs (And 3 to Avoid)

The holiday season is full of festive spices that add warmth and flavor to our favorite dishes. But when it comes to including your dog in the festivities, it’s important to know which spices are safe and which can be harmful. While some spices, like cinnamon and ginger, can benefit dogs, others—like nutmeg and cloves—can be toxic. In this guide, we’ll go over the safe holiday spices for dogs that you can use in homemade treats and highlight those you should avoid to keep your pup happy and healthy.

Let’s dive into the holiday spice rack to separate the good, the bad, and the toxic when it comes to your dog’s treats.

Key Takeaways

• Safe Spices: Dog-friendly spices include Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and fresh parsley. These can be used in small amounts to add flavor and health benefits to dog treats.
• Spices to Avoid: Nutmeg, cloves, allspice, garlic, and onion powder are toxic to dogs and should never be used in their treats.
• Moderation Matters: Even safe spices should be used sparingly to prevent upsetting your dog’s stomach.
• Check Ingredients: Always ensure homemade recipes avoid harmful additives like sugar, salt, or artificial flavors.

4 Safe Holiday Spices for Dogs

Not all spices are off the table for dogs. Here are the safe ones you can sprinkle into their treats with confidence:

Cinnamon (Ceylon)

• Why It’s Safe: Ceylon cinnamon (aka “true” cinnamon) is safe for dogs in small amounts. It’s different from Cassia cinnamon, which has high levels of coumarin—a compound that can harm your dog’s liver in large doses.
• How to Use: Add a pinch to homemade dog biscuits or sprinkle lightly on their kibble for a festive flavor.
• Benefits: Anti-inflammatory properties make it great for older dogs with joint issues.

Ginger

• Why It’s Safe: Fresh or dried ginger is safe and offers health benefits like reducing nausea and aiding digestion.
• How to Use: Mix a tiny bit into their food or include it in dog-friendly holiday cookies.
• Benefits: Helps with upset stomachs and may ease motion sickness (perfect for holiday road trips).

Turmeric

• Why It’s Safe: This golden spice is a natural anti-inflammatory, ideal for dogs with arthritis or chronic pain.
• How to Use: Combine a small amount with coconut oil for better absorption, then mix it into treats.
• Benefits: Boosts immunity, reduces inflammation, and supports joint health.

Parsley (Flat-Leaf)

• Why It’s Safe: Fresh parsley is safe in moderation and provides a vitamin boost, along with freshening up that dog breath.
• How to Use: Sprinkle finely chopped parsley over your dog’s meals or bake it into treats.
• Benefits: Supports digestion and oral hygiene.

Holiday Spices to Avoid for Dogs

Before you let your dog sample any holiday goodies, make sure they’re free of these harmful spices:

Nutmeg

• The Danger: Nutmeg contains myristicin, a toxin that can cause hallucinations, seizures, and a dangerously high heart rate in dogs.
• Avoid: Skip nutmeg entirely in your dog’s treats—and beware of baked goods like pumpkin pie that often include it.

Cloves and Allspice

• The Danger: Both contain eugenol, which can damage your dog’s liver and cause toxicity.
• Avoid: Be cautious with spice blends like pumpkin pie spice, which usually include these ingredients.

Garlic and Onion Powder

• The Danger: These can destroy your dog’s red blood cells, leading to anemia. Garlic and onions in any form—raw, cooked, powdered—are a no-go.
• Avoid: Check all ingredient labels when preparing treats or sharing holiday leftovers.

How to Safely Use Spices in Dog Treats

To keep your dog’s holiday treats safe and enjoyable:

1. Moderation is Key: Even safe spices like cinnamon and turmeric should be used sparingly. Dogs have smaller bodies, and a little spice goes a long way.
2. Start Slow: Introduce one spice at a time to monitor for allergies. Look for symptoms like itching, vomiting, or diarrhea.
3. Use Simple Recipes: Stick to recipes with dog-safe ingredients—no sugar, salt, or artificial flavors.

Holiday Treat Recipe: Pumpkin and Cinnamon Dog Biscuits

Bring some holiday cheer to your pup’s menu with these easy-to-make biscuits!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin, cinnamon, and egg. Gradually add the flour until it forms a dough.
3. Roll out the dough and use cookie cutters to create fun holiday shapes.
4. Place the shapes on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until firm.
5. Let the biscuits cool completely before serving them to your dog.

Why It’s Safe: This recipe avoids harmful spices and uses Ceylon cinnamon for flavor and joint-supporting benefits.

Conclusion

The holidays are a perfect time to include your dog in family traditions, but not all holiday spices are created equal. By sticking to safe holiday spices for dogs – like Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, and parsley – you can whip up festive and healthy treats for your pup. Remember, moderation is key, and always avoid harmful spices like nutmeg, cloves, and garlic.

Ready to spoil your dog this holiday season? Try out some safe recipes or share your favorite homemade treat ideas! For more tips on creating a dog-friendly holiday, check out our guides on dog-safe holiday decorations and healthy holiday dog treats.

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