Can Dogs Eat Mustard?

What Is Mustard?

Mustard is a condiment made from the seeds of mustard greens. The seeds themselves are ground and then mixed with water, lemon juice, vinegar and spices such as turmeric, paprika and garlic powder.

There are numerous types of mustards, ranging from mild to spicy. The most popular types include honey mustard, yellow mustard, dijon, whole grain, French and many more. Can dogs eat mustard? And are some types of mustard better for dogs than others? Let’s discuss it in depth.

Is Mustard Healthy or Bad for Dogs?

Mustard passes for a healthy condiment, as it’s made from several plants and contains vital minerals and antioxidants. Mustard can be rich in selenium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Dijon mustard is also a good source of B vitamins.

The main benefit of mustard is its strong antioxidant properties. Some of the flavorful compounds in mustard – including sulforaphane – were even found to help control cancer in humans and dogs.

The condiment also consists of canola or olive oil, vinegar and spices such as turmeric and paprika. It’s low in calories and can even be used in the preparation of weight loss meals. It would seem that mustard might actually benefit canines as well as humans. But can dogs eat mustard in reality?

Can Dogs Eat Mustard, Then?

Now, let’s answer your question directly. Despite the health benefits of mustard for people, it’s toxic to dogs, and you shouldn’t give your pet any. Why would a small amount of mustard be harmful?

Mustard Seeds

Mustard seeds contain isothiocyanates and glucosinolates, which are said to be toxic to dogs and irritate their digestive systems, causing nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. That’s what veterinarians tend to say when asked whether it’s OK to feed your dog mustard.

We were unable to find any studies or research-based sources supporting this claim, so it might turn out that the mustard itself is harmless in small amounts. But there’s more to be worried about.

Garlic Powder

Many mustards contain garlic powder or paste. While this is fine for people, dogs can come down with serious symptoms of poisoning. Garlic is toxic to dogs because it causes red blood cells to rupture, leading to anemia.

Horseradish

While horseradish (responsible for the spiciness in many commercial mustards) isn’t poisonous to dogs, it can cause stomach upset. This means that giving your dog mustard might cause lower appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Dogs Eat Mustard Greens?

Cooked mustard greens are safe for dogs to eat in small amounts. They contain vitamins A, C and E as well as calcium, magnesium and potassium. Don’t overfeed your dog with mustard greens, though. Just like broccoli or cabbage, too much can cause stomach upset.

There Is No Need to Give Your Dog Mustard

There are some safe alternatives for mustard that canines can benefit from. Mustard can be replaced with other types of seasonings that are safe for dogs. You can add spices like basil, turmeric or oregano to your dog’s food. In order to keep your pet healthy, you always have to take its age, breed and special needs into consideration.

Remember that you shouldn’t give your dog products that may contain mustard. These include certain canned meats, sauces, salad dressings, etc. They may also be bad for dogs. If you catch your canine friend licking some mustard off a plate, don’t panic – just monitor them closely for signs of distress and contact a vet if necessary. You can also follow the video below:

In conclusion, can dogs eat mustard? It’s widely believed that mustard seeds are toxic to dogs, and other ingredients in the condiment can possibly harm them as well. It’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid giving mustard to your pup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Mustard Is Toxic for Dogs?

A lick or two of mustard is unlikely to harm your dog, but the condiment can still irritate the digestive system and cause nausea. If your dog eats a large amount of mustard or ingests a mustard-based product, they may develop poisoning symptoms, such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Can Mustard Cause Seizures in Dogs?

There is no evidence to suggest that mustard is capable of causing a dog to have seizures. Only certain poisonous plants can cause a canine to have seizures, and mustard isn’t proven to be one of them.

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