Homecooking for dogs records an increased rise in popularity, and adding certain supplements are great modern options for dogs’ diets. However, adding spices to their food might be risky and unsafe for their delicate bellies. For example, can dogs eat cumin, curry, chili, or some similar spice – it is the question many dog owners ask themselves.
While some dogs can eat cumin powder, it might have side effects on others. It is something that you should definitely check with the vet, but we did some research of our own and came up with some answers we would like to share with you. The most important thing is not to overload your dogs’ organisms with spices and herbs as they may be harming them. There are other important things to cover, so without further redo let us get into it.
What is Cumin?
Before we start, let us establish what cumin actually is. It is a spice you can find in the seeds of a flowering plant from the parsley family. Cumin is used in a wide variety of cuisine, most commonly in curry dishes. Its seeds are dried and ground into powder, which is generally used for cooking or as a home medicine.
It is rich in vitamins and minerals, and for people, it can be highly beneficial, while they can also take it in large doses since it is one of the healthiest spices out there. Moreover, cumin has a specific and rich taste, although people that did not taste it may need some time to get used to it.
Can Dogs Eat Cumin?
There are many health benefits that dogs can acquire when eating cumin. However, as a dog owner, you must make sure that your pet is getting the right dosage and the proper type, and most importantly, you should consult with a veterinarian before adding this spice to the dog’s diet.
You can find various types of cumin seeds in today’s market, and all of them vary both in the oil content and flavor. When served on their own, cumin seeds can be hot, sharp, and have a specific bittersweet taste, which is why it is often used in countless Indian and Middle-Eastern dishes.
Now we come to the most important part. When consumed in small amounts, cumin is safe for dogs and can actually offer them some benefits. However, in large doses, cumin can trigger digestive upsets and gases in dogs. It is mostly used for older dogs in order to give them an added boost of energy and to improve their immune systems.
If you want to feed your dog some cumin, buy a small dose and just sprinkle it on its food. The safest course is to consult a vet so that you can make sure what dose is safe for your four-legged friend. In case your dog is on blood thinners, he should not be given any sort of supplements, including cumin, turmeric, or curcumin, without consultations with the vet.
What Are the Benefits and (or) Risks of Cumin in Dogs’ Nutrition?
Cumin offers a wide variety of benefits since it is very rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins. Although this may sound very good, the main question is whether or not it can be beneficial or harmful to your dog. Since dogs are unable to eat larger portions of cumin, most of the healthy properties that it provides may have little to no effect on them.
Too much of this spice can upset your four-legged friend’s delicate stomach, and with that being said, all potential benefits are off. A tablespoon of cumin is usually the amount that can bring some benefits; however, your dog might be unable to digest this amount comfortably. Here are some possible benefits your dog may get by consuming cumin:
- Immune system boost
- Energy and immune system boost for older dogs
- Extra vitamins and minerals necessary for overall well-being
Sadly there are not many proven benefits of giving your dogs cumin. Unless your vet prescribes it, your pet might be better off without it. There are some significant risks to your dog’s health if you give him larger doses of cumin, among which the biggest ones are gastrointestinal issues, gasses, and diarrhea.
You should especially avoid feeding your dog cumin if he has a sensitive stomach or multiple allergies. These conditions require special diets, and cumin may disrupt them and cause digestive discomfort. Some dogs may get nauseous even from the tiniest amounts, so if your dog is sensitive, it is best to avoid cumin unless the vet recommends and prescribes it.
Are Cumin Seeds Safe for Dogs?
Yes, it is safe for dogs to eat cumin seeds. However, these seeds have a different flavor than powder, so some might not like the taste, while others might prefer it over the powder. If your pets like cumin seeds, it is important to dose them correctly to their diet since seeds are portioned differently than powder.
Is Cooked or Baked Cummin Safe for Dogs?
Yes, it is safe to feed your dog cooked or baked cumin. Although certain spices can be only eaten raw, it is not the case for cumin, which you can also cook or bake. Moreover, your dog will likely eat cumin when it is inside their treats rather than when it is sprinkled over them.
This is a great option to go for if your dog can handle it and if you are interested in the potential health benefits this spice can bring. Cooked human food with some cumin in it can also be beneficial and safe if your dog likes it. Of course, it is safe only if other ingredients in the food are also safe for your four-legged friend.
Is Cumin Safe for Puppies?
Puppies are growing and changing very fast, and this is especially the case in their first couple of months of life. Their bodies are constantly changing which leaves their immune and digestive system quite vulnerable and sensitive.
Since they have very delicate stomachs, adding cumin or any other spices or supplements is out of the question because it is not recommended to add them before the dog is fully grown. Cumin can cause gastrointestinal issues and potential allergy attacks, so keep away from it at least until your pup reaches adulthood or your vet recommends it.
My Dog Can Eat Cumin; How Should I Prepare It?
If your vet gives the green light and your dog is allowed to have cumin, it is important to figure out how to feed it to him. Start with small doses and increase them slightly over time (if your vet allows it).
There are multiple ways to prepare cumin for your pet. Try sprinkling it over his food, baking it into homemade treats, mixing it with wet dog food, or feeding it in capsules. The most important is to take it slow and let your dog adjust.
Final Words
While cumin is one of the most popular spices due to its health benefits for humans, it is not necessarily the case with dogs. They cannot consume it as much as humans, and often enough, they will not even like the taste. So if your vet greenlit that your four-legged friend can have it, implement it in its nutrition slowly and let him adjust.
There are multiple healthy homemade recipes in which you can implement cumin, just be patient and do not force it on your dog. Always consult your vet before adding anything to your pet’s nutrition, and you will always know what is in its best interest.