True, mustard – whether it’s the condiment or the plant – isn’t for everyone. You either love or hate its taste. Still, it’s among the most used condiment worldwide.
If your dog has eaten mustard or if you love putting mustard on everything, perhaps you’re wondering – can dogs eat mustard? Is mustard safe for dogs?
Most likely, you’ve already made a quick Google search about dogs and mustard before ending up on this website.
And in so doing, you may have noticed that most of the top search results state that mustard is a no-no for dogs and would only make your pup sick. Well, this is true BUT not entirely.
If you want to know the whole truth about mustard and its effect on your dogs, you’ve come to the right page.
After all, the pup-loving geeks behind Dog Food Guide aim to please the pet-doting community by giving all the answers to whatever can dogs questions.
Settling for less is not part of the deal. Here, you can expect to find the pros and cons of mustard to dogs and so much more.
Often, when you hear the word mustard, the first image that comes to mind is French’s Classic Yellow Mustard. However, mustard isn’t all that.
Yes, mustard is well known as a sweet-sour-peppery sauce that’s smothered over a grilled hot dogs in a bun. But mustard can also refer to the mustard plant.
Broccoli’s not-so-distant cousin, the mustard plant, includes mustard seeds and mustard greens; both are commonly found in the kitchen.
More About Mustard Seeds & Greens
Mustard seeds (whether black, brown, or yellow mustard seeds) are customarily used as spice. It can either be pressed to make mustard oil or grinded and mixed with other ingredients to create the popular condiment, aka “prepared mustard.”
The greens, on the other hand, are also edible and healthy. It’s a great addition to menu favorites like casseroles, frittatas, and bibimbap.
Apart from being versatile, mustard is also nutrient-dense and low in calories. In fact, it has been used as a medicinal plant for ages. Its benefits include the following:
Lowers risk of cancer
Reduce blood sugar levels
Increases protection against infection
Can Dogs Eat Mustard?
The short answer here is IT DEPENDS. It all boils down to the type and amount of mustard you’re trying to feed your pup.
If you’re asking about the mustard greens, then the answer is Yes. Cooked/steamed mustard greens are generally safe for dogs to eat as long as you let your dog eat mustard greens occasionally and in moderation.
It’s a different story, however, if you’re asking about the mustard seeds. Mustard seeds are toxic to dogs. And since yellow and honey mustard and mustard powder are both made of mustard seeds, these are best kept away from your pet dog’s reach.
As mentioned, mustard is a nutrient-rich veggie. The greens alone contain loads of antioxidants and nutrients like Vitamin A, B6, C, E, and K.
If your dogs eat a small amount, they’ll most likely feel fine after as long as it’s given to them cooked since this is among the foods that your pet dog can safely eat.
If you want to know what benefits your dog can reap if you add a bit of this in today’s dog food menu, check out below:
May Boost Your Dog’s Immune System
Since it’s packed with antioxidants, letting your dogs eat mustard greens from time to time may help strengthen the health of your pup by increasing their defenses against cell damage.
Could Activate Your Dogs’ Blood Clotting Activity
Brimming with vitamin K, eating these greens may promote blood function health. After all, vitamin K aids in blood coagulation.
Why Your Dog Should NOT Eat Mustard
While your dogs can eat mustard greens, the raw mustard leaves are not safe for your dog to eat. On the one hand, mustard seeds (honey mustard and other prepped-up mustard varieties) are deemed dangerous (even toxic) to dogs.
If you must know what makes these dangerous or toxic, here’s a rundown of the risks you need to watch out for in case your dog has a taste of this food and gets his paws on a plate full of mustard.
May Suppress Thyroid Function
We mentioned that the greens have to be served cooked. This is because the raw leaves and seeds contain goitrogens. Eating foods high in goitrogens can lead to irregular thyroid functioning.
Can Cause Stomach Problems
Digestive issues is one of the many risks your dog might face if you let your dog eat mustard seeds.
Its effects would often depend on the size of your dog. Frequently, large dogs would have to eat a large amount before experiencing any symptoms, while smaller dogs would only have to ingest a small amount.
If your dog eats a bit of mustard off your plate, your dog might just feel alright after. However, if your dog eats a large amount of mustard, this one-time food adventure could lead to a painful condition called gastroenteritis.
Gastroenteritis refers to the inflammation of the stomach as well as the intestinal tract. Watch out for these symptoms if your dog has eaten mustard, and call your vet right away.
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Lethargy
Low-grade fever
Dehydration
Can Have Other Toxic Ingredients
Apart from mustard seeds, prepared mustard can also contain other harmful ingredients that can make your dog sick. This includes alcohol and nutmeg. Many dressings and sauces can also have mustard in the mix (think hollandaise and barbecue sauce).
May Cause Allergies
Although rare, your dog might be allergic to mustard. Vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach issues are common symptoms of canine food allergies.
If your dog eats mustard and such symptoms arise, your best course of action is to call your vet.
How To Feed Dogs Mustard
For a pain-free mustard eating rendezvous with your dog, make sure to follow these sure-fire tips. This way, you won’t have to worry about your dog vomiting or getting diarrhea.
Serve the greens cooked minus any type of seasoning. You can either give this steamed or pureed.
Keep the amount of mustard greens at a minimum. After all, this is considered a treat and shouldn’t be regularly added to your dog’s daily menu.
Final Verdict
Remember, when it comes to mustard, the greens are in, and the seeds are out.
Since feeding mustard to your dog can lead to a handful of risks (like diarrhea, vomiting, and intestinal tract inflammation), it’s best to stick with dog- and vet-approved treats.
If you plan to give your dogs mustard (dijon or yellow mustard), we still encourage you to seek the expert advice of your trusty veterinarian. Your vet, after all, knows best.
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An individual with a profound affection for animals, who was brought up in an environment surrounded by dogs, cats, and chickens. A self-taught enthusiast in the realm of pet care. At present, the proud caretaker of two rescued felines and two lovely mixed-breed canines.
