No, mustard is bad for dogs. Mustard is made up of mustard seeds. According to Botanical Online, mustard seeds primarily contain glucosinolates – a toxic component of mustard. Mustard seeds, when consumed in a large amount could cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.
Can Dogs Eat Honey Mustard?
Honey is known to have multiple health benefits in dogs. It reduces sore infection, makes them more energetic, heals wounds and so on. However, what happens when you mix it with mustard?
Mustard affects the dog's gastrointestinal tract, while honey soothes it. Honey mustard may not cause any serious health effects on dogs if fed in small amounts.
But, one cannot overlook the toxicity of mustard. Therefore, it is best to avoid and not take any risks in the long term.
Does Mustard Make Dogs Vomit?
Yes, mustard has components that stimulate gastric nerves which can induce vomiting in dogs after ingestion.
According to Dr. Dawn Ruben, mustard is not recommended and is not an effective method to induce vomiting in dogs, unless recommended by your vet.
Just a friendly reminder, never try to induce vomiting without consulting your veterinarian.
Can Dogs Eat Mustard Greens?
Unlike mustard which is made from mustard seeds, mustard greens are safe for dogs to eat.
Mustard greens are a rich source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C. They also contain a good amount of phosphorus and potassium. These nutrients are necessary for the overall well-being of your dog.
It is always a good idea to add leafy vegetables as part of your dog's diet. Veggies are rich in fiber to help regulate bowel movements and promote healthy digestion.
But, some say mustard greens can be harmful too?
Few pieces of research say that mustard greens and other cruciferous vegetables are harmful to dogs. Other cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli, kale, etc. These vegetables can be harmful because of their goitrogenic properties.
Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogen. It is a substance which causes the thyroid gland to enlarge. This can affect the most on dogs with hypothyroidism.
But, according to Dr. Jean Dodds, the goitrogenic properties in cruciferous vegetables are minute. They should not cause any harm to the dog if given in moderate amounts.
The benefits of mustard greens outweigh its risks.
How Should You Feed Mustard Greens?
Source: Gloria Cabada-Leman, CC-BY, via flickr
Remember to always steam your mustard greens before feeding to your dog. You can also use a food processor to puree the mustard greens to make it much easier to absorb.
Serve the mustard greens in small quantities as a treat or incorporate into your dog's usual meal.
Do not feed them raw vegetables. Dogs are used to eat meats, and they are inefficient at digesting vegetables. Steaming or pureeing the veggies makes it easier to digest.
What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Mustard?
If your dog accidentally licked the mustard on your plate, do not panic! Look at how much your dog ate. Because it also depends on the amount your dog consumed.
If your dog eats a large amount of mustard, then it is best to inform and contact your vetimmediately. In case of a small amount, then just observe your dog for signs and symptoms.
Few signs before a dog throw up are:
- drooling
- swallowing excessively
- standing with their head down
- licking their lips
Simply Not Good for Dogs
We are habituated in giving our left-overs or table-scraps to our furry friends. But, remember to remove any foods containing mustard before feeding them. Don't be distracted by their cute puppy-eyes!
You may have heard people say, “my dog ate mustard but is fine.” Ask them, how much did the dog eat? Mustard in small quantity may not cause any issues. But, why risk it, right?
It is also not the same with every dog. Some dogs may have a sensitive digestive system, while some may not. Therefore, it's best to keep mustard far away from your pooch.
Final Thought
What we conclude in the end is, mustard seeds and mustard condiments are not good for dogs. No matter what anyone says, keep mustard off-limits from your dog. You do not want to see your dog in pain, vomiting or experiencing bouts of diarrhea.
And, yes! Mustard greens in small amounts are a great healthy treat to add to your dog's diet. It will provide essential nutrients your dog requires.
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