Mustard, a condiment made from mustard seeds, has been around since the Stone Age. Today, it is one of the most versatile condiments everywhere from Southeast Asian to European and American cultures. 

It is a key player at barbeques, but what about your dogs lurking around waiting for dropped food and leftovers. Can dogs eat mustard?

In this article, we will discuss whether it is safe for dogs to eat mustard, and further, whether it is beneficial or harmful to them. 

Can Dogs Eat Mustard?

The short answer is no. dogs must not eat mustard. Mustard is not a healthy option for dogs. 

There are many types of plant based foods that are not good for dogs, such as grapes, apricots, avocados, and mustard is indeed one of them.

Why is Mustard Bad for Dogs?

There exists a few different types of mustard. Yet, most prepared mustard consists of a combination of ground mustard seeds, water, and vinegar. 

The main ingredient, mustard seeds, are toxic for dogs. Mustard seeds contain glucosinolates, which are found in a family of plants including cabbage, mustard, and horseradish.

If consumed in a large enough quantity, glucosinolates can cause conditions such as gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and the intestinal tract. 

Its side effects may include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. And, while it is typically not life threatening, it can be painful and long lasting for your pets. 

Mustard’s Other Harmful Ingredients for Dogs

Certain brands and makes of mustard sauce may contain other harmful ingredients to dogs. 

Such components may include: 

  • Lemon juice
  • Wine
  • Mustard Powder
  • Horseradish
  • Paprika
  • Turmeric
  • Garlic powder
  • Salt
  • Spices and Flavorings

Garlic powder, for example, is toxic for dogs. Some spices and flavorings may also be harmful to dogs. 

Both horseradish and paprika are also bad news for dogs. Lemons are also not suitable for dogs. 

You must also be wondering, what about mustard powder? Well, the answer to that is still no; dogs still cannot have mustard powder. 

Mustard powder can cause vomiting in dogs. 

Is There a Healthy Alternative for Dogs?

It’s not all bad news in the mustard department. Although mustards are to be avoided around our furry friends, mustard greens make for a good substitute. In fact, mustard greens contain a number of benefits for dogs. 

They are very rich in certain minerals and vitamins. These include Fiber, Phosphorus, and Potassium. This plant provides fiber, which helps relieve a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber, such as mustard greens, can help facilitate healthy bowel movements. 

Next, their potassium content can keep your dog’s bones strong and healthy. 

However, we do not recommend you feed your dogs raw mustard greens. The best way to prepare mustard greens for your pooches is to steam them. The steaming process softens their leaves which is easier for your dogs to digest.

In conclusion, if you are enjoying a meal with mustard sauce, we recommend savoring it with humans, and allow your dogs to safely feed on mustard greens.

Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs

This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”

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