A common question that many people have is, “Can dogs eat mustard?” When you think about it, this really isn’t a very beginner-friendly topic. Yet, the answer would probably be NO. Dogs can’t eat mustard. While you might see packets of mustard at your local grocery store and even in use by some restaurants and home cooks doesn’t mean we should recommend it for our canine friends!
This article will explore what can happen if a dog eats too much mustard. We’ll also look at what you can do if this happens.
Why Is Mustard Dangerous for Dogs?
Mustard is composed of many different ingredients that can affect various areas of the body. The substances in mustard may include nitrates (nitrite), which are chemical compounds that can cause an allergic reaction in animals.
Mustard also contains garlic powder or oil, phenol (from which acetone is made), and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The HCl can destroy the structural integrity of gastric mucosa, which is a tissue that lines your dog’s stomach. Many people use it to kill bacteria, which are essential for digesting food. However, HCl can also start an ulcer if there are too many of these chemicals accumulate in their stomach lining. This can result in bleeding or perforation of the stomach wall.
However, depending on an individual dog and how much was eaten, well-cooked mustard may be safe for dogs to eat. The same goes for well-cooked mustard powder. Most sources seem to agree that both should only be given to dogs in small quantities. That said, there are still several drawbacks to feeding either one to your dog.
Here’s a brief list of what can happen if a dog ingests too much mustard:
- Hemorrhage of the stomach or intestines
- Liver damage
- Cancer of the digestive tract (often at least in some dogs)
- Ulceration of the esophagus and stomach
- Dysentery
Mustard has been linked to a serious condition called acute necrotizing hepatitis as well as to the development of transaminases, which are enzymes that help regulate metabolism in the liver. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you may want to consider taking them to a veterinarian right away:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy and fainting
- Yellow tinted skin and yellow-tinted mucous membranes
Can Dogs Eat Mustard Seeds?
No. Dogs can’t eat mustard seeds. Mustard contains an ingredient called capsaicin. Capsaicin stimulates sensory nerve endings in these areas of the body. This stimulation is painful and causes the parts of the body where it enters to react, by releasing inflammation factors.
Ingesting these seeds can lead to vomiting in dogs. It can also cause inflammation of the intestinal mucosa and blistering of their mouth and tongue.
Can Dogs Eat Mustard Oil?
No. Dogs cannot eat mustard oil. It is difficult for canines to digest this oil and it can lead to severe discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting.
However, there have been a number of dog owners who have successfully fed their pets a few drops of mustard oil. Just be advised that mustard oil isn’t intended for everyday use.
Can Dogs Eat Honey Mustard?
Yes. Dogs can eat honey mustard, but only in small amounts. As with many human foods, moderation is key. Keep in mind that while honey mustard isn’t toxic to your pet, it may still cause some stomach issues that could result in an upset or a gassy dog.
Can Dogs Eat Dijon Mustard?
No. Dogs should avoid eating condiments, especially ones that are highly processed like Dijon Mustard. It will not only make them sick but might also trigger an intestinal blockage in your dog if eaten over time.
Note: You’ll want to avoid feeding your pup human food in general because it can be harmful. Your safest bet is to stick with dog-safe foods and talk to a specialist if you have any further questions.
Conclusion
Well, Dogs cannot eat mustard. It contains various toxic compounds that can lead to stomach pain and an inflamed stomach or intestine in dogs. So, make sure you keep mustard out of your pup’s reach.
Thank you for reading the article.
Now that you know how feeding mustard can be dangerous for your pup’s health, explore other mustard-related dog articles that you might be interested in.
Has your dog ever eaten mustard? What was their reaction right after? Were they sick? We would love to hear from you. Please share with our community by leaving a comment below!