Does your dog eye you with envy while you eat a hot dog slathered with mustard? If so, you may have wondered if your pup can eat this condiment, too.
No, dogs can’t eat mustard. Mustard contains mustard seeds—which are toxic to dogs. That means any mustard sauce should be off the menu for your pup.
Discover what to do if your dog accidentally eats mustard below. Plus, find safe alternatives to add flavour to your dog’s dinner.
Why Is Mustard Bad For Dogs?
“Mustard seeds contain compounds called glucosinolates, which can be harmful in sufficient quantities,” explains Kathryn Dench, a holistic and integrative veterinarian with Paw Origins.
Glucosinolates can convert into isothiocyanates, substances which Dr Dench says can irritate your dog’s digestive tract; this can lead to symptoms like:
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
She adds that mustard seeds have other toxic components, like goitrogens, which interrupt healthy thyroid function.
Are All Types of Mustard Toxic to Dogs?
Yes. Dr Dench recommends steering clear of any mustard sauce made for people. These include:
- yellow mustard
- Dijon mustard
- honey mustard
- English mustard
- wholegrain mustard
- ground mustard
She adds that these mustards also often have unnecessary and harmful ingredients like vinegar, sugar, and spices.
What To Do If Your Dog Eats Mustard
Not every dog will need an emergency intervention after eating small amounts of mustard. The severity of their reaction can depend on your dog’s size, pre-existing conditions, and the amount of mustard they consume.
For instance, a healthy, medium-sized dog may feel fine after a bit of mustard. But larger amounts, like licking up the contents of a spilt bottle, could lead to a more severe reaction.
Additionally, Dr Dench says dogs with existing GI (gastrointestinal) or liver conditions may have more severe reactions to mustard.
Regardless, if your dog eats mustard and shows concerning symptoms, call your vet or the Animal PoisonLine for guidance on your next step. Quick action can help reduce the secondary effects of mustard poisoning, which could be life-threatening.
How Do Vets Treat Mustard Poisoning?
Dr Dench says most vets will offer supportive care to manage your dog’s symptoms and help them feel more comfortable.
For instance, they may give your dog a fluid IV to manage dehydration and antiemetics to stop vomiting. Additionally, they might administer activated charcoal to absorb any remaining toxins.
Are Other Condiments Safe For Dogs to Eat?
Mustard is off the menu for your dog. But what about other condiments, like ketchup or mayonnaise?
Many ketchup brands contain substances that don’t mix well with dogs, like added sugar, salt, and spices like onion and garlic powder. Meanwhile, mayo is high in fat and not suitable for dogs losing weight. So, it’s best to skip the condiments when prepping your dog’s dinner.
That doesn’t mean your dog needs to go without extra flavour. Instead, you can enrich your dog’s food with a pup-safe alternative, including:
- homemade dog gravy
- pumpkin puree
- unsalted bone broth
- commercial food toppers and mix-ins
Takeaway
Mustard seeds are toxic to dogs in large amounts. While not every pup needs vet attention after a small lick of mustard, you should watch your dog closely for GI symptoms, like an upset stomach, diarrhoea, and vomiting. Your vet can choose treatment methods to help your dog feel more comfortable and remove the toxins from their system.
