Recipes!
If you're like us, you sometimes like to do something special for your pug(s) instead of the usual "kibble with toppings". Sometimes, we bake special dog cookie treats and, other times, we have a "Sunday pot-roast" of sorts. Especially with holidays, we want to include our four-legged family members in the holiday traditions. We've included some of our favorite recipes below for when you want to treat your pug to a special meal!
On this page:
The Basics - Daily Vitamin and Supplements
Why raw?
Recipes
Dog Friendly Seasonings - Safe Ones, Therapeutic Ones, Seasonings to Avoid
How to Read Labels - Avoiding Ear Infections and Allergies
The Basics - Daily Vitamin and Supplements
Why raw?
Recipes
- Turkey Alfredo
- Duck L'Orage
- Power Breakfast Bowl
- Turkey and Rice Pawliday Dinner
- Turkey and Green Bean Dinner
- Turduckmoochevon
- Pumpkin Casserole
- Homemade Pet-Friendly Gravy
- Pumpkin Pie Pupcakes
- Muttjito Puptails for New Years Eve
- Tiffany's Ball Drop Superfood Treat for New Years Eve
Dog Friendly Seasonings - Safe Ones, Therapeutic Ones, Seasonings to Avoid
How to Read Labels - Avoiding Ear Infections and Allergies
The Basics:
Daily Vitamin
Every vet we have consulted, (even the more traditional non "holistic" vets), always recommend supplementing with a daily vitamin. We have tried many brands over the years and used them for extended periods to evaluate the results. By far, our greatest success has been with NuVet vitamin which has even helped with allergies and itchiness with a few pugs. They also love the taste which, let's face it, life is better when you don't have to "hide" a tablet in cheese or peanut butter (which, of course, is not really healthy for your pug). If all you do is add this daily vitamin you will find amazing results. We prefer the powder version but many people tell us that they like to give the wafer as a treat during the day. Use code 784795 when ordering (and save money with Ez ship) www.nuvet.com/784795
Fish Oil
Except for those days we feed fish (or lots of minnow freeze-dried treats or such) we add a squirt of fish oil to each breakfast.
other supplements
For puppies under a year we also add a tiny pinch of esther C (one capsule lasts awhile) at breakfast. For puppies and seniors, we add this joint supplement (glucosamine is fabulous). For puppies, mama pugs, and certain dogs with gastro issues or allergies, we add this probiotic. And, for one rescue pug who shall remain nameless, we add this chillax (hemp). Lastly, we add this amazing immune supplement to pugs heading to dog shows or our seniors or others who just need so immune health. (ImmunoShroom™ is a powerhouse supplement that supports overall immune function, provides potent antioxidant support, and keeps cells functioning optimally for your pets. It contains a proprietary blend of five species of medicinal and adaptogenic mushrooms, along with a combination of antioxidant-rich ingredients providing total immune system support.)
Quality food
Of course, no vitamin can replace the benefits you will receive from feeding healthy, high-quality food. If you top a cheap brand of kibble (or any brand that includes soy, corn, wheat, sugar, artificial preservatives and flavorings etc. such as Science Diet, Purina, Royal Canin), your pug will suffer the consequences of these toxins and molds and, quite-often, allergy-causing ingredients. Additionally, many brands have been linked with cardiomyopathy and other serious health conditions. So, choose your brands wisely. We recommend PawTree plus raw and Honest Kitchen Topper.
Raw
We include raw meat with the dry dog food/kibble with every breakfast for our pugs. Why? If you only feed commercial kibble -- which on average contains 30-70% carbohydrates -- you may find high levels of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, allergies, and other health conditions.
Raw meat is good for your pug because:
Note: It is important to FREEZE raw meat (then thaw and feed immediately) before feeding it to your dog. So, you are not going to plop a spoon of ground beef you just bought at the grocery store to give to your pug. Always freeze the meat (deep freeze), then thaw and serve (or feed frozen).
We include raw meat with the dry dog food/kibble with every breakfast for our pugs. Why? If you only feed commercial kibble -- which on average contains 30-70% carbohydrates -- you may find high levels of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, allergies, and other health conditions.
Raw meat is good for your pug because:
- It contains nutrients that are more bioavailable for dogs to digest than commercially prepared food.
- It naturally contains active enzymes that help dogs breakdown and consume nutrients.
- It offers the perfect ratio of omega fatty acids, amino acids, enzymes, intracellular moisture, and vitamins to reduce inflammation and prevent allergic reactions.
- Over time, most animals will increase their digestive enzyme production and be able to digest raw.
- In some cases, the addition of enzymes or gentle cooking can help sort out the problem.
Note: It is important to FREEZE raw meat (then thaw and feed immediately) before feeding it to your dog. So, you are not going to plop a spoon of ground beef you just bought at the grocery store to give to your pug. Always freeze the meat (deep freeze), then thaw and serve (or feed frozen).
- It prevents bacteria from growing and ensures the food remains safe to thaw and serve.
- Freezing helps inactivate bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
- Storing raw dog food at temperatures below freezing stops the growth of dangerous microbes.
Special Dinner Recipes:
turkey alfredo recipe
The perfect recipe to include your fur baby in your next Italian dinner night!
Ingredients:
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is just
too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or garlic
or onions. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions:
Mix mozzarella cheese, plain yogurt and pawPairings® Superfood Seasoning Italian Blend to make a “sauce.” Pour over your chosen base (freeze-dried raw, or kibble+raw, or cooked kibble+cooked turkey) and stir. Top with crumbled Freeze-Dried Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans & Cranberries pawTreats and stir once more.
Serve with love.
Ingredients:
- 1 Teaspoon Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (low sodium if possible)
- 1/4 Cup Plain Non-Fat Yogurt (no added sugars or artificial sweeteners)
- 2-3 Freeze-Dried Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans & Cranberries pawTreats®
- 1 Teaspoon pawPairings® Superfood Seasoning Italian Blend
- 2-3 Tablespoons (approximately) warm water or broth
- Base (Choose ONE of the following):
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is just
too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or garlic
or onions. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions:
Mix mozzarella cheese, plain yogurt and pawPairings® Superfood Seasoning Italian Blend to make a “sauce.” Pour over your chosen base (freeze-dried raw, or kibble+raw, or cooked kibble+cooked turkey) and stir. Top with crumbled Freeze-Dried Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans & Cranberries pawTreats and stir once more.
Serve with love.
duck l'orage
Ingredients:
seasonings. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the bottom of this webpage. Avoid salt, onions etc.)
Directions:
Hydrate the Honest Kitchen in a small bowl with warm water. In a blender or food processor, blend the apple, orange, honey, and broth. Stir inthe hydrated honest kitchen and mix into the raw Duck (or cooked duck if preferred). Top this wet mixture over the dry food/kibble and stir until well blended. Sprinkle the Duck Medley Superfood Seasoning over and serve with love.
- 1 Teaspoon Honey (ideally, organic and locally made)
- 1 slice of apple (any variety - remove seeds and core)
- 1 slice fresh orange (no seeds - we love using navel oranges) (or 2-3 slices fresh mandarin orange)
- 2-3 Tablespoons Chicken Broth
- pawPairings® Duck Medley Superfood Seasoning
- 1/3 cup Real Duck & Chickpeas Recipe
- 1/4 cup (or a spoonful or 2) of Fine Ground Whole Duck (Thaw just before feeding, or overnight in fridge)
seasonings. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the bottom of this webpage. Avoid salt, onions etc.)
- 1/8 cup Honest Kitchen Whole Grain Fruit and Veggies Base Mix (hydrated in warm water). This contains Organic Oats, Organic Flaxseed, Organic Barley, Organic Quinoa, Dehydrated Pumpkin, Dehydrated Carrots, Dehydrated Parsnips, Dried Apples, Dried Cranberries, Dehydrated Green Beans, Dehydrated Broccoli, Dehydrated Kale, Dehydrated Organic Kelp, Turmeric, Minerals
Directions:
Hydrate the Honest Kitchen in a small bowl with warm water. In a blender or food processor, blend the apple, orange, honey, and broth. Stir inthe hydrated honest kitchen and mix into the raw Duck (or cooked duck if preferred). Top this wet mixture over the dry food/kibble and stir until well blended. Sprinkle the Duck Medley Superfood Seasoning over and serve with love.
power breakfast bowl recipe
Start your fur babies’ day off on the right paw with a delicious and nutritious breakfast treat.
Ingredients:
What a great start to their day!
Ingredients:
- 1/4 Teaspoon Ground Flaxseeds
- 2 Tablespoons Blueberries
- 3-4 Slices of Banana
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet Potato, diced
- 2-3 Freeze-Dried Turkey, Apples & Cinnamon pawTreats®
- 1 Teaspoon pawPairings® Chicken Medley Superfood Seasoning
- 2 Tablespoons Sweet Potato, diced
What a great start to their day!
Pawliday Dinner Kit Recipes:
turkey and rice pawliday dinner
Ingredients:
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is
just too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or
garlic or onions. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions:
Mix the brown rice with the blend of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots and broth. Sprinkle in some pawPairings Superfood Seasoning and top over the base of your choice. The final touch is important to your pug -- add the pawTreats ;)
- 1/4 cup cooked brown rice
- 1 cup cooked cauliflower, broccoli, and carrot blend
- 1 teaspoon pawPairings Turkey Medley Superfood Seasoning
- 2-3 Freeze-Dried Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans and Cranberries pawTreats
- 2-3 Tablespoons (approximately) warm water or broth
- Base (Choose ONE of the following):
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is
just too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or
garlic or onions. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions:
Mix the brown rice with the blend of cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots and broth. Sprinkle in some pawPairings Superfood Seasoning and top over the base of your choice. The final touch is important to your pug -- add the pawTreats ;)
turkey and green bean dinner
Ingredients:
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is
too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or
or onions or garlic. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions: Mix rice, carrots, and green beans. Season with pawPairings Superfood Seasoning. Use this mixture as a topper for either the freeze-dried raw food or kibble/dry food +raw or cooked meat as you choose. Don't forget to add the pawTreats for a finishing touch!
- 1/4 cup cooked rice
- 1/4 cup carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green beans
- 1 teaspoon Turkey Medley pawPairings Superfood Seasoning
- 2-3 Freeze-Dried turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans & Cranberries pawTreats
- Base (Choose ONE of the following):
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Raw Turkey. (Thaw just before feeding, or
overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Turkey Brown Rice Dry Food/Kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked turkey chicken
muscle meat (breast, thigh etc.) For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat is
too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or
or onions or garlic. Refer to the dog-friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions: Mix rice, carrots, and green beans. Season with pawPairings Superfood Seasoning. Use this mixture as a topper for either the freeze-dried raw food or kibble/dry food +raw or cooked meat as you choose. Don't forget to add the pawTreats for a finishing touch!
Turduckmoochevon
For when you just can't decide what protein to use for dinner. Turkey, Duck, Beef, and Goat! But of course. We give this for breakfast when we are getting lots of furry eyeball guilt trip looks from the grumble.
pumpkin casserole
Ingredients:
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Real Chicken & Sweet Potato - dry food/kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Beef Supreme (Thaw just before
feeding, or overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Real Chicken & Sweet Potato - dry food/kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked beef (we
like to use the beef strips, unseasoned). For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat
is just too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or garlic
or onions. Refer to the dog friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions: Combine the sweet potato puree, broccoli, and cranberries in a bowl. Season with pawPairings Superfood Seasoning and top over the rehydrated beef, (or kibble/raw or kibble/cooked beef). Don't forget the finishing touch -- crushed pawTreats!
- 1/4 cup sweet puree (either make yourself -- adding no salt and only seasonings on "safe" list below -- or canned pumpkin .... NOT pie mix)
- 1 teaspoon pawPairings Beef Medley Superfood
- 2-3 Freeze-Dried Bison, Pumpkin & Carrot meatballs pawTreat
- Base (Choose ONE of the following):
or
2. 1/4-1/3 cup Real Chicken & Sweet Potato - dry food/kibble topped with a spoonful or 2 of Fine Ground Beef Supreme (Thaw just before
feeding, or overnight in fridge)
or
3. 1/4-1/3 cup Real Chicken & Sweet Potato - dry food/kibble topped with a couple of small pieces (1/4 cup approximately) of cooked beef (we
like to use the beef strips, unseasoned). For some people, (perhaps those with an autoimmune disease, or small children), handling raw meat
is just too risky. While you will lose many of the enzymes and wonderful benefits of raw meat, you can still add some extra protein and
deliciousness with some cooked meat. We often make our own broth and cook some thighs or other meat with some carrots and such. We
use the broth for toppers and we dehydrate the meat for training treats. Whether boiling or baking, remember to cook with NO salt or garlic
or onions. Refer to the dog friendly seasonings listed at the the bottom of this webpage.
Directions: Combine the sweet potato puree, broccoli, and cranberries in a bowl. Season with pawPairings Superfood Seasoning and top over the rehydrated beef, (or kibble/raw or kibble/cooked beef). Don't forget the finishing touch -- crushed pawTreats!
homemade pet-friendly gravy
Gravy is a classic part of pawliday meals. This gravy requires only three ingredients and is extremely easy to make! With pawPairings® Chicken or Beef Bone Broth as its base, it’s a tasty and safe way to add pawliday cheer to your fur baby's everyday kibble.
Ingredients:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup water
- 4 tablespoons pawPairings® Chicken or Beef Bone Broth
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch*
- In a small saucepan, add water and whisk in the cornstarch, breaking up any lumps.
- Add the bone broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens to the desired texture.
- Allow the gravy to cool completely before using it as a tasty topper.
Pumpkin Pie Pupcakes
Pumpkin is the flavor of the pawlidays! And did you know that pumpkin is really beneficial for digestion? This year, let your pet in on the pumpkin fun with these delicious pupcakes. Made with pawTreats® Gourmet Baking Mix, this fun take on cupcakes will make your pup drool with delight.
Ingredients:
Spoil your fur baby with this perfect Pawliday treat!
*Note: Please ensure the pumpkin purée used is safe for pets and doesn't contain any added spices or sweeteners. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the suitability of ingredients for your pet's diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 pawTreats® Gourmet Baking Mix Snicker'doodles'
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 1 egg
- Pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)*
- Whipped cream
- Ground cinnamon (for garnish)
- For pupcakes, follow instructions on packaging.
- Cool pupcakes after baking.
- Add a teaspoon of pumpkin purée and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Sprinkle with a touch of ground cinnamon for extra holiday flavor.
Spoil your fur baby with this perfect Pawliday treat!
*Note: Please ensure the pumpkin purée used is safe for pets and doesn't contain any added spices or sweeteners. Always consult with your veterinarian regarding the suitability of ingredients for your pet's diet.
puptails for new years eve - Muttjito
Muttjito
Ingredients:
Coconut water
2-3 Mint Leaves
Sweet Potato Stick
Directions: Blend together 1/2 cup of coconut water with a few mint leaves. Stir with a sweet potato stick.
Ingredients:
Coconut water
2-3 Mint Leaves
Sweet Potato Stick
Directions: Blend together 1/2 cup of coconut water with a few mint leaves. Stir with a sweet potato stick.
tiffany's ball drop superfood treat
Ingredients:
Directions:
Spirulina is a natural algae made up of amino acids and essential fatty acids. It can help strengthen your dogs immune system and cleanse the body of toxins. Spirulina is a natural antihistamine and can help reduce allergies. With vitamins A, B, and E, spirulina can also improve skin and coat health.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it a great supplement for dogs with joint issues and arthritis. This amazing antioxidant can help prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver disease.
Coconut oil is both antiviral and antibacterial making it a wonderful option to boost your dog's immune system. With high levels of healthy fats, coconut oil has been known to improve digestion, relieve itchy skin and add extra shine to your pug's coat!
- Gingerlicious Snaps Mix
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 cup Spirulina
- 1/3 cup Coconut Oil (not melted, room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Turmeric
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter (avoid xylitol and other dangerous ingredients for dogs)
- 1/2 cup coconut flakes for rolling (or coconut flour)
Directions:
- Heat oven to 325°F
- In a large bowl, Mix one package of the Gingerlicious mix in a medium-sized bowl, stirring in 1/2 cup cold water. Add spirulina, turmeric, coconut oil, peanut butter and mix together until evenly combined. Use a tablespoon to spoon off enough of the mixture to form into a small ball. Repeat until all the mixture is gone. You can also roll the balls into coconut flakes until each one is lightly covered. If you prefer, you can roll out the mixture and cut out shaped cookies with your favorite cookie cutters. (Tip: you might need to add some additional gluten free flour, or oat flour, or coconut flour to get the right consistency, plus additional flour for the rolling pin and surface.)
- Place the balls (or cut out cookie shapes) on ungreased cookie sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes in a conventional oven, until firm. Remove from sheet and place on wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container once cooled.
- FORM one rounded teaspoon of dough into balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheet; flatten balls with palm of your hand to about 1⁄4" thickness (or use cookie cutters to make shapes).
- BAKE for 25 to 30 minutes (in a conventional oven), until firm.
Spirulina is a natural algae made up of amino acids and essential fatty acids. It can help strengthen your dogs immune system and cleanse the body of toxins. Spirulina is a natural antihistamine and can help reduce allergies. With vitamins A, B, and E, spirulina can also improve skin and coat health.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, making it a great supplement for dogs with joint issues and arthritis. This amazing antioxidant can help prevent diseases such as cancer, diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, and liver disease.
Coconut oil is both antiviral and antibacterial making it a wonderful option to boost your dog's immune system. With high levels of healthy fats, coconut oil has been known to improve digestion, relieve itchy skin and add extra shine to your pug's coat!
tba - share your recipes which use pawtree products and the winning recipe will receive a free gift card!
Seasonings:
Whether you’re looking to make homemade food for your dog, wanting to help improve a specific medical condition, or just wanting to add some flavor to your dog’s dry food, seasonings can be a very useful tool!
What seasonings can dogs have? So many things that are considered healthy for humans are poisonous to dogs. For example, grapes are full of vitamins and minerals, so they’re great for humans. But if a dog has too many grapes, it can cause severe kidney damage. Avoid onions, garlic, SALT.
When it comes to seasonings, spices, and herbs, most of them are ok to feed your dog, but there are a few that you should stay away from.
This means the question shouldn’t be which ones CAN they have. The question should be which ones are GOOD for them. It’s not just about flavor, it’s about health.
For us, we love the PawTree Seasonings because they've taken the worry out of it for us -- the pugs LOVE every single flavor variety and we know they are "superfoods" and healthy for our pugs. We won't make a mistake.
Whether you’re looking to make homemade food for your dog, wanting to help improve a specific medical condition, or just wanting to add some flavor to your dog’s dry food, seasonings can be a very useful tool!
What seasonings can dogs have? So many things that are considered healthy for humans are poisonous to dogs. For example, grapes are full of vitamins and minerals, so they’re great for humans. But if a dog has too many grapes, it can cause severe kidney damage. Avoid onions, garlic, SALT.
When it comes to seasonings, spices, and herbs, most of them are ok to feed your dog, but there are a few that you should stay away from.
This means the question shouldn’t be which ones CAN they have. The question should be which ones are GOOD for them. It’s not just about flavor, it’s about health.
For us, we love the PawTree Seasonings because they've taken the worry out of it for us -- the pugs LOVE every single flavor variety and we know they are "superfoods" and healthy for our pugs. We won't make a mistake.
However, sometimes it's just fun to "create" something for them so we'll address which seasonings are safe if you want to DIY.
Seasonings to Avoid:
Several everyday herbs and spices are dangerous for dogs. Some can be toxic and may cause medical issues ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the spices your pug can NOT have in significant amounts without digestive upset or, in some cases, more serious health issues:
Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin which can trigger stomach upset even in small amounts. In larger doses, nutmeg can cause disorientation, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and even seizures. It’s unlikely for a dog to ingest enough nutmeg to develop a toxic reaction, but it’s safest to simply say dogs can’t have nutmeg. Avoid prepared spice blends that may contain nutmeg as well (that means no gingerbreak mix or pumpkin pie seasoning. You can make your own dog-safe pumpkin spice blend instead.
Onion and garlic and chives: The thiosulfates in them can cause stomach upset and hemolytic anemia. A toxic dose is about 0.5% of a dog’s body weight—roughly 100 grams per 20 kilograms of body weight. For a 50-pound dog, consuming one medium-to-large onion could lead to toxicity. Garlic is 3-5 times more toxic than onion, and onion powder is more toxic for dogs than fresh or cooked onions. (If you think your pug has eaten onion, call your veterinarian—especially if they’re showing symptoms. Signs of toxicity may include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, racing heartbeat, or fainting.)
Salt Dogs can eat food with salt, but it’s easy to overdo it. Signs of salt toxicity can develop with doses as small as 2-3 grams per kilogram of body weight—that’s less than a teaspoon for a toy breed dog. Doses upwards of 4 grams per kilogram of body weight can be fatal. A little bit of salt may only increase your dog’s thirst and urination, putting them at risk for dehydration. When consumed in excess, however, salt can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clinical signs of toxicity can develop within minutes to hours of consumption, so call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline as soon as you discover your dog has eaten salt or consumed a large quantity of salty foods like pretzels, chips, processed meat, or cheese.
Several everyday herbs and spices are dangerous for dogs. Some can be toxic and may cause medical issues ranging from mild to severe. Here are some of the spices your pug can NOT have in significant amounts without digestive upset or, in some cases, more serious health issues:
- Allspice
- Bay leaf
- Black pepper
- Caraway
- Cayenne
- Chicken (poultry) seasoning
- Chives
- Cloves
- Cocoa powder
- Garlic
- Mace
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Onion
- Paprika
- Pumpkin pie spice
- Salt
- Scallions
- Tarragon
Nutmeg contains a toxin called myristicin which can trigger stomach upset even in small amounts. In larger doses, nutmeg can cause disorientation, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and even seizures. It’s unlikely for a dog to ingest enough nutmeg to develop a toxic reaction, but it’s safest to simply say dogs can’t have nutmeg. Avoid prepared spice blends that may contain nutmeg as well (that means no gingerbreak mix or pumpkin pie seasoning. You can make your own dog-safe pumpkin spice blend instead.
Onion and garlic and chives: The thiosulfates in them can cause stomach upset and hemolytic anemia. A toxic dose is about 0.5% of a dog’s body weight—roughly 100 grams per 20 kilograms of body weight. For a 50-pound dog, consuming one medium-to-large onion could lead to toxicity. Garlic is 3-5 times more toxic than onion, and onion powder is more toxic for dogs than fresh or cooked onions. (If you think your pug has eaten onion, call your veterinarian—especially if they’re showing symptoms. Signs of toxicity may include lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting, pale gums, racing heartbeat, or fainting.)
Salt Dogs can eat food with salt, but it’s easy to overdo it. Signs of salt toxicity can develop with doses as small as 2-3 grams per kilogram of body weight—that’s less than a teaspoon for a toy breed dog. Doses upwards of 4 grams per kilogram of body weight can be fatal. A little bit of salt may only increase your dog’s thirst and urination, putting them at risk for dehydration. When consumed in excess, however, salt can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clinical signs of toxicity can develop within minutes to hours of consumption, so call your vet or the Pet Poison Helpline as soon as you discover your dog has eaten salt or consumed a large quantity of salty foods like pretzels, chips, processed meat, or cheese.
Using Seasonings and Spices to Solve Specific Issues
When adding flavor to your dog’s food, try choosing the seasonings that will best help specific issues your dog might be facing. Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes as far back as we can date, and they’re still used to this day as you'll see below.
By seasoning the dog food, not only are you adding to the flavor, but you’re also increasing their quality of life. No, these herbs are not as powerful as prescription medication, nor are they meant to replace any type of medication recommended by your vet. But they are a great supplement to add to your dog’s diet to improve their overall health.
Pain and Arthritis: You can use the following herbs and spices to help alleviate some of the pain. These won’t provide a miracle cure, but even helping your dog get some pain relief is better than nothing. Worst case, you’ve added flavor to their food, so you have nothing to lose.
Alfalfa: This is probably the most recommended anti-inflammatory by natural vets. It’s recommended to sprinkle this herb over your dog’s food on a daily basis. There’s no need to add more than a pinch of alfalfa to your dog’s diet. Other than pain relief, alfalfa is excellent for the kidneys because it balances out the urine, preventing the urine from becoming too acidic.
Cayenne Pepper: The most significant benefit of adding a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to your dog’s food is that it opens up the blood vessels, which helps circulate blood throughout the body. Blood carries vital nutrients to help with pain relief in muscles, tendons, and joints. It also contains capsaicin, which has been shown to relieve joint pain temporarily.
Peppermint: It’s best to use peppermint in the form of essential oil. Simply sprinkle 2-3 drops on your dog’s food (or in the water). Peppermint works as a pain reliever by causing the muscles to relax. Tense muscles usually lead to aches and pains, relaxed muscles typically lead to pain relief.
Turmeric: This is great for both you and your dog! So, if you’re suffering from pain, you can use turmeric as well. The reason turmeric helps with pain relief is that it contains curcumin, a natural and potent anti-inflammatory. With that said, keep in mind some dogs have a hard time digesting turmeric, so it’s imperative to start small and see how your dog digests it. If they’re having trouble with digestion, you can use turmeric along with one of the herbs in the following section about digestion.
Improve Digestion: It’s not uncommon for dogs to have digestive issues. In fact, just about every dog owner knows what it’s like to wake up and instantly realize that your dog “had an accident” inside the house. Whether your dog is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, the following seasonings can help.
Carob is one of the best ways to help dogs properly digest food is to increase their fiver and pectin intake. Luckily, carob is high in both. This herb comes from a tree in the Mediterranean and doesn’t contain any caffeine. However, it does contain a tiny amount of the stimulant theobromine. If you notice your dog becomes extra hyper when supplementing with carob, you may want to try something else.
Chia Seeds: If your dog is suffering from diarrhea or is gassy, chia seeds are worth a shot. Chia seeds will slow down the conversion of carbs into sugar, which will allow for full absorption of the vital nutrients. Keep the dosage small since these seeds are potent. You should give your dog about ¼ teaspoon for every 10 pounds of bodyweight.
Cilantro: If your pug has an upset stomach, then you should consider adding cilantro to their food. Cilantro is high in zinc, potassium, and is full of vitamin A and C. Most dogs won’t mind the taste, but some dogs will refuse to eat their food if they smell cilantro…to each their own!
Ceylon Cinnamon: Dogs that have bad flatulence (trust us, you’ll know if your dog does) can benefit significantly from adding Ceylon Cinnamon to their diet. One critical note is to make sure it’s Ceylon and not cassia. Cassia is the primary type of cinnamon, but it contains coumarin, which can damage the liver. Sprinkle some Ceylon Cinnamon over your dog’s food. The flatulence shouldn’t be nearly as bad.
Dill is one of the best overall digestion aids for dogs (and humans alike). It’s full of flavonoids and even has anti-inflammatory properties. Dill can help break down food in the digestive tract, so if your dog is a fast eater or eats everything he sees on the floor, add some dill to the diet.
Sea Salt (SMALL AMOUNTS - check with your vet first!!! ) One of the many reasons a dog might be suffering from digestive issues is that their body isn’t producing enough hydrochloric acid, which is an acid that helps with digestion. Sea salt can help produce more hydrochloric acid in your dog’s stomach, which will aid in digestion.
Dandelion: In the dog world, dandelion has been called “the near-perfect plant” and for right reason! There are countless benefits to adding dandelion to your dog’s diet, digestion being one of the main ones. Dandelion acts as a prebiotic, which helps feed the good bacteria in the gut—keeping the good bacteria healthy decreases the chances of digestive issues.
Anxiety/Stress: Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from stress and anxiety…and not just separation anxiety. Some breeds are hyper-nervous and stress over every little thing. Three herbs, in particular, will help calm anxiety and stress.
Chamomile does a great job of calming the brain and relaxing the body. The good news is it does the same thing for dogs. You can even combine chamomile with other root herbs such as valerian for an even more potent relaxation formula.
Catnip isn’t just for cats! Catnip does a great job acting as a natural sedative for pets. Many dog owners choose to use catnip as a travel sedative since it might cause your dog to become drowsy. It’s also a great idea to use catnip when you know your dog is going to be scared, such as the fourth of July or during a thunderstorm.
St. John’s Wort: Although this isn’t technically a seasoning, it’s still worth mentioning if your dog suffers from anxiety. St. John’s Wort is primarily used to treat depression in both humans and dogs, it also does a great job at reducing anxiety. When taken correctly, the serotonin and dopamine levels in your dog will increase. High serotonin and dopamine levels are directly related to low stress and anxiety.
Cancer: Before we begin this final section on seasonings and herbs for dogs that can help with cancer, please remember these are NOT meant to substitute what your vet recommends. Always stick with the medication prescribed by the vet and use these as an aid.
Instead of going into detail on each one of these like we did in the previous section, we are going to list them in a bullet point. The reason for this is because cancer is a sensitive subject, and all these seeds have the same thing in common…they contain antioxidants that can help fight both cancer and diseases.
When adding flavor to your dog’s food, try choosing the seasonings that will best help specific issues your dog might be facing. Herbs have been used for medicinal purposes as far back as we can date, and they’re still used to this day as you'll see below.
By seasoning the dog food, not only are you adding to the flavor, but you’re also increasing their quality of life. No, these herbs are not as powerful as prescription medication, nor are they meant to replace any type of medication recommended by your vet. But they are a great supplement to add to your dog’s diet to improve their overall health.
Pain and Arthritis: You can use the following herbs and spices to help alleviate some of the pain. These won’t provide a miracle cure, but even helping your dog get some pain relief is better than nothing. Worst case, you’ve added flavor to their food, so you have nothing to lose.
Alfalfa: This is probably the most recommended anti-inflammatory by natural vets. It’s recommended to sprinkle this herb over your dog’s food on a daily basis. There’s no need to add more than a pinch of alfalfa to your dog’s diet. Other than pain relief, alfalfa is excellent for the kidneys because it balances out the urine, preventing the urine from becoming too acidic.
Cayenne Pepper: The most significant benefit of adding a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to your dog’s food is that it opens up the blood vessels, which helps circulate blood throughout the body. Blood carries vital nutrients to help with pain relief in muscles, tendons, and joints. It also contains capsaicin, which has been shown to relieve joint pain temporarily.
Peppermint: It’s best to use peppermint in the form of essential oil. Simply sprinkle 2-3 drops on your dog’s food (or in the water). Peppermint works as a pain reliever by causing the muscles to relax. Tense muscles usually lead to aches and pains, relaxed muscles typically lead to pain relief.
Turmeric: This is great for both you and your dog! So, if you’re suffering from pain, you can use turmeric as well. The reason turmeric helps with pain relief is that it contains curcumin, a natural and potent anti-inflammatory. With that said, keep in mind some dogs have a hard time digesting turmeric, so it’s imperative to start small and see how your dog digests it. If they’re having trouble with digestion, you can use turmeric along with one of the herbs in the following section about digestion.
Improve Digestion: It’s not uncommon for dogs to have digestive issues. In fact, just about every dog owner knows what it’s like to wake up and instantly realize that your dog “had an accident” inside the house. Whether your dog is suffering from diarrhea or constipation, the following seasonings can help.
Carob is one of the best ways to help dogs properly digest food is to increase their fiver and pectin intake. Luckily, carob is high in both. This herb comes from a tree in the Mediterranean and doesn’t contain any caffeine. However, it does contain a tiny amount of the stimulant theobromine. If you notice your dog becomes extra hyper when supplementing with carob, you may want to try something else.
Chia Seeds: If your dog is suffering from diarrhea or is gassy, chia seeds are worth a shot. Chia seeds will slow down the conversion of carbs into sugar, which will allow for full absorption of the vital nutrients. Keep the dosage small since these seeds are potent. You should give your dog about ¼ teaspoon for every 10 pounds of bodyweight.
Cilantro: If your pug has an upset stomach, then you should consider adding cilantro to their food. Cilantro is high in zinc, potassium, and is full of vitamin A and C. Most dogs won’t mind the taste, but some dogs will refuse to eat their food if they smell cilantro…to each their own!
Ceylon Cinnamon: Dogs that have bad flatulence (trust us, you’ll know if your dog does) can benefit significantly from adding Ceylon Cinnamon to their diet. One critical note is to make sure it’s Ceylon and not cassia. Cassia is the primary type of cinnamon, but it contains coumarin, which can damage the liver. Sprinkle some Ceylon Cinnamon over your dog’s food. The flatulence shouldn’t be nearly as bad.
Dill is one of the best overall digestion aids for dogs (and humans alike). It’s full of flavonoids and even has anti-inflammatory properties. Dill can help break down food in the digestive tract, so if your dog is a fast eater or eats everything he sees on the floor, add some dill to the diet.
Sea Salt (SMALL AMOUNTS - check with your vet first!!! ) One of the many reasons a dog might be suffering from digestive issues is that their body isn’t producing enough hydrochloric acid, which is an acid that helps with digestion. Sea salt can help produce more hydrochloric acid in your dog’s stomach, which will aid in digestion.
Dandelion: In the dog world, dandelion has been called “the near-perfect plant” and for right reason! There are countless benefits to adding dandelion to your dog’s diet, digestion being one of the main ones. Dandelion acts as a prebiotic, which helps feed the good bacteria in the gut—keeping the good bacteria healthy decreases the chances of digestive issues.
Anxiety/Stress: Dogs, just like humans, can suffer from stress and anxiety…and not just separation anxiety. Some breeds are hyper-nervous and stress over every little thing. Three herbs, in particular, will help calm anxiety and stress.
Chamomile does a great job of calming the brain and relaxing the body. The good news is it does the same thing for dogs. You can even combine chamomile with other root herbs such as valerian for an even more potent relaxation formula.
Catnip isn’t just for cats! Catnip does a great job acting as a natural sedative for pets. Many dog owners choose to use catnip as a travel sedative since it might cause your dog to become drowsy. It’s also a great idea to use catnip when you know your dog is going to be scared, such as the fourth of July or during a thunderstorm.
St. John’s Wort: Although this isn’t technically a seasoning, it’s still worth mentioning if your dog suffers from anxiety. St. John’s Wort is primarily used to treat depression in both humans and dogs, it also does a great job at reducing anxiety. When taken correctly, the serotonin and dopamine levels in your dog will increase. High serotonin and dopamine levels are directly related to low stress and anxiety.
Cancer: Before we begin this final section on seasonings and herbs for dogs that can help with cancer, please remember these are NOT meant to substitute what your vet recommends. Always stick with the medication prescribed by the vet and use these as an aid.
Instead of going into detail on each one of these like we did in the previous section, we are going to list them in a bullet point. The reason for this is because cancer is a sensitive subject, and all these seeds have the same thing in common…they contain antioxidants that can help fight both cancer and diseases.
- Caraway Seeds
- Garlic
- Green Tea
- Kelp
- Spirulina
- Thyme
