Imagine you’re standing in your kitchen on a cold rainy night. You’re fixing a nice dinner of baked shrimps with Old Bay seasoning. Your doggo stands beside you with big puppy eyes, so you take out three big shrimps for it. But you suddenly ask yourself, can dogs eat Old Bay seasoning?
Can dogs eat Old Bay?
Yes, dogs can eat Old Bay in small amounts, but it is best to avoid it altogether. Although the ingredients in Old Bay seasoning are not particularly toxic for dogs, they are not healthy for pups either. Your dog may end up throwing up or with diarrhea.
Old Bay is an old brand of seasoning (circa 1939). It is a common staple in American households, used as a seasoning for meats and regular dishes. Originally, Old Bay was intended for seafood; it makes an excellent pair with other meat and even rice and veggies. We don’t blame you if you are tempted to feed Old Bay laden meat to your furry friend.
Ingredients of Old Bay
As delicious as Old Bay seasoning is, it has a small number of ingredients:
- Celery salt
- Black pepper
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Mustard
- Salt
- Cardamom
- Cloves
- Ginger
How can Old Bay be bad for your dog?
Pet nutritionists have always believed that dogs must avoid consuming salt and spices. These ingredients upset a dog’s sensitive stomach resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. It is the same with Old Bay seasoning.
The basic ingredients of Old Bay seasoning are not directly toxic for dogs. But if you keep on feeding it to your dog, it may cause severe health problems. One of the most common issues is salt poisoning. Dogs need 6g of sodium per day. Anything more than this quantity can be dangerous in the long run.
The spices in Old Bay may be too harsh for a dog with a sensitive stomach. Your dog can eat food with a little spice, but too much and too often will result in diarrhea. It is also possible that your dog may show signs of an upset stomach immediately after consuming Old Bay.
What to do if your dog has eaten Old Bay?
In case you have fed some Old Bay to your dog and you see any sign of diarrhea or an upset stomach, here’s a list of things you can do:
- Give Pepto-Bismol to your dog. The experts recommend 1 teaspoon per pound of your dog’s weight. You may give the dosage after every 6-8 hours. Call your vet immediately if your dog still has diarrhea after the first few doses.
- You may try to feed soft meals to your dog that are digested easily. For some dogs, this trick works well. But vets recommend giving the dog’s digestive system a rest by
- Stop feeding anything to your dog right after you see signs of diarrhea. You should do this for at least 24 hours. But make sure that your dog takes plenty of water.
- Start giving them light meals the next day. The meals can include boiled chicken, rice, eggs, etc.
- If you see improvement after a couple of days, you may continue regular your dog’s regular diet plan.
- If nothing works, you should rush to the hospital immediately so that your dog can have proper treatment.
Related FAQs to Old Bay and dogs!
What seasonings are safe for dogs?
Dogs can safely eat:
- Anise seeds
- Dill
- Ginger
- Parsley
- Peppermint
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Turmeric
Is garlic powder safe for dogs?
Garlic powder is safe for dogs but only in small amounts. Directly use of garlic is toxic for dogs.
Are dogs allergic to spices?
Spices are not toxic to dogs, but they can severely affect a dog’s digestive system. Some spices in moderation can be good for your dog, while some should always be avoided.
Concluding our thoughts on can dogs eat Old Bay!
Old Bay may be a delicious seasoning for you and your dog. But too much of a good thing can be a bad thing in the long run. If you choose to feed Old Bay to your dog, make sure that the quantity is very little. This way, your dog can eat those shrimps while enjoying the taste of Old Bay without any health concerns.
