Can Dogs Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Safety Guide
Can Dogs Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning: Like some of you, I love to grill and I can’t tell any weekend that has gone by without me grilling a lump of meat or fish, and this act doesn’t go alone as I love to season with the tastiest seasoning I can lay my hands on.
Living in a multi-pet home where I have cats and dogs, I can attest to how quickly they love to stroll around once they perceive the greatness going on in my grilling spot, but I still have to screen them out so they don’t consume my smoker pellets, or what I don’t want them to consume.
I also have kids which means sometimes, my pets may partake of human foods, all thanks to my kids! But surprisingly, my dog doesn’t react to most of the foods, or tuna and chicken in lemon pepper given to them, but does that make lemon pepper seasoning right for them? let us find out!
Can Dogs Have Lemon Pepper Seasoning?
To understand if we should let our canine buddy partake of our lemon pepper seasoning, we first have to understand what is used in making this seasoning. Lemon pepper seasoning is a spice made of Salt, Black pepper, Lemon zest, Modified corn Starch, Sugar, Citric acid, onion, and garlic.
A few of the ingredients used in making lemon pepper seasoning may not be harmful to your dog depending on the amount served, while the rest may pose a serious threat even by just letting your dog inhale a food containing this seasoning.
Dogs should not be given lemon pepper seasoning even in little amounts, as your dog could be having an underlying disease that may react with any of the ingredients present in the seasoning. Technically, your dogs may eat little of this seasoning without any complications, but to be on the side of safety and for the reason that the seasoning does not have many nutritional benefits, it is best to avoid feeding your dog any food that contains lemon pepper seasoning.
Ingredients used in lemon pepper seasoning and their impacts on dogs
To understand further why you shouldn’t let your dog snack on that lemon-peppered seasoned treat at will, let us take a deeper dive into the ingredients used:
Black pepper
Your dog can safely eat a little black pepper. Black pepper has no nutritional value, thus feeding it to your dog is unwise. Black pepper in big amounts causes hemorrhoids, digestive tract inflammation, and respiratory issues in dogs.
After ingesting a little lemon pepper seasoning, your dog may have persistent sneeze bouts but no stomach pain. But if you keep exposing your dog or let them eat a lot, you may notice worse symptoms. Most DIY dog deterrents contain black pepper since many dogs dislike it.
Lemon Peels
Lemon can be dangerous to dogs as it contains essential oils limonene and linalool, according to Wag. The peels also contain psoralen which can cause gastrointestinal obstructions and make your dog sick if consumed in large quantities.
Also, there is a risk of choking hazards for your dog. But I guess the amount used in whatever you gave your dog may not be significant enough to trigger all these symptoms.
Onions
Onions are a house to thiosulphate, which can be very toxic to dogs when large quantities are ingested. Ingesting onions can lead to hemolytic anemia and methemoglobinemia which happens as a result of the destruction of the red blood cells.
Salt
Salt helps your dog develop and grow through fluid balance, nerve signal transmission, and acid-base balance. The Association of American Feed Control Officials recommends 0.3% sodium/salt in dog dry diets. High sodium consumption causes thirst and water intake, and excessive sodium can be passed through the urine, however giving your dog lemon pepper spice can cause excessive bodily water or high blood pressure. In lemon pepper spice, you can’t measure your dog’s salt intake, which is 5–1.5 grams per 100 grams.
Garlic powder
You can’t unlock some taste and aroma if garlic isn’t included in your lemon pepper seasoning, but this comes at a cost if you intend to give your dog some.
Garlic is known for its wonderful antibacterial properties that are effective in preventing infection in wounds and cuts. Despite having these great qualities, be sure that it will cause anemia for your dog if you let them ingest some.
Modified Corn Starch
Corn starch that has been modified can prove to be problematic for your dog. Cornstarch is used to thicken or bind, which means even though you refrigerate or cook the ingredients, they don’t separate.
As a result of the ammonia gas used to treat processed cornstarch, your dog may have allergic reactions or upset stomach.
My Dog Ate Lemon Pepper Seasoning, What Will Happen?
The reaction your dog may exhibit after eating some lemon pepper seasoning will vary depending on the weight, size, and health condition of the dog.
You will generally notice mild symptoms if your dog consumed just a little amount, but if that is not the case, the symptom may be more severe.
The possible reactions o the spice are as follows
- Allergic reactions
- finding it difficult to breathe well
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- Fainting
- you will notice redness in their ears and eyes
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Death or coma may result from the respiratory system collapse.
Take into consideration, the health of your dog before you introduce any new food or treat. A dog with existing sensitivities or allergies will certainly react to lemon pepper seasoning.
What Should I do if my dog ate lemon pepper?
The adverse effects of my dog eating a lot of lemon pepper seasoning panicked my wife, and the dog was in serious condition. In such instances, you must stop panicking to take the appropriate steps to revive your dog. Depending on the symptoms, a bland diet like chicken can assist. A vet consultation will establish if you require activated charcoal or hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Consult your vet beforehand.
Can dogs Eat Lemon pepper seasoning? – Final Thoughts
lemon pepper seasoning has no benefits for your dog, making it an irrelevant addition to your dog’s meal. You can instead try homemade pumpkin treats or homemade gluten-free treats that would not lead to unnecessary panicking and hurt for your dog.
Even though dogs can technically consume little amounts, you shouldn’t give them at all as you can’t tell the particular seasoning that your dog may react badly to. Until next time, stay Pawsitive.
