So, you’re eating some chicken or pita bread with za’atar on it, and you’re wondering if it’s safe to give your dog a bite? I wouldn’t do it, and this is why…
In general, it’s usually a bad idea to feed a dog anything that has lots of herbs and spices on it. If you want to give your dog some “human food,” it’s best to give them whole foods without any seasoning, such as fresh fruits, steamed vegetables, or grilled chicken.
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Even though many of the herbs commonly used in Za’atar are safe for dogs in moderation, and may even yield some health benefits, other ingredients are questionable. Sumac spice – made from the Sumac berry – is one of the main ingredients in za’atar, and at the time of writing this, it appears that no research has been done on whether or not sumac spice is safe for dogs.
Za’atar spice blends also contain salt. Dogs only need a small amount of sodium in their diet, so it’s generally ill-advised to feed them salted foods.
Lastly, za’atar spice blends sometimes contain hot chili flakes, which can upset your dog’s stomach. It’s never a good idea to feed your dog spicy food.
Za’atar Spice vs. Za’atar (Oregano)
Za’atar is also another word for oregano, which unsurprisingly is another main ingredient in za’atar spice blend. Oregano by itself is not harmful to dogs if fed in moderation, and may even yield some health benefits. If too much is consumed, however, it can become dangerous.
Safe Ways to Season Your Dog’s Food
If you want to add some extra flavor to your dog’s food without risking their health, I recommend putting some tahini and/or nutritional yeast on their food. Both of these foods are beneficial to a dog’s health in small amounts, and I personally feed them to my dogs on a regular basis.
References:
Wishbone Pet Foods. Can Dogs Eat Oregano? Retrieved from: https://wishbonepet.com/can-dogs-eat-oregano/
Wikipedia. Za’atar. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Za%27atar
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