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I found mustard seeds listed in the ingredients of my dog's joint supplement chews — is it safe for my 4 kg cat if she steals one?

Cats · Food safety

Last reviewed: 2026-09-05 · Reference ranges: ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline & Merck Veterinary Manual

Short answer

No, keep these chews away from your cat entirely. Mustard seeds are toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and in high doses, heart damage. The concentration in a supplement might be low, but there is no safe amount for a cat. Store the container in a locked cabinet or high shelf she cannot reach. If she does eat one, watch for drooling or abdominal pain and call your vet. It's easier to buy separate, species-specific supplements than to risk a reaction.

Mustard seeds — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Cats · full breakdown on the linked food page

Seeds and powder are toxic — they can cause gastroenteritis; high doses may damage the heart.

Dogs and cats carry the same rating (Do not feed), so the notes below hold for either pet.

Mustard seeds should not be given to cats at all. Even a small amount can do harm, so there is no portion small enough to be safe.

Do not induce vomiting and do not give milk or oil to “dilute” it. Note the food and roughly how much was eaten, then call your vet or a pet poison hotline and follow their advice on whether to bring the pet in straight away.

Why these cautions matter

Stone-fruit pits and some seeds release cyanide when crushed, and quite apart from that they are a choking and blockage hazard.

Mustard seeds has no place in everyday feeding: keep the rest of the day's food unchanged after this and watch the litter box and how quickly they finish the next meal.

The full verdict, portion guidance and serving notes are collected on the Mustard seeds food facts page.

Open the full food page: Mustard seeds food facts →