Suspect poisoning? US: ASPCA Poison Control (888) 426-4435 · UK: 01202 509 000 · Severe symptoms → nearest emergency vet now.

My 7 kg border collie ate a teaspoon of dry mustard seeds from a jar I knocked over — what are the risks?

Dogs · Food safety

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

Short answer

This is an emergency. Mustard seeds can cause severe gastroenteritis and, in larger doses, damage the heart. Expect vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain within a few hours. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet specifically tells you to. Call the ASPCA Poison Control line (888-426-4435) or rush to an emergency clinic immediately. Bring the seed jar so the vet knows exactly what she ingested. Keep her calm and monitor her breathing and gum color on the way.

Mustard seeds — Food safety facts

Do not feed · Dogs · 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 dogs 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 next walk and the stool that comes with it.

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 →