Are you aware of the dos and don’ts of your dogs’ diet? Do you know that some human foods are toxic to dogs and, in severe cases, can be fatal? People love eating food with herbs and seasonings. Thus, as pet parents, they wonder, can dogs eat herbs?
We use herbs to enhance our food’s flavor all the time. Some of us grow herbs in our home garden. We love to garnish almost every other dish with thyme, oregano, cilantro, basil, and several additional herbs. But if you have a dog, you must learn about dogs and herbs.
Let’s learn if herbs are safe for dogs!
Can dogs eat herbs?
Yes, dogs can eat herbs. Herbs not only add flavor to dogs’ meals, but they can also provide multiple health benefits. However, you must see that you are feeding your pup the right herbs in an appropriate quantity. While many herbs are beneficial for dogs, some are toxic to your pup.
If your dog is a fussy eater, try adding some herbs to its food. Dogs appreciate variety as they get bored eating the same bland food every day. The plus point is many herbs are loaded with vitamins and are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, adding these herbs can benefit your fur baby.
Let’s read about herbs for your furry friend to consume!
What herbs are dogs allowed to eat?
Below are the herbs that are safe and healthy for your dogs.
- Turmeric
- Thyme
- Peppermint
- Oregano
- Cilantro
- Sage
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Parsley
- Dill
- Chamomile
- Anise
- Sweet basil
Turmeric
Turmeric is a staple ingredient for many foods. Turmeric is safe for dogs; however, not more than 12 to 20 mg per pound of your pup’s weight should be given. Turmeric improves gut health, improves brain functions, and relieves arthritis pains.
Thyme
Thyme is fibrous and provides tons of health benefits to your dog. The herb is packed with carminative and antispasmodic characteristics, which improve dogs’ digestive systems. Plus, vitamins A, C, K, magnesium, and iron fight damaging free radicals.
Peppermint
Whether peppermint is fresh or dry, it is healthy for dogs. However, avoid treating your dear animal with peppermint candy as it contains xylitol or pennyroyal. Peppermint alleviates irritable bowel syndrome, relieves intestinal gas, and soothes an upset stomach.
Oregano
Oregano, the flavorsome herb, is anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal. It prevents dogs from developing inflammatory diseases, including osteoarthritis, very common in canines. Also, oregano is an antioxidant and boosts dogs’ immunity.
Cilantro
Cilantro is loaded with vitamins A, C, potassium, zinc, and other minerals. It acts as anti-parasitic and anti-diarrhea. Moreover, it has antioxidants and helps dogs fight free radicals and diseases.
Sage
Sage leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, which boost dogs’ immunity and support their skin, bones, and optical health. Besides, they provide dogs with zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus.
Rosemary
Rosemary contains antimicrobial properties; it is suitable for your pup’s digestive system. Plus, it is an antioxidant and can prevent cancer and cardiovascular issues. The herb can alleviate your furry friend’s mood and boosts its memory.
Mint
Mint is a healthy herb as it contains folate, iron, magnesium, copper, niacin, zinc, fibers, manganese, and riboflavin; all elements are beneficial for dogs. The herb aids in digestion, freshens dogs’ breath, and act as an antioxidant.
Parsley
Parsley is a good source of folic acid. Plus, it is rich in vitamins, such as A, C, and K. These vitamins support eye, bone, and skin health. Parsley has a distinctive pleasant aroma and can freshen your pup’s breath.
Dill
Dill has antispasmodic characteristics, which help in maintaining the gastrointestinal tract. ¼ to 1 teaspoon sprinkled on dog food will enhance your pup’s digestive system.
Chamomile
Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can act as a muscle relaxant. It helps in calming dogs’ nerves and acts as a sedative. Cooled chamomile tea is also safe for dogs and can treat inflammatory stomach-related conditions.
Anise seeds
Anise seeds can help enhance your dog’s holistic health. It boosts dogs’ energy and helps them with respiratory issues. Also, powdered anise seeds ease dogs’ diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. While grounded anise seeds have multiple health benefits, it is better to avoid star anise.
Sweet basil
Sweet basil can be used fresh or dried. It contains vitamins A, B complex, C, and E. Plus, it is a good source of minerals and has antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory characteristics. While the herb is safe and beneficial for dogs, it should not be given more than one teaspoon.
While the herbs mentioned above provide various health benefits to canines, you must know that excess of anything can be bad for their health. Do not go overboard even when you use safe and healthy ingredients.
What herbs are not good for dogs?
- Asparagus fern
- Rhubarb
- Spanish thyme
- Chives
- Aloe vera
Asparagus fern
Asparagus fern is not for dogs. If they repeatedly get exposed to the plant, they may develop allergic dermatitis. Besides, consumption of this herb will lead to multiple stomach issues, including diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Rhubarb
Rhubarb is not safe for dogs; whether you feed your pup it raw or cooked. It can trigger vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach-related issues.
Spanish thyme
Spanish thyme is highly toxic to dogs as it contains a chemical called diterpene. Eating Spanish thyme may result in excessive drinking and urinating, diarrhea, anorexia, respiratory issues, and upset stomach.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera can cause vomiting, lethargy, change in urine color, diarrhea, depression, anorexia, and tremors. While the herb is considered safe and even beneficial for humans, keep your pups away from ale vera.
Chives
Chives are harmful to canines as they can rupture dogs’ red blood cells and lead to anemia. It can damage gastrointestinal function and cause several digestive issues in pups.
A small amount of the herbs mentioned above may not result in serious health issues. Still, avoiding them is recommended as they do not provide any health benefits.
How should I give herbs to my dog?
Use the herbs fresh or dried, and sprinkle them on your dog’s food. You can also add them while preparing your pup’s food. Also, many types of herbal oils are available in markets, and you can add drops of them to the dog’s food too. Ensure that you do not add more than the recommended quantity.
When introducing a new herb to your dog, start it with even less than the recommended quantity. Monitor your beloved animal’s reaction to the spice and gradually increase its amount to the vet’s recommended ratio.
What happens if my dog eats a lot of herbs?
Take your pup to any available veterinarian immediately. Consumption of an excessive quantity of herbs can lead to an upset stomach and may cause severe issues. Besides, monitor your dog’s condition and see if it has any poisoning symptoms.
Some herbs can benefit dogs, but if they are given in an inappropriate quantity or if your dog has a medical condition, they can cause poisoning.
Below are the poisoning symptoms in dogs:
- Gas
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
- Heat burn
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
If your pup shows any of these symptoms, it is an indication that it needs professional assistance. So without wasting time, take it to the vet.
Related FAQs to whether dogs can eat herbs
Which herb is best for dogs?
The best herbs for dogs include:
- Rosemary
- Parsley
- Basil
- Peppermint
- Oregano
How do you use herbs for dogs?
You can use them fresh, ground them or garnish dog food. Use beneficial herbs to add flavors to dogs’ treats and let your pup enjoy a delicious yet healthy meal.
Is mint toxic to dogs?
Mint oil is not safe for dogs and can trigger seizures. Consult a vet if you feel your dog is acting abnormally after mint exposure.
Can dogs eat herbes de provence?
Yes, they can. Herbes de Provence includes a combination of rosemary, thyme, oregano savory, and marjoram. Since all these herbs are beneficial for dogs, they can consume them, provided they are given in the recommended quantity.
What spices can dogs eat?
The spices that dogs can safely eat include:
- Turmeric
- Cinnamon
- Cinnamon
- Ginger powder
How much basil can I give to my dog?
Small dogs for about 15 pounds can have only a pinch of basil every day. However, you can give half a teaspoon of basil to your medium-sized (15-40 pounds) dog.
Concluding our views on whether dogs can eat herbs
Dogs’ diet is a significant concern for pet parents, and rightly so. You may have a question about whether you can feed dogs herbs or not. The good news is dogs can eat herbs, and some are beneficial for them. Ensure that you do not add more than the recommended quantity and herbs that are toxic to dogs.
So, add healthy herbs to your dogs’ food and enhance your canine friend’s health.
