Choosing which herbs to feed your dog can be tricky. While some herbs are good for your dog’s health, others could be toxic or harm their digestion. This can be particularly troublesome if your dog frequently interacts with an herb garden. Since there was no comprehensive list of herbs that dogs could eat online, I created one.
Of course, I’ll elaborate a little bit on each of them. We’ll determine which plants are toxic to dogs and which ones are safe. In later sections of this article, we’ll also discuss the potential side effects some herbs may have on dogs and the potential advantages some herbal plants may have. Let’s get started!.
The simple but unsatisfying answer is: it depends. More precisely, it depends on the herb. Dogs can consume certain herbs like basil, rosemary, and thyme without any issues, but others like chives, garlic, and st john’s wort are toxic and can cause severe symptoms.
I consulted this fantastic list compiled by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) to determine the safety of each plant. If in doubt please always consult your local veterinarian.
It’s important to always keep an eye on your dog’s behavior after consuming new and untested herbs because every dog can respond to herbs differently. Consult your veterinarian for advice on what to do if you observe any unusual symptoms or behaviors.
Dogs are generally thought to be safe around basil, coriander, dill, echinacea, rosemary, sage, thyme, and valerian. Most of the time, these herbs will only improve your dog’s health. But any herb taken in large doses can have negative side effects.
Chives, chamomile, garlic, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, st. john’s wort, and tarragon can be toxic to dogs. Some of these can cause skin irritation and rashes on dogs just by coming into contact with them, while others must be ingested to have any toxic effects. From minor gastrointestinal discomfort to serious and possibly fatal side effects, the symptoms can vary.
It is advised that you pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and symptoms after each return from a walk or an adventure in the garden because each dog may respond differently to each of the following herbs. If anything out of the ordinary happens, consult your dependable veterinarian to have them take a look.
The following is a list of all the symptoms that dogs may encounter after consuming or coming into contact with various herbal plants:
Garlic, chamomile, and chives are without a doubt the three herbs that pose the greatest risk to dogs. Avoid giving these to your dog at all costs, and consult a veterinarian if you think they may have come into contact with them.
Despite the numerous adverse effects they may have, some herbs are actually very good for dogs. These include, but are not limited to, thyme, rosemary, sage, basil, and coriander. Sometimes dogs will naturally seek out specific plants to treat a condition with their bodies.
Some dogs may know instinctively which herbs to consume and which to avoid, as was previously mentioned. However, these herbs are sometimes used as a potent and all-natural treatment for ailments like infections and digestive problems.
Healthy Herbs and Spices for Dogs
The following list of five spices and herbs makes wonderful additions to your dog’s healthy diet.
- Anti-parasitic
- Anti-diarrhea
- Eases nausea
- Alleviates intestinal gas
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antibacterial
- Antifungal
- Alleviates indigestion and diarrhea
- Antioxidant boosts immune system
- Soothes an upset stomach
- Relieves intestinal gas
- Treats diarrhea
- Alleviates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Relieves arthritis
- Anti-inflammatory
- Improves gut health
- Boosts brain function
- Fights against heart disease
- Anti-inflammatory
- Regulates blood sugar
- Anti-cancer properties
Can Dogs Eat Herbs and Spices?
YES. We’re happy to let you know that dogs can eat herbs and spices. Always be mindful of the ingredients you give your dog; while many are beneficial to their health, some can be poisonous if ingested by your dog. Having said that, there are numerous herbs that are very advantageous for the health and wellbeing of your dog.
Similar to how we do, dogs need vitamins as a regular part of their diet. Fortunately, herbs and spices are a fantastic source of vitamins and antioxidants that strengthen your dog’s immune system and digestive system.
Herbs and spices can be used as a medicinal treatment for your dog when they are ill in addition to their wonderful supplementary benefits.
What kitchen herbs can dogs eat and which are toxic? There is a ton of information on the 
internet, some of it hugely contradictory. I’ve tried to simplify things by dividing herbs into three categories –
Yes. These herbs can be very beneficial to your cat or dog’s health in addition to giving their food flavor and interest. Dill, for instance, helps with respiratory issues while also having anti-flatulent properties. In addition to being an antioxidant, rosemary, chia seeds have almost the ideal balance of Omega oils.
The most contentious food is garlic because many people think it is harmful to animals. But the truth is that if consumed in moderation, garlic is completely safe and offers a host of advantages. It is completely safe to consume one clove per 9 kg of body weight per day or, for cats, half a clove per day. (The Allergy Formula has much less garlic than this amount. ).
In conclusion, although garlic can be harmful in large doses, it is very beneficial when used in moderation.
However, Heinz bodies can develop on the surface of red blood cells when extremely high doses of garlic are administered over an extended period of time. When these are destroyed,it can result in Haemolytic Anaemia.
FAQ
Can dogs eat rosemary?
It is safe to mince dried or fresh rosemary and add it to your dog’s food or water to support digestion and heart health. If you accidentally overfeed this herb to your dog, the side effects could include indigestion and stomach upset. Be careful to only give your dog a teaspoon or so of it as a treat.
Can dogs eat rosemary thyme and sage?
As far as we are aware, most herbs—like your dill, thyme, basil, and rosemary—are safe for cats and dogs. However, there is one common garden herb that can sometimes cause a serious and definitely peculiar illness.
What herbs are harmful to dogs?
- Chamomile. Scientific name: Anthemis nobilis. …
- Chives. Scientific name: Allium schoenoprasum. …
- Garlic. Scientific name: Allium sativum. …
- Hops. Scientific name: Humulus Lupulus. …
- Leeks. Scientific name: Allium ampeloprasum. …
- Marijuana. …
- Onions and Shallots. …
- Rhubarb.
Why do dogs eat sage?
Sage for Dogs’ Health He even used it to treat coughs and itchy throats. Sage can be a wonderful way to strengthen your dog’s immune system and help them fend off any nasties when it is added to their food.