Can Dogs Eat Herbs?

balanced diet for your dog will give them the nutrients they need to stay healthy and active. But with so many different foods to choose from, it can be challenging to know which ones are safe for your dog to eat, and the same goes for herbs. It is true that herbs are a popular addition to meals, but can dogs safely eat all herbs?

Dogs can safely eat certain herbs, such as parsley, basil, oregano, thyme, dill, rosemary, sage, mint, and caraway seed. Herbs are packed with vitamins and minerals and can help boost your pup’s immune system, but too much of some herbs can cause digestive upset or other health issues. Always talk to your veterinarian before making changes to your dog’s diet.

What Types Of Herbs Can Dogs Eat Safely?

The best option is always fresh herbs when it comes to which herbs are safe for your pup. Fresh herbs contain more vitamins and minerals than dried and won’t be as likely to cause digestive upset. 

Common herbs that are safe for your dog include the following.

Parsley

Parsley is an aromatic herb used as a garnish or added to recipes. It contains vitamins A, C, and K and is an excellent source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, and folate. 

Parsley is an excellent natural remedy for reducing inflammation and managing pain from arthritis in your furry companion. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling, tenderness, and discomfort caused by the condition. Its high levels of vitamin K can also help promote bone health and cell regeneration in your dog. 

Note: be sure to use caution when giving your pup parsley. Curly-leafed parsley is safe for your pup, but spring parsley can be toxic. 

Basil

Basil is a common culinary herb that adds a lot of flavor to dishes. It’s also full of vitamins A, C, and K, manganese, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Basil contains beta-carotene, which helps boost the immune system and protect against disease, including cancer. 

It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce cellular damage, ease arthritis pain, and calm your anxious dog.

Oregano

Oregano is a popular herb that originates from the Mediterranean region. It has strong antioxidant properties, which can help protect your pup against oxidative damage caused by free radicals. 

It also helps reduce inflammation of diseases like osteoarthritis. Plus, its natural properties can help keep your pup safe from digestive problems, diarrhea, heartburn, and gas.

Thyme

Thyme is a fragrant, astringent herb used for centuries to treat various ailments. It has vitamins and minerals that benefit your dog’s skeletal system. 

With powerful anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, this remedy is excellent for treating bacterial and urinary tract infections while warding off parasites.

Dill

Dill is a flavorful herb with vitamins A, C, and iron. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. 

These nutrients offer your pup various health benefits like reducing flatulence, treating bad breath and vision, and providing the body with antioxidants to help fight inflammation and prevent heart disease. 

Additionally, dill is known to aid in treating digestive problems, cramping, and a gassy stomach in dogs.

Rosemary

Rosemary is an excellent addition to your dog’s diet due to its many health benefits. It can act as a natural flea repellant, and its antioxidant content may help reduce cancer risk, supporting the immune system and heart disease. 

Rosemary may also provide digestive aid due to its antimicrobial properties. What’s more, it can even improve memory and mood. So, why not treat your pup to a sprinkle of rosemary now and then? 

Sage

When feeding your pup sage, it’s best to provide it to them fresh or lightly cooked. Sage contains several vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A and E, and antioxidants that can help ward off illnesses. Sage is a popular herb that has many health benefits for dogs, such as promoting good digestion, the possibility to stop bleeding wounds, disinfecting sores, healing ulcers, and treating throats and coughs.

Mint

Mint is a great herb to feed your pup, as it helps with digestion and breath freshening. It contains compounds that can help improve the functioning of the nervous system too. 

Mint also has antibacterial properties, which can help prevent infection in wounds or other body areas. Furthermore, it can help soothe upset stomachs and reduce gas.

Caraway Seed

Caraway seed is a mild herb used to help regulate digestion, detoxify the body, and reduce cholesterol. 

They are also considered warming herbs and cancer-fighting antioxidants. Caraway seeds are also rich in A vitamins, phosphorus, niacin, and folate.

What Are The Health Benefits Of Feeding Your Pet Fresh Herbs?

Herbs are a great way to add extra nutrients and flavor to your pup’s diet. Remember to give them in moderation and always speak with your veterinarian before adding new foods to your pup’s diet. 

Feeding your fresh pup herbs will provide them with many additional health benefits as well.

Fights Bad Breath

Parsley and fennel are known for their ability to freshen up your pup’s breath.

Aids Digestion 

Ginger, peppermint, and chamomile can help soothe an upset tummy while aiding digestion.

Natural Anti-Inflammatory 

Turmeric and rosemary both have natural anti-inflammatory properties that can help combat inflammation in your pup’s body.

Rich In Antioxidants 

Herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme are rich in antioxidants that can help boost your pet’s immune system. 

Natural Flea Repellent

Herbs like peppermint and rosemary are natural flea repellents that help keep pesky bugs away.

Are There Any Herbs That Are Toxic To My Dog?

Not all herbs are safe for your pup. Some can even be toxic to dogs if given in large amounts, so make sure they steer clear of these! Herbs that are not safe to feed your pup include the following.

Wild Onions And Garlic

Wild onions and garlic contain thiosulfate, a substance that can harm your pup. Ingesting large amounts of these herbs can cause red blood cells to burst, leading to fatigue, sluggishness, shortness of breath, fainting, increased heart rate, and pale mucous membranes. It’s best to avoid giving your pup wild onions and garlic.

Chives

Chives are a type of herb that is related to garlic and onions. Symptoms of chive poisoning include drooling, nausea, oral irritation, lethargy, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and even death.

Leeks

The leeks in the Allium family are a strong source of allicin, which can harm dogs. Ingesting too many leeks can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and anemia.

Rhubarb

Rhubarb leaves contain oxalates that can be toxic to dogs. This, in large amounts, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, irritation of the mouth, excessive salivation, and discomfort.

Marijuana

Marijuana is a toxic herb for animals and should never be given to your pup, even in small amounts. Consuming marijuana can cause poisoning symptoms such as confusion, low heart rate, urine dribbling, loss of coordination, weakness, dilated pupils, and coma. 

How Many Herbs Should I Give My Dog?

The number of fresh herbs to give your pup will depend on various factors, such as size, age, and the herb itself. Generally, one teaspoon of herbs should be added to your pup’s total diet. It is best to start with a smaller amount and slowly increase it over time. 

What Are The Best Ways To Feed Herbs To My Pet?

The best way to feed your pup herbs will depend on the herb itself. For example, some herbs can be added directly to their diet, while others should be steeped in hot water first. 

Whether freshly chopped, dried, or blended with water is a great way to add extra flavor and nutrition to your pup’s diet. 

Are There Any Risks To My Pet If I Feed Them Herbs?

Although some herbs can benefit your pup, it is essential to use caution when adding new foods or supplements to their diet. Make sure you talk to your veterinarian before starting any supplement regimen. 

Overfeeding herbs can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea, so keep track of the amount you give your pup and avoid giving them more than is recommended. 

In Conclusion: Can Dogs Eat Herbs?

Herbs can be a great addition to your pup’s diet if given in moderation. Not all herbs are safe for dogs. If herbs may benefit your puppy, talk to your veterinarian about the best way to introduce them into their diet. 

Adding herbs to their food can help make mealtime more exciting and enjoyable. With the proper dosage, herbs can be a great way to add flavor and nutrition to your pup’s diet. 

Have you had any experiences with your pet eating herbs? We would love to hear about it! Share your experiences in the comments section below.