Herbs are multi-purpose; they can be used as decorative plants, in the kitchen for cooking, as spices, and for medicinal purposes. Although we can consume and use a variety of herbs, not all of them are safe for dogs. Common herbs that you can share with your pet are cilantro, basil, thyme, sage, turmeric, parsley, rosemary, and dill.
Although dogs can safely consume these herbs because they are not toxic, you must keep in mind that every dog is unique, and some may be allergic or have digestive issues. Therefore, we recommend only using herbs in moderation in your dog’s diet, and if your dog starts showing clinical signs, contact the vet.
In this article, you will learn the benefits of herbs for dogs and the plants that are toxic to them.
The 9 Herbs That Dogs Can Eat
1. Coriander/Cilantro
The coriander plant is one of the oldest known aromatic plants. Its medicinal properties are used and recognized for treating various ailments and for culinary purposes.
Coriander seeds have many nutrients: vitamins (A, B complex, and C), minerals (potassium, phosphorus, calcium, copper, zinc, magnesium, etc.), and dietary fibers and acids (oleic, ascorbic, palmitic, and others). They have the following benefits:
- Promote gastric digestion
- Soothe abdominal pain
- Favor the evacuation of intestinal gases
- Have antiseptic and antibacterial properties
Cilantro (the leafy part of the plant) can have the following effects on your dog:1
- Improves your dog’s bad breath
- Supports skin and fur health
- Supports the immune system
Too much coriander can cause your dog to have digestive disorders, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Also, some dogs are allergic to coriander. Therefore, it is recommended to monitor your dog carefully after giving them coriander, looking for signs that include vomiting, diarrhea, swelling of the face, and breathing difficulties.
2. Parsley
Parsley is used in the kitchen and to prepare natural remedies. It is rich in protein, vitamin C, beta-carotene, active essential oils, flavonoids, iron, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, sulfur, inositol, and vitamin K. Here are the benefits of parsley for dogs:
- Improves bad breath
- Supports the immune system
- Works as antioxidant
- Soothes stomach ache
However, spring, flat-leaf, and Italian parsley are considered toxic to dogs.2 Curly parsley is what’s safe.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is in the same family as ginger. It contains many healthy compounds, such as vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, and E, numerous minerals (potassium, copper, sodium, iron, magnesium), and essential oils.
The active compound in turmeric is curcumin, which has the following properties in dogs:
- Helps reduce inflammation
- Helps reduce pain
- Helps reduce joint stiffness
- Increases immunity
- Is anti-cancer
- Is antifungal
Turmeric should not be given to dogs in large quantities. It can also interact with anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic drugs,3 so it is better to discuss it with your veterinarian before giving turmeric to your dog.
4. Basil
Basil is a highly valued aromatic plant that has been used since ancient times for its benefits and properties. It’s an essential source of iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and vitamins (A and group B).
It is used in phytotherapy for its antiseptic and carminative action (soothes abdominal pain and favors the evacuation of intestinal gases), as well as its anti-vomiting, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antipyretic action (reduces fever).
Phytotherapeutic preparations from basil can be administered to treat various conditions in dogs:
- Digestive disorders
- Intestinal colic
- Diarrhea
- Colitis
- Respiratory tract infections
- Low appetite
- Anorexia
However, too much basil in your dog’s diet can lead to gastrointestinal problems.4 Also, some dogs are allergic to basil, so it is best to give it in moderation.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic plant used since ancient times in the kitchen and as a medicinal plant. It is not toxic for dogs and has the following benefits:
- Stimulates gastric secretion
- Is antiseptic
- Is diuretic
- Improves brain oxygenation
Rosemary is indicated for diseases of the biliary and hepatic tract, anorexia, and stomach diseases. It is recommended that rosemary be served to dogs in small quantities.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile plant, used since ancient times for seasoning food and therapeutic purposes. It is not toxic for dogs and has the following benefits:
- Intestinal antiseptic
- Expectorant
- Cough reliever
- Diuretic
- Analgesic
- Hair tonic
- Anthelmintic
- Helps with irritable bowels
Feed thyme to your dog in moderation; otherwise, they can develop clinical signs like diarrhea, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Some dogs can also be allergic to the herb and develop breathing difficulties.
7. Sage
Sage is an aromatic plant full of vitamins (A, E, and K), minerals (zinc, magnesium, and calcium), and antioxidants. It is not toxic for dogs and has the following benefits:
- It’s antibacterial.
- It’s an immune system stimulant.
- It’s anti-inflammatory.
- It improves digestive problems.
- It favors the elimination of gases.
- It stimulates the bile secretion of the liver.
- It may combat seasonal allergies in some dogs.
- It has a mild hypoglycemic effect.
- It promotes antispastic action.
It is recommended to use sage in moderation.
8. Dill
Dill is an aromatic plant used in food preparation but has medicinal properties. In dogs, it is not toxic and has the following benefits:
- It’s soothing for the digestive tract.
- It helps reduce gas.
- It suppresses muscle spasms.
- It helps to tone the liver and pancreas.
- It improves bad breath.
- It helps treat chronic constipation.
- The ground dill seeds can have anthelmintic properties.
Feed your dog dill in small quantities; otherwise, it can lead to gastrointestinal upset.
9. Cinnamon
Although cinnamon is not an herb but a spice, it has been used since the time of Ancient Egypt, and it has many benefits for dogs, including:
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-heart disease properties
- Anti-cancer properties
- Antifungal
- Antibacterial
- Bad breath improvement
If it is consumed in large quantities, it can cause digestive disorders, skin irritation, and sensitization. Giving cinnamon oil to puppies is not recommended because it can be toxic.
Dangerous Herbs for Dogs
According to the ASCPA, various herbs you commonly use in the kitchen can be toxic to your dog. Here are a few of the most common herbs that are toxic to dogs:
- Tarragon
- Lovage
- Mint
- Peppermint
Other plants, vegetables, fruits, and spices that you might use and that dogs should not consume due to their potential toxicity are:
- Garlic
- Onion
- Chives
- Leek
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Nutmeg
- Unripe tomatoes
- Rhubarb
Conclusion
Herbs add flavor to our food, and you might be tempted to add them to your dog’s food. However, not all herbs are safe for pets. The herbs that dogs can eat include dill, coriander, sage, thyme, rosemary, and basil. Even these herbs can cause digestive problems if given in large quantities or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive dogs. For this reason, it is recommended that you feed your dog herbs in moderation and monitor your pet afterward in case they are allergic.
See also:
- 25 Dangerous Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat: Vet-Reviewed List
- Does Rosemary Kill Fleas? Effectiveness Explained
Featured Image Credit: Konstantin Kolosov, Pixabay
