10 benefits of parsley for your dog

Updated 30/09/2024

Considered a safe seasoning for most dogs, parsley has a whole host of health benefits for pooches and puppers. Of course, while we’re able to list some of the potential health benefits of parsley for dogs, please always talk to your vet first. They’ll be able to tell you if it’s safe to give your doggo parsley, the type and quantity of parsley to give them, and how best to introduce it into your dog’s diet. Generally, it should be done in very small amounts and gradually. Their sensitive stomachs can only handle so much change in one day, so always err on the side of caution.  

Large amounts of anything, including parsley, can be toxic to dogs. This is especially true of flat-leaf parsley, which can lead to skin issues if eaten in large quantities. For this reason, it’s better to stick to the equally tasty and nutritious curly-leaf variety.

Once your vet has given you the green light, paws up! Let’s learn about the benefits of parsley for dogs and what else parsley can do for your doggo.

Benefits of parsley for dogs

1. It’s a natural breath freshener

A dog’s breath isn’t exactly a bed of roses, but when their pong is extra pungent, try parsley as a natural breath freshener for dogs. Some helpful microbes in parsley help break down the stink in a pup’s mouth. In fact, this also works on humans too!

2. It has great anti-inflammatory properties

Parsley is packed with anti-inflammatory properties which can help relieve itchiness from skin allergies or allergy symptoms, irritation from cuts or scratches, as well as help to calm any tender bits of skin. It can also help pups with stiff joints and arthritis.

3. Can help to prevent urinary tract infection

This is related to parsley’s anti-inflammatory properties - as it may help to reduce swelling inside a dog’s urinary tract if it’s suffering from an infection. As parsley is a natural diuretic, it may also help to flush out the cause as well, offering some natural relief for your pooch.

4. Packed with vitamin C

This is why you and your dog should always eat your greens! Well, at least the ones that have been vet-checked, anyway. Parsley is full of vitamin C, which is great for a dog’s immune system as vitamin C aids in the production and healthy functioning of white blood cells. As a natural antioxidant, vitamin C also protects against inflammation. 

Vitamin C may also improve blood flow by helping to naturally widen the blood vessels around the body.

5. Improves blood clotting and liver health

These points all fit together rather nicely, don’t they? Improved blood flow from all that delicious vitamin C can also help to prevent blood clotting and their livers will love them for it. This is particularly paw-some for older pups who are slowing down and are more prone to blood clots occurring.

6. Lots of lovely antioxidants

Just as antioxidants can help reduce the signs of aging in humans, so too can parsley’s packed punch of antioxidants, which can fight against aging and illness in your doggo. A boosted immune system with antioxidants flying around will give your pup an extra spring in their step.

7. Great source of vitamin A for healthy eyes

Parsley and dogs: A love story of our time. Along with all the other wonderful magic of anti-aging and reduced risk of blood clotting and so on, parsley is also a fantastic source of vitamin A which is key to keeping your pup’s eyes and vision in tip-top tail condition.

8. Helps with digestion and tummy troubles

Yep, if your doggo is having trouble digesting its food, having problems with constipation, or perhaps seems a bit off its food, try offering them a small amount of parsley. Of course, if your dog is vomiting, has been suffering from constipation for longer than 24 hours, or appears unwell, you must take them straight to the vet first. Don’t try a home remedy before consulting their vet.

9. Flushes toxins from their bodies

As part of the anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidant supercharge, parsley may aid in pushing out any unwanted bugs or parasites before they can make your dog sick. Think of it as an internal cleanser!

10. Believed to slow tumor growth

Now, this one shouldn’t be quoted as an actual fact. However, recent studies have shown parsley potentially plays a role in slowing the growth of cancerous tumors in some of the dogs they tested on. This isn’t concrete proof of anything, but it’s also thought to help relieve some of the pains and swollen joints that can occur from cancer symptoms. Again, talk to your vet first!

Meet our veterinary expert, Liam

This article has been checked by veterinarian Dr Liam Bullock BVSc (Hons) MRCVS.

As a small animal vet, Liam has spent time working in both first-opinion and referral-level practices. After gaining a strong affinity for educating owners about their pets, Liam decided to dedicate some of his non-clinical time to tutoring students, who were preparing for exams or struggling at school. By combining a passion for teaching others, and a keen interest in raising awareness about animal health issues, Liam decided to begin writing veterinary content. This now also allows him to raise awareness of important animal health issues outside of the consultation room.

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