What herbs are good for dogs? The best picks for pups

04/10/2024

A pinch of parsley here and a dash of cilantro there can completely transform a dish (unless you’re one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes like soap, of course). Not only do these green sprigs add a pop of flavor and color to a meal, but they also come with numerous health benefits.

Did you know these same herbs could be just what the vet ordered for your pup? But before you start sprinkling basil all over Fido’s food, let’s find out what herbs are good for dogs, and what herbs are best to avoid.

Can dogs eat herbs? 

Yes, there are plenty of dog-safe herbs that can be beneficial for your furry friends’ health. These herbs can be used to make teas, added to dog treats, or mixed with other ingredients to make topical treatments for the skin and coat.

But this doesn’t mean our furry friends can eat all herbs – read on to find a full list of herbs safe for dogs.

What herbs are good for dogs?

Although these herbs are generally considered safe for dogs to consume in small doses, always speak to your vet before adding any of them to your furry friend’s diet. Take extra care if your pooch pal has allergies or any other health conditions.

Oregano

Oregano is listed as toxic by the Animal Poison Control Center, but small amounts of the herb fresh or dried are generally safe for dogs to eat. Oregano is loaded with vitamins, calcium, fiber, iron, and Omega-3 fatty acids, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it great for digestion. However, as it’s toxic in larger portions, it’s safest to avoid adding it to your pet’s food.

Rosemary

Rosemary is loaded with iron, calcium, and vitamin B6, and just like oregano, it’s rich in antioxidants and helps with digestion. It’s also thought to be a natural flea repellant.

When using rosemary for dogs, it’s best to use the plant rather than the oil. That being said, rosemary isn’t for every dog, and if your pup has seizures, heart conditions, or allergies, it’s best to skip the herb altogether.

Mint

High quantities of mint can be toxic to dogs, but small amounts of the fresh herb (not oil) can be beneficial. It’s known to help with bad breath and upset stomachs, reducing gas, nausea, and even travel sickness.

Parsley

Practically a multivitamin in leaf form, parsley is packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, folate, and an array of minerals. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a great ally against UTIs and kidney stones, plus, it contains myristin and amino acid which may help prevent the growth of tumors.

A little parsley goes a long way, but too much can be harmful. Stick to curly-leaf varieties rather than flat ones, and note that large quantities of parsley can cause photosensitization – essentially sunburn from the inside out.

Basil

Basil isn’t just for pesto; this versatile herb is a natural antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular supporter, and can protect cells from free radical damage. With antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties, the herb may even be used to fight cancerous cells and diabetes. It’s also packed with iron, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K, along with dietary fiber, magnesium, and potassium.

Cilantro (coriander) 

Like many of the herbs on this list, cilantro is a good source of vitamins and minerals and can help with digestive issues and reduce symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. 

Note that cilantro shouldn’t be given to pregnant pups, as it has been known to stimulate contractions.

Chamomile

We often serve chamomile tea as a calming late-night drink, but did you know it can have the same effect on dogs, too? Not only is it used for anxiety and stress, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with digestive issues like IBS and stomach ulcers. 

Chamomile can also be applied topically to soothe itchy, inflamed skin.

Dill

Dill has antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties that soothe the digestive tract, making it great for gas, bloating, and bad breath. It also supports liver and pancreatic health, dissolves uric acid to help with kidney and bladder stones, and may even be used to treat chronic constipation. Rich in minerals like calcium and iron, dill also contains cancer-fighting compounds like carvone and limonene.

Sage

Sage is rich in vitamins A, E, and K, as well as minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc. With its antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties, this herb is a natural way to support your pup’s digestive system. Plus, thanks to rosmarinic acid, sage can even be used to help soothe seasonal allergies.

Thyme

Like many other dog-safe herbs, thyme is packed with vitamin K, iron, calcium, and fiber. But its secret weapon is thymol, which keeps fungus and bacteria at bay, supporting everything from your dog’s immune system to their digestive health. 

Note that Spanish thyme should be avoided at all costs – it’s toxic to dogs. Stick to regular thyme to keep your pup safe and healthy.

What herbs are bad for dogs? 

As you can see, there are plenty of herbs that are good for dogs in small amounts. However, dogs and herbs don’t always mix, and it's just as important to know which of these edible plants to keep away from your furry friends. If you think your dog might have eaten any of these toxic herbs, you should always get advice from your vet straight away. Here's a quick rundown of herbs that could turn your dog’s day upside down:

Bay leaf

Bay leaves are bad news for dogs. They contain eugenols and other essential oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even more serious issues like intestinal blockages if consumed in large amounts.

Chives

Chives might seem harmless, but they can be especially dangerous for breeds like Akitas and Shiba Inus. Chives can cause some nasty gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, and they can also cause red blood cell damage, leading to anemia. 

Garlic 

Garlic might not technically be an herb, but it’s worth mentioning as it’s often used to add flavor to dishes. It contains thiosulfate, a toxic substance that causes red blood cells to stop working or die off, potentially leading to Heinz body anemia. Some people say that garlic might help to fight off fleas - but as it’s toxic, you should avoid it!

Marjoram

Marjoram may smell sweet, but it’s toxic to dogs. This herb can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to vomiting and diarrhea, and can also mess with your dog’s heart rate and blood sugar levels.

Spanish thyme 

Spanish thyme isn’t just toxic to dogs – it’s also bad for cats. It contains a chemical called diterpene along with other toxic oils, which can cause a host of symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and even difficulty breathing.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

Remember, if you think your furry friend has eaten something they shouldn’t have, a quick trip to the vet is in order. Even if they seem fine, it's worth the visit for peace of mind and a healthy hound.

And speaking of peace of mind, having an in-home dog sitter while you’re away can be just the ticket for keeping your worries at bay. They’ll be there to keep your furry friend out of trouble day and night and give them all the care and attention they deserve.