Herbs & Spices — Safe for Dogs?

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Basil is safe for dogs and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used as a flavorful addition to dog food.

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Fresh basil is safe for dogs and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A safe herb to add to dog food.

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Capsaicin in chili peppers causes significant oral and GI pain and distress in dogs but is not systemically toxic. Dogs will not consume large amounts due to the aversion response. Causes real discomfort but not organ damage or fatality.

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Chives are toxic to dogs. They belong to the Allium family along with onions and garlic and cause damage to red blood cells.

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Cilantro is safe for dogs and can have digestive and antimicrobial benefits. Most dogs do not enjoy the taste but it is not harmful.

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Fresh cilantro is safe for dogs and may help with digestion and freshening breath. Most dogs either love or hate the distinctive flavor.

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Small amounts of cinnamon are not toxic to dogs but large amounts can cause mouth irritation, digestive upset, and breathing problems.

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Dill is safe for dogs and has digestive benefits. It can help with gas and digestive discomfort and is used in some commercial dog treats.

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Dried basil is safe for dogs in the small culinary amounts used in cooking. The concentrated form means use even smaller amounts than fresh.

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Ginger is safe for dogs in small amounts and can help with nausea, motion sickness, and bloat. It has anti-inflammatory properties.

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Lavender contains linalool and linalool acetate which dogs cannot process effectively. Small amounts may cause mild symptoms.

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Many mint varieties are safe for dogs in small amounts. English spearmint and peppermint are generally safe but pennyroyal mint is toxic.

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Nutmeg is toxic to dogs. It contains myristicin which causes hallucinations, disorientation, and nervous system problems.

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Dried oregano in large amounts can be toxic to dogs. Fresh oregano in very small culinary amounts is less concerning but is best avoided.

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Common curly parsley is safe for dogs in small amounts and can help freshen breath. Spring parsley however is toxic.

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Curly leaf parsley is safe in small amounts. Italian flat-leaf parsley is also safe. Spring parsley however is toxic — identification matters.

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Black pepper is not toxic to dogs but spicy foods are generally not recommended. Large amounts can cause gastrointestinal irritation.

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Rosemary is considered non-toxic to dogs and is actually used as a natural preservative in some dog foods. However large amounts can cause issues.

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Small amounts of fresh or dried sage are safe for dogs. However sage essential oil is much more concentrated and potentially toxic.

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Thyme is safe for dogs in small culinary amounts and actually has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

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Turmeric is safe for dogs in small amounts and its active compound curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit joint health.