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 or dried basil is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate. Basil is one of the safest herbs for dogs.

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Fresh or dried basil is safe for dogs in small amounts. A nutritious herb with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Small amounts as a food topper or mixed into food are appropriate. No safety concerns at culinary amounts.

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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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Allspice is toxic to dogs. Like cloves it contains eugenol causing liver damage. Despite the name allspice is a single spice not a blend. It is used in holiday baking, jerk seasoning, and mulled drinks. Never give dogs allspice or foods containing it.

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Basil is safe for dogs and provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits through rosmarinic acid. Small amounts of fresh or dried basil added to food are appropriate and beneficial. One of the safest herbs for dogs. Basil essential oil is more concentrated and should be avoided.

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Black pepper in small amounts used in cooking is not toxic to dogs but causes sneezing, coughing, and digestive upset. Large amounts irritate the digestive tract. It is safe in the tiny amounts found in shared food but should not be added intentionally to dog food.

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Chili powder is not safe for dogs. It contains capsaicin causing painful mouth and digestive irritation, plus onion powder and garlic powder as standard components of chili powder blends. The combination of capsaicin and Allium compounds makes chili powder toxic.

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Small amounts of cinnamon are not toxic to dogs and may have anti-inflammatory and blood sugar regulating properties. However large amounts cause mouth irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea. Cinnamon essential oil is much more concentrated and toxic. Never give dogs cinnamon in significant amounts.

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Cloves are toxic to dogs. They contain eugenol which causes liver damage in dogs. Clove essential oil is particularly dangerous. Even small amounts of ground cloves or clove-containing foods like mulled wine and holiday baked goods cause digestive upset and liver concerns.

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Cumin is not toxic to dogs in small amounts but causes significant digestive upset — bloating, gas, and diarrhea. It is not an ingredient that belongs in dog food. Mexican and Indian dishes containing cumin also contain garlic and onion making the entire dish toxic regardless of the cumin.

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Fennel is safe for dogs and provides digestive benefits. The bulb, seeds, and fronds are all safe in small amounts. Fennel helps with gas and digestive upset and is used in some commercial dog foods. A genuinely beneficial herb for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

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Ginger is safe for dogs in small amounts and has documented anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. Small amounts of fresh or dried ginger help with motion sickness, nausea, and digestive upset. A genuinely beneficial spice for dogs in appropriate amounts.

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Small amounts of spearmint and peppermint are safe for dogs and used in commercial dog breath treats. However large amounts cause digestive upset and peppermint essential oil is toxic. English pennyroyal mint is highly toxic and should never be given to dogs.

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Paprika is not safe for dogs. It is made from dried red peppers and contains capsaicin causing digestive irritation. It also irritates dogs' eyes and respiratory system. Dogs have much more sensitive digestive and olfactory systems than humans making paprika disproportionately irritating.

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Fresh parsley is safe for dogs in small amounts and is used as a natural breath freshener. However large amounts can be toxic — parsley contains compounds that affect the kidneys and can be photo-sensitizing. Spring parsley (fool's parsley) is different and more toxic. Small amounts only.

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Turmeric is safe for dogs and provides proven anti-inflammatory benefits through curcumin. Small amounts added to food with black pepper and a fat source are beneficial for joint health and immune support. A genuinely therapeutic spice for dogs in appropriate amounts.

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Catnip is safe for dogs and has a calming rather than stimulating effect — the opposite of its effect on cats. Small amounts can help with anxiety and digestive issues. Not toxic and used in some dog treats and supplements.

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Dried chamomile in small amounts is safe for dogs and has calming and digestive benefits. However excessive amounts can cause vomiting and skin reactions. Chamomile essential oil is concentrated and not appropriate for dogs. Ragweed-allergic dogs may react to chamomile.

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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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Chives are toxic to dogs and one of the more concentrated Allium family members. They contain thiosulfate causing hemolytic anemia — the destruction of red blood cells. Even small amounts of chives cause toxicity in dogs.

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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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Plain cilantro is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has antioxidant properties and some dogs enjoy the flavor while others (like humans with the genetic variant) strongly dislike it. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate.

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Cilantro (coriander) is safe for dogs and provides antioxidants and digestive benefits. Most dogs tolerate it well though some find the strong flavor unappealing. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate.

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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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Small amounts of Ceylon cinnamon are safe for dogs. Cassia cinnamon (common supermarket variety) contains coumarin which causes liver damage in larger amounts. Ground cinnamon in tiny amounts on food is not harmful. Essential oil of cinnamon is always toxic — never use. Inhaled cinnamon powder causes respiratory irritation.

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Dandelion greens are safe for dogs and have been used as a natural diuretic and digestive aid. Both the leaves and flowers are safe. Use only dandelion from untreated lawns or from grocery stores.

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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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Plain fresh or dried dill is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has digestive benefits and may freshen breath. Used historically as a digestive remedy. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate and safe.

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Fresh or dried dill is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has been used as a natural breath freshener and digestive aid. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate. Dill essential oil is more concentrated and should be avoided.

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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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Fresh basil is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A few leaves as an occasional treat are fine. Avoid basil essential oil.

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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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Fresh or dried ginger is safe for dogs in small amounts and has genuine anti-nausea and digestive benefits. Used by veterinarians for motion sickness and nausea. Very small amounts only — ginger is potent and large amounts cause digestive irritation.

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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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Lemongrass is not recommended for dogs. It contains cyanogenic glycosides and essential oils that cause digestive upset. Small accidental exposures are not an emergency but it should not be fed intentionally.

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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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Culinary mint in tiny amounts is safe for dogs and is used in some dog treats for breath freshening. However mint essential oil is toxic. Pennyroyal mint is specifically dangerous and must be avoided entirely.

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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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Culinary oregano in tiny amounts is generally safe for dogs but oregano essential oil is highly toxic. Fresh or dried oregano as a seasoning in very small amounts is not a medical emergency but should be avoided.

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Small amounts of culinary oregano are safe for dogs. Oregano essential oil is toxic — it causes significant digestive distress and is used as a natural antibiotic but at concentrations that are harmful to dogs. Never use oregano essential oil near dogs.

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Small amounts of fresh or dried oregano are not acutely toxic to dogs but oregano contains compounds that can cause digestive upset and in large amounts has blood-thinning properties and potential effects on low blood sugar. Occasional trace amounts in food are unlikely to cause harm.

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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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Flat-leaf and curly parsley are safe for dogs in small amounts and may freshen breath. Spring parsley (a different plant) is toxic — never give. Large amounts of regular parsley contain apiole which causes kidney damage. Small amounts as a garnish or breath freshener are appropriate.

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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 culinary rosemary are safe for dogs and commonly used as a preservative in commercial dog food. Rosemary extract (rosemary as antioxidant) is specifically approved for use in pet food. However large amounts and rosemary essential oil can cause seizures especially in dogs prone to epilepsy.

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Rosemary is safe for dogs in small amounts and is used as a natural preservative in some commercial dog foods. It has antioxidant properties. However rosemary essential oil is concentrated and should never be used on or near dogs.

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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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Small amounts of fresh or dried sage are not acutely toxic to dogs. Sage has some antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. However sage essential oil is much more concentrated and toxic. Trace amounts in thanksgiving stuffing or shared food are unlikely to cause harm.

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

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Plain culinary thyme is safe for dogs in small amounts. It has antimicrobial properties and is sometimes used in natural dog health remedies. Small amounts as a food topper are appropriate. Thyme essential oil is more concentrated — avoid.

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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.

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Plain turmeric is safe for senior dogs and has documented anti-inflammatory benefits particularly valuable for the arthritis that affects most aging dogs. The active compound curcumin reduces joint inflammation. Combine with black pepper and a small amount of fat to maximize absorption.

supplement

Valerian root is used as a natural calming supplement for anxious dogs and is generally safe in appropriate amounts. However it should be used with veterinary guidance as it can interact with sedative medications and cause excessive sedation in some dogs.