CautionVet Reviewedherb

Can Dogs Eat Lemongrass? Caution — Not Recommended, Avoid Essential Oil

This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.

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.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Cyanogenic glycosides: digestive upset, potential cyanide exposure in large amounts. Essential oils: GI irritation.

If Your Dog Ate This

Call vet if lemongrass essential oil consumed or large amount of herb eaten.

What to Avoid

lemongrass essential oil, large amounts of herb, intentional feeding

Preparation & Serving

Never intentionally feed lemongrass. If dog chewed garden lemongrass monitor for digestive upset. Lemongrass essential oil requires immediate vet attention.

Did you know?

Lemongrass is one of the most widely used plants in Southeast Asian cuisine — it is a foundational ingredient in Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian cooking. The fragrant essential oils that give lemongrass its distinctive citrus-grass aroma are the same compounds that make it an effective natural insect repellent.

Portions & nutrition

Serving (small dog)
never intentionally
Serving (medium dog)
never intentionally
Serving (large dog)
never intentionally
Calories (per 100g)
99
Safe frequency
Never

Source

Source: ASPCA

What You Need to Know

Lemongrass essential oil is a common component of insect repellents and aromatherapy products that is known to be toxic to dogs. The fresh herb contains lower concentrations of these compounds but still causes digestive irritation. Dogs in gardens with lemongrass plants may chew on the stalks causing mild GI upset.

This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide

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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before making dietary changes for your pet.