Can Dogs Eat Mint? Caution — Spearmint Safe in Tiny Amounts, Pennyroyal Toxic
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
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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Warning Signs & Symptoms
Pennyroyal mint: hepatotoxic — liver damage. Mint essential oil: vomiting, weakness, liver damage. Large amounts of herb: digestive upset.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet immediately if pennyroyal mint or mint essential oil consumed.
Safe to Feed
1-2 spearmint or peppermint leaves only
What to Avoid
pennyroyal mint entirely, mint essential oil, large amounts of any mint
Preparation & Serving
1-2 plain leaves of spearmint or peppermint only. Never pennyroyal. Never any mint essential oil.
Potential Health Benefits
Mild breath freshening. Very small amounts of antioxidants.
Did you know?
Pennyroyal mint has been used as an abortifacient and insect repellent for centuries — it contains pulegone a compound that disrupts liver function and was historically used to end unwanted pregnancies. It remains one of the most toxic herbs for both dogs and humans.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- 1-2 small leaves
- Serving (medium dog)
- 2-3 small leaves
- Serving (large dog)
- 3-4 small leaves
- Calories (per 100g)
- 70
- Safe frequency
- Occasionally in tiny amounts
Source
What You Need to Know
Spearmint and peppermint leaves in very small culinary amounts are not acutely toxic. Many commercial dog treats include mint for breath freshening. However pennyroyal mint (Mentha pulegium) is toxic to dogs causing liver damage. Mint essential oil is highly concentrated and toxic. Never use mint oils on dogs.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
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