Can Dogs Eat Oregano? Caution — Culinary Amounts Only, Essential Oil Is Toxic
This food requires caution. Read the details carefully before feeding.
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.
Search another food
Warning Signs & Symptoms
Essential oil: vomiting, weakness, seizures. Large amounts of herb: digestive upset from phenolic compounds.
If Your Dog Ate This
Call vet immediately if oregano essential oil was consumed.
Safe to Feed
tiny amount of culinary oregano only
What to Avoid
oregano essential oil, large amounts, oregano supplements
Preparation & Serving
Never intentionally feed oregano. If dog ate a dish containing oregano seasoning monitor for digestive upset only.
Safer Alternatives
- thyme|basil
Did you know?
Oregano is one of the most studied herbs for antimicrobial properties — laboratory studies have found that oregano oil is effective against numerous bacterial strains including E. coli and Salmonella. However this laboratory activity does not translate to safe use in dogs due to its toxicity at the concentrations required.
Portions & nutrition
- Serving (small dog)
- never intentionally
- Serving (medium dog)
- never intentionally
- Serving (large dog)
- never intentionally
- Calories (per 100g)
- 265
- Safe frequency
- Never intentionally
Source
What You Need to Know
A tiny amount of culinary oregano in food is not acutely toxic but oregano should generally be avoided as a dog treat. Oregano essential oil is extremely toxic to dogs and must never be used. If your dog ate a dish that contained oregano as a seasoning it is unlikely to be harmful but intentional oregano feeding is not recommended.
This food requires care — if your dog has eaten a large amount read our emergency guide
Want to know what other dangers are hiding in your home?
Take the 60-second kitchen safety quiz to find out your dog's risk score.
Take the safety quizStay in the loop
Get new food safety guides, vet tips, and alerts delivered to your inbox.