Can dogs eat sage leaves?
Some dogs can eat sage leaves, but it depends on the size of the dog and how many sage leaves are ingested. An occasional leaf or two should be fine for small dogs if it is not consumed alongside other foods. There are some concerns for bigger dogs if they overeat because overfeeding can cause an upset stomach.
Can Dogs Eat Herbs and Spices?
YES. We are happy to inform you that dogs can indeed consume herbs and spices. Always pay close attention to what you’re feeding your fido; while many herbs and spices are great for your dog’s health, some can be poisonous if consumed by your pup. That being said, there are many herbs that are extremely beneficial for your dog’s health and wellbeing.
Dogs require vitamins as a regular part of their diet just like we do. Luckily, a great source of vitamins and antioxidants that boost your dog’s immune system and digestive system can all be found in herbs and spices.
In addition to their wonderful supplementary properties, herbs and spices can also be used as medicinal treatment for your pup when they are not feeling well.
Herbs and Spices that are Bad for Dogs
Here is a list of 5 herbs and spices that you should avoid feeding to your dog.
- Nutmeg can cause a severe upset stomach for dogs, as well as extensive damage to your dog’s nervous system.
- Consuming onions can cause diarrhea, vomiting and an upset stomach, as well as intense damage to red blood cells for dogs. This applies to onion powder, too.
- Cocoa powder is extremely harmful to your dog’s nervous system. Although cocoa powder is not a spice by definition, it is often used in cooking and should be kept out of reach from your pup. Cocoa powder can also cause kidney and heart problems in your dog.
- Garlic can be toxic to your pup if administered in large amounts. You should avoid giving your dog garlic at all. If they do consume a small amount of garlic in the powdered form, they will be okay.
- Black pepper itself is not poisonous for dogs, however it does contain piperine, which increases the absorption of prescription medicines. This causes a great risk of overdose for your pet, so it is best to avoid black pepper if possible.
Can Dogs Eat Sage
Choosing which herbs to feed your dog can be tricky. While some herbs are beneficial to your dog’s health others may harm their digestion or can even be toxic. This can be especially problematic if you have a herb garden that your dog can come into contact with frequently. I couldn’t find a comprehensive overview of which herbs dogs could eat anywhere online, so I made one.
Of course, I’ll go into a bit more detail on each one of them. We’ll see which herbs are safe to dogs and which are toxic. In later sections of this article, we’ll also go over the possible symptoms a dog might experience when ingesting certain herbs and the possible benefits some herbal plants can yield. Let’s get started!
The simple but unsatisfying answer is: it depends. More precisely, it depends on the herb. Some herbs such as basil, rosemary, and thyme are completely safe for dogs to eat while others like chives, garlic, and st. john’s wort are toxic and can cause severe symptoms.
In order to determine the safety of each plant, I have referred to this excellent list curated by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®). If in doubt please always consult your local veterinarian.
Since every dog can also react differently to a variety of herbs it is crucial to always monitor your dog’s behavior after consumption of new and unknown herbs. If you notice any unusual symptoms or behaviors consult with your vet on how to proceed.
Basil, coriander, dill, echinacea, rosemary, sage, thyme, and valerian are generally considered safe for dogs. These herbs will mostly only have positive effects on your dog’s wellbeing. However, any herb consumed in large quantities can cause unwanted side effects.
Chives, chamomile, garlic, marjoram, mint, oregano, parsley, st. john’s wort, and tarragon can be toxic to dogs. For some of these the mere contact can cause irritation and rashes on a dog’s skin, other require ingestion to unfold their toxic effect. The symptoms can range from mild digestive irritation to severe and potentially lethal side effects.
As each dog may react differently to each of the following herbs it is recommended that you pay close attention to your dog’s behavior and symptoms after each return from a walk or an adventure in the garden. In case anything unusual occurs contact your trusted veterinarian for an examination.
Below you’ll find a summary list of all of the symptoms dogs may experience when ingesting or coming in contact with different herbal plants:
The most dangerous herbs for dogs are without a doubt chives, chamomile, and garlic. Avoid consumption by your canine at all cost and contact the vet if you suspect your dog might have come in contact with these.
Despite their many potential negative side effects, some herbs can actually be very beneficial for dogs. These include – but are not limited to – basil, coriander, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Sometimes dogs will also naturally seek out certain plants to counteract their body’s condition.
As mentioned above some dogs may instinctively know which herbs to consume and which to avoid. However, in some treatments these herbs are even included as a viable and natural cure in conditions such as digestive difficulties or infections.