Can Dogs Eat Basil?

Your dog can eat basil without any problems. There are some spices that are toxic for dogs but thankfully basil is not one of them. There are many vitamins and minerals in this delicious herb that are beneficial to dogs.

Basil has very few calories so its a healthier option than other ingredients to add to your dogs food. We will go into greater detail about how basil can benefit your dog below.

When giving basil to your dog for the first time do so slowly and in small amounts. Also make sure you give your dog the product on its own to rule out any allergy your dog may have. It is always a good idea to start off slowly with new foods in order to prevent allergies.

If you notice that your dog is developing some side effects such as:

Itchy Skin
Vomiting
Diarrhea

Call your veterinarian to find out what you should do and stop giving your dog the food.

Can Dogs Eat Basil Leaves?

The entire leaf of basil can be eaten by your dog. It can eat the leaves raw right from the plant or even the dried seasoning. Make sure the dried basil is not combined with other seasonings and is only 100% basil when you are giving it to your dog.

Is Basil Good for Dogs?

The health benefits of basil are great for both humans and dogs. It can be eaten in raw cooked or dried form giving your dog a variety of vitamins and minerals.

Helps Prevent Cancer

In addition to preventing cell damage basil contains high levels of antioxidants. Cancer is now known to be fought by antioxidants and the antioxidants will also prevent cell damage. By destroying free radicals these antioxidants help to protect your body from disease.

Reduces Inflammation

Several conditions such as arthritis or joint pain are relieved by basils anti-inflammatory properties. Basil cannot completely alleviate your dogs pain but it can make your dog more comfortable.

Calming Effect

Natural calming properties are associated with basil. If your dog is anxious or having anxiety due to a car ride or even going to a new place give it some basil to help calm it down. Naturally this herb helps you feel less anxious by calming you down.

How to Serve Basil to your Dog

You should always introduce a new food to your dog slowly and in small amounts whenever you do so. You should be on the safe side and give it to your dog by itself and wait to see if he has an allergic reaction before giving him more.

Also do not go overboard with the basil. However dogs should not eat basil as their sole source of food because it is nontoxic and completely safe. You need to be moderate with your dogs diet.

Give your dog basil sprinkled on its regular dog food. It can be mixed in or sprinkled on top. Dried or fresh basil are both fine.

Other Herbs that are Safe for Dogs

There are also a few other herbs/seasonings that your dog can eat without any harm. These include:

Parsley
Oregano
Rosemary
Peppermint
Cilantro
Dill Pickles
Sage
Thyme

Can Dogs Eat Basil Pesto?

In pesto basil is combined with a few other ingredients to create a sauce which can be served over pasta or even on bread. If the pesto is made with ingredients that are safe for dogs they can eat it.

Because store-bought pestos contain a lot of other ingredients such as garlic that are highly toxic to dogs store-bought pesto is not safe for them.

Therefore if you intend to give your dog pesto from the grocery store that has a lot of added ingredients then you should not do so.

The pesto you make at home is completely safe for your dog to eat. Basil pine nuts olive oil and parmesan cheese combine to make a simple pesto. Canines are safe to consume these ingredients. To make the dog-friendly pesto sauce mix all ingredients in the food processor and blitz.

Can Dogs Have Thai Basil?

The Thai variety of basil is sweeter than regular basil so your dog can enjoy it. Just remember that regular basil isnot as sweet as Thai basil. Regular basil tastes peppery. Just make sure you give your dog a small amount of basil.

Can Dogs Have Sweet Basil?

The sweet basil variety is suitable for your dog. This variety is sweeter than the regular basil variety. Keeping this in mind you do not want to give your dog too much sweetness in their food.

Mix a small amount of basil into your dogs regular food if you want to provide the wonderful health benefits to your pet.

Can Dogs Have Basil in Tomato Sauce?

Dogs can have tomato sauce but it must be a plain sauce without all the added seasonings that most people add to homemade sauce and jarred sauce. Adding dried basil or even fresh basil to a plain tomato sauce can enhance its flavor.

Conclusion

We have answered the age-old question of whether dogs can eat basil. This herb provides your dog with some excellent health benefits as well as a great taste.

Basil is completely safe to eat with your dog because it is non-toxic. If you feed basil in moderation to your dog it will still receive its optimal nutrition from its dog food.

Relevant Resources:

Amanda (Author)

With over a decade of experience, Amanda is a distinguished dog trainer. Her expertise in canine behavior has transformed countless lives, fostering harmonious human-canine connections. Through compassionate and personalized approaches, she empowers owners to understand and connect with their furry companions, creating a legacy of joyful tails and transformed lives.

Osvaldo Maciel (Content Reviewer)

Osvaldo Maciel, a stalwart in the field with 14 years of experience, is a revered dog trainer. His journey is defined by a profound understanding of canine behavior, shaping unbreakable human-canine bonds. Osvaldo guides owners to connect with their beloved pets, leaving an indelible mark of happiness and transformation. His legacy shines through the countless lives he has touched.