Can Dogs Eat Rosemary? The Health Benefits of Giving Your Dog Rosemary

Introduction

Are you looking for an herb that you can add to your dog’s diet that also provides them with many other health benefits? Rosemary may be the herb that you are looking for. This herb is packed with wonderful vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are great to give your dog every day.

Can My Dog Eat Rosemary?

Yes, you can give your dog rosemary. Many people look for natural things that they can give to their dogs to help them with any issues that they are facing. Rosemary is a great herb that is safe to give to your dog. 

Why is Rosemary Good for Dogs?

There are many great health benefits in feeding your dog rosemary. Many people will offer this to their dog with GI issues, heart issues and even help prevent cancer.

fresh green rosemary

Digestive Issues

Rosemary has antimicrobial properties and can help your dog if they have an upset stomach and have diarrhea. Many times, diarrhea is an overgrowth of bad bacteria in your dog’s intestine. By giving them rosemary, you are helping kill off the bad bacteria and cure your dog’s GI issues.

Heart Disease

Rosemary has antispasmodic properties on muscles in your dog’s body. This can help decrease heart arrhythmias and support heart and cardiovascular health. If your dog is suffering from heart disease, giving them a small amount of rosemary each day can help their heart function even better.

Helps Prevent Cancer

Rosemary contains antioxidants that help destroy the free radicals that are found in your dog’s body. An excessive amount of free radicals can lead to cancer and other health issues in your dog.

Natural Flea Repellant

Rosemary smell is a great natural flea repellant for your dog. You can put a small amount of rosemary oil on their fur to help deter fleas from jumping on your dog.

Can Rosemary Be Bad for Dogs?

Just like with anything, too much of a good thing can cause issues. Some of the issues that can be seen if your dog ate too much are:

GI Upset

If your dog eats too much rosemary, it can cause them to have a little bit of diarrhea or be nauseated. These effects are usually very short

Allergic Reaction

Some dogs may be allergic to rosemary. This could cause them to become very itchy, have hives, or have flaky skin. If you notice this, you should give your dog a bath to remove any topical rosemary and see your vet.

Seizures

In very high amounts, your dog may have seizures. Rosemary extracts and tinctures can easily cause your dog to be overdosed and cause neurological issues. It is always best to ask your vet before starting your dog on a new supplement and make sure that you follow the dosing recommendations.

Many of these side effects will quickly resolve if you just stop feeding rosemary to your dog. If you applied the rosemary topical, you could give your dog a bath to remove any oils on their skin to help quickly lessen the side effects.

How Much Rosemary Can My Dog Eat?

An easy way to give your dog rosemary is to just sprinkle a small amount of their food. You can also use dried rosemary or rosemary tinctures or oils. The amount you need to feed will depend on the size of your dog. It is always best to start off by giving them a very small amount and working up to the recommended dosage. A good starting dosage is 1/8th a teaspoon per 20 pounds of body weight on their food.

How to Prepare and Serve Rosemary for Your Dog?

Rosemary comes in many different forms. You can buy premade food that contains rosemary, add dry rosemary plants to your dog’s food, or add oils directly to your dog’s food or their fur.

There are many great DIY dog treat recipes that you can make to feed your dog. One very popular recipe is:

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 Tbs of dried Rosemary
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 Tbs creamy peanut butter

PREPARATION

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put parchment paper on a baking sheet.
  2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until it forms a dough. You may have to use your hands to kneed the dough so that all the ingredients are fully mixed together.
  3. Roll out the dough to make it about 1/4 inch thick. Use a cookie cutter to punch out shapes and place them on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for about 30-40 minutes until treats are fully dried out. Make sure to let these treats cool completely before giving them to your pup!
dog running with his bowl

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rosemary oil safe for dogs?

Yes, rosemary oil is safe to use in your dog. It is best to dilute these oils and make sure that they come from a reputable source. It is always best to discuss using these oils with your vet to make sure they will not harm your dog.

Can dogs have rosemary extract?

The short answer is YES; they can have rosemary extract. This is also stronger than the dry herbs and can cause seizures in dogs who are prone to seizures. If your dog has ever had a seizure, it would be best to avoid giving your dog rosemary extract.

Can dogs have rosemary seasoning?

Yes, you can add a small amount of rosemary seasoning to your dog’s diet. Many dogs love the taste, and this will help them want to eat their food quicker.

Are rosemary plants safe for dogs?

Yes, Rosemary plants are safe for dogs. This is one plant that you can plant outside your house to help repel insects that is also safe if your dog wants to take a little nibble out of the plant.

Summary

Rosemary is a great herb to feed your dog. This herb has many wonderful health benefits as it is packed full of wonderful nutrients.  This herb also has almost no side effects that you have to worry about. Before adding any new herb to your dog’s diet, it is best to consult with your vet to make sure that they are okay to have this herb.

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Sarah Ochoa

Sarah Ochoa

Sara Ochoa, DVM graduated from St. George’s University Veterinary School in 2015. Since then, she has been at a small and exotic animal practice in Texas. In her free time, she loves making quilts and spending time with her husband Greg and their 4 fur kids. Two dogs, Ruby a schnoodle, and Bug a Japanese Chin, one cat named OJ and a leopard tortoise named Monkey.
United States