Can Dogs Eat Fennel? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

No matter how tempting it can be to share, cautious dog owners know that not every food they eat is an innocent treat for their pets. Determining if a food is safe for your dog sometimes means reading the ingredient label for spices and seasonings, such as fennel. If you see this vegetable listed, you’ll be happy to learn that dogs can eat fennel in small quantities. Keep reading to learn more about the safety and benefits of fennel and whether dogs can process the nutrition from this plant.

What Is Fennel?

For those unfamiliar with fennel, it is a root vegetable used in recipes but occasionally eaten cooked. Related to carrots and celery, fennel has a strong scent and a flavor often compared to licorice.

Is Fennel Safe for Dogs to Eat?

According to the ASPCA animal poison control, fennel is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses when eaten fresh in small quantities¹. Fennel is also available in a concentrated essential oil used as a digestive aid in humans, among other things. Concentrated fennel oil should not be given to dogs.

Many essential oils can irritate a dog’s skin and respiratory system and some are known to be toxic. Essential oils should never be given without consulting a veterinarian first. There isn’t much research yet showing how essential oils impact dogs and whether some have any benefits. In addition, there are no real manufacturing and quality control standards for essential oil products, making the effects on pets even more unpredictable.

Is Fennel Healthy for Dogs?

Fennel is low in calories and contains several beneficial nutrients, such as calcium and the antioxidants Vitamin A and C. Technically classified as omnivores, dogs can process and absorb nutrients from plant-based foods such as fennel.

In humans, fennel helps reduce gassiness and is regularly eaten after meals in some parts of the world. While we don’t have research to support this benefit in dogs, it may be worth offering fennel to dogs prone to gas. Check with your vet first to make sure it’s okay.

How to Feed Your Dog Fennel

If your veterinarian okays feeding fennel to your dog, you have a couple of options for offering them this vegetable. You could just chop up fresh fennel and mix it with your dog’s food. However, the strong scent and flavor of licorice may not be appealing to them.

Another option is to make a fennel tea by steeping a small portion of the ingredient in boiling water. The cooled tea can then be added to your dog’s food.

Conclusion

While dogs can eat fennel in small amounts, avoid using concentrated fennel oils. Fennel provides some nutritional benefits to dogs, but you don’t have to worry if your pup isn’t interested in it. If your dog is eating a balanced diet, they’re getting all the essential nutrients they need. Fennel may be helpful, but your dog doesn’t need it to stay healthy.