Rosemary for Dogs: Our Vet Explains The Safety, Potential Uses & Efficacy

Vet approved

Written by

Dr. Samantha Devine

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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You’ve got a lovely pot of rosemary in your back garden that your dog loves to sniff. You might even consider adding it to treats that you’re making for your pup. You know that some plants are toxic for dogs and should be avoided at all costs. But can your dog eat rosemary?

Can Dogs Eat Rosemary?

According to the ASPCA, rosemary is non-toxic to dogs, cats, and horses¹. This fact relates to the plant itself, not necessarily preparations made from it, such as rosemary essential oils. Rosemary is touted as having a multitude of health benefits for people, but we’re not sure exactly what benefits dogs receive from ingesting rosemary.

The herb itself is safe to consume in small amounts. It’s even used in some pet foods to help stabilize the kibble and keep it from going rancid. Too much of a good thing can cause GI upset, particularly if your dog eats a bunch of the fibrous plant.

Benefits of Using Rosemary for Dogs

Rosemary has been shown to have several significant benefits in people, which may apply to dogs:

Giving Your Dog Rosemary

The best way to add rosemary to your dog’s diet is to add a little bit of chopped-up rosemary to its fresh or dried food. You could also bake the rosemary into dog biscuits to offer a little extra flavor.

While rosemary has potential benefits for dogs, you would likely need to give it a lot to reap the benefits. Too much rosemary could throw off your dog’s nutrient balance. You could consider adding fresh rosemary to your dog’s shampoo. It would add a pleasant fragrance and might have some topical antimicrobial benefits for dogs with skin issues.

Dangers of Using Rosemary Essential Oils

You’re likely fine using rosemary essential oils in a diffuser in your dog’s room. However, dogs with respiratory issues should not be in the room. You should not apply rosemary essential oils directly to your dog’s skin because they can irritate its coat and skin. These pills should also not be fed directly to your dog. Talk to your veterinarian about whether your dog might benefit from rosemary in a carrier oil or tincture.

In people, rosemary oil has been linked to seizures. Rosemary essential oil, in particular, contains compounds that promote convulsant activity, such as camphor and thujone. We don’t know its effect on a dog’s seizures, so it should be used cautiously and avoided in dogs with a history of seizure activity.

Rosemary and Food Storage

If you see rosemary on your dog’s food label, don’t panic. The food company will likely use rosemary as a safe but weak preservative. It is used for its antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What other herbs are safe for dogs?

Some of the herbs you cook with can be safe for your dogs, including:

What are some spices or herbs to avoid giving your dog?

There are risks if you give your dog certain spices or herbs, such as:

Can dogs be allergic to rosemary?

While it doesn’t seem common, some dogs can be allergic to rosemary. Signs of allergies in dogs include:

Final Thoughts

Adding rosemary to your dog’s diet should only be an issue if your dog has a history of seizures. Rosemary appears to have several health benefits for pets and people, but more research is needed.

Featured Image Credit: Pilialoha, Shutterstock