Mint is a popular herb that has been consumed by humans for many centuries. Many of us buy mint candies or enjoy peppermint tea regularly. But does this apply to our precious pooches too? Can dogs eat mint, or is mint toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat mint?
Dogs can eat mint, and if fed in moderation it may provide some health benefits to your dog’s diet. Many dogs enjoy the flavor of mint, as long as it is only fed in moderation.
If served to your dog correctly and safely, mint can be beneficial to your dog’s health. However, it should not be fed to dogs that are known to have plant allergies.
What are the health benefits of mint?
Mint is a highly scented green herb that is used in a variety of ways to add a pungent flavor to recipes. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals and is very low in calories
Fresh mint is high in vitamins A and C, which have important antioxidant properties. These help to boost immunity, reduce aging, and reduce the risk of certain health conditions such as cancer.
Peppermint can be useful for dogs that suffer from digestive problems. It will soothe digestive upsets and can be very helpful in dogs prone to bloating or diarrhea.
Finally, as in humans, mint can be used to freshen your dog’s breath! The effects are short-lived, but when combined with cilantro, mint can be very beneficial to dogs that suffer from dental problems such as gum infections.
What should I be aware of when offering mint to my dog?
Dogs can eat all types of mint plants commonly grown for human consumption – peppermint, spearmint, and water mint. However, mint essential oils can be very harmful to dogs, and should never be used in a pet-friendly household
When feeding mint to your dog it is important to remember that not all dogs like the taste of this pungent herb. If mint is not to your dog’s taste, try different herbs such as rosemary or cilantro instead.
For dogs that enjoy the flavor of mint, stick to feeding it a little bit now and again. No dog will thank you for a huge pile of fresh mint leaves! The best way to feed mint to your dog is to add a sprinkling of chopped mint leaves to your dog’s normal food.
Never feed peppermint candies to your dog, as they can be very harmful. Many peppermint candies contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Others are packed full of sugar, which is detrimental to your dog’s teeth and may lead to weight gain.
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