Rosemary is a versatile and flavorsome herb that is known to have many health benefits for humans. But does this apply to our precious pooches too? Can dogs eat rosemary, or is rosemary toxic to dogs?
Can dogs eat rosemary?
Yes, dogs can eat rosemary! You will often find rosemary and other herbs added to commercial dog foods for their health-boosting properties.
When served to your dog correctly and safely, rosemary contains many nutrients that can be beneficial to your dog’s health. However, not all dogs enjoy the taste of rosemary… So don’t be disappointed if your dog does not want to eat it.
What are the health benefits of rosemary?
Rosemary is a culinary herb that is used either fresh or dried to add a distinctive flavor to recipes. As well as tasting great, it is low in calories and an excellent source of essential nutrients.
Fresh rosemary is very high in vitamins A and C, both of which have potent antioxidant properties. These mop up free radicals and help to boost immunity, reduce aging, and reduce the risk of age-related chronic health problems.
In humans, rosemary is known to improve brain function and alertness. The same may also apply when rosemary is fed to dogs. It has stress-relieving properties which may help during periods of anxiety or stress.
It also has natural antimicrobial properties, which are thought to help maintain the balance of bacteria in your dog’s gastrointestinal system.
What should I be aware of when offering rosemary to my dog?
The important thing to remember when feeding any type of herb to your dog is that they may not like the flavor. Herbs are not a natural foodstuff for dogs… So don’t be upset if your dog turns their nose up at a sprinkling of freshly chopped rosemary on their dinner!
If your dog does like the taste of rosemary, stick to feeding it little and often rather than in large amounts. All herbs can cause stomach problems if fed in large quantities.
The best way to feed rosemary to your dog is to chop fresh leaves and add them to your dog’s normal food.
Dried rosemary is also a good option. However, never feed rosemary essential oils to your dog without consulting a specialist first. Essential oils can be very dangerous to dogs if used incorrectly.
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