We frequently get questions from dog parents asking what types of herbs and supplements are safe for dogs, so let’s go over some important information to get this common question answered once and for all!

 

The short answer is yes. 

Rosemary is considered non-toxic to dogs according to the ASPCA, and it may even have health benefits for your pup. 

Rosemary has a wide variety of uses, including serving as a potent ingredient for cooking, offering medicinal properties, and providing a sweet-smelling fragrance. 

Whether it's dried, fresh, an essential oil, or steeped and made into a tincture, rosemary is often touted as providing a wide array of health benefits to you and your pets.

 

Rosemary is a common herb used in a wide variety of cooking styles. 

It’s often used to flavor roasted meat, vegetables, or even used as an herbal tea. 

Throughout history, the herb has been used medicinally to help with brain function, joint inflammation, and as a stress reliever. 

With the growing popularity of essential oils, rosemary is now being used more and more in oil form. 

You can diffuse the oil in your home to create a piney, sweet-smelling aroma, though we never recommend applying essential oils directly to your pet as essential oils can be irritating to their skin and coat.

 

In addition to its uses throughout human history, rosemary can be beneficial for your dog too.

There are a few different areas where your dog can benefit from rosemary, both in his diet and topically applied. 

 

Antimicrobial

Rosemary does have antimicrobial properties and works as a natural preservative when used in dog food. 

Rosemary is often added to dog shampoos and other topical products as well due to its antimicrobial benefits. 

Make sure to use a product labeled for dogs specifically, and use only a small amount the first time to ensure your dog does not have an allergic reaction.  

 

Antioxidant

In addition to its antimicrobial properties, rosemary can also function as an antioxidant. 

Having rosemary in your body or your dog’s body can help to eliminate free radicals that can cause long-term damage. 

Free radicals are unstable molecules in your body that can damage cells, and have been linked to several illnesses including cancer. 

It is believed that rosemary can act as a powerful antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory, removing free radicals and improving your pup’s overall health.

 

Bug Repellent

The scent of rosemary can also help to repel various pests and insects. 

You can diffuse a rosemary oil outdoors, or you can use products that contain rosemary to help keep away mosquitos and other insects. 

Always use a product intended for dogs and never apply essential oils directly to your pet’s skin or coat. 

The concentration of essential oils is way too high to be safely used directly on your pet. 

Keep in mind that while many products claim to keep away mosquitos, fleas and ticks, consult with your veterinarian about traditional flea and tick preventatives, as in some areas and seasons, the risk for transmittable diseases (such as lyme disease and heartworm) is very high, and traditional preventatives may be warranted.

 

Digestive Health

In part due to its antimicrobial properties, rosemary is thought to be beneficial for your dog’s digestive tract. 

It can help to keep bad bacteria out of their guts, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and issues like indigestion. 

 

Although rosemary has plenty of potential health benefits for your dog, you need to be careful about how much you give them. 

The right dosage of rosemary can depend on a variety of factors including your dog’s size, weight, age, and breed. The reason you’re giving it to them matters, too. 

If you’re looking to give your dog rosemary in a tincture form versus simply including it in their food, you can start with ⅛ of a teaspoon of rosemary tincture for every 20 pounds of the dog’s body weight up to three times daily. 

However, it’s much easier and more practical to look for food sources that already include rosemary as an ingredient to ensure your pup is getting just the right amount!

 

There are plenty of different ways in which you can give your dog this delicious, fragrant herb.

The first and simplest way is just to sprinkle some on your dog's food at mealtime. 

You can use either fresh or dried rosemary, as both have the same health benefits. 

Another option is to use a rosemary tincture as we mentioned above. 

You can then apply this tincture topically to their coat, put it on top of their kibble, or administer it orally. 

 

Rosemary isn’t the only herb that can be healthy for your furry friend. 

Parsley is a common ingredient in dog food and dental treats, as it is full of antioxidants, flavonoids, and vitamins that our dogs need to stay healthy. 

Moreover, it can help keep their breath smelling fresh and clean. 

We use parsley in our air-dried dog food because it’s packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, and iron.
 
Not to mention, it adds a delicious spice that makes the food even more delicious. 

Peppermint is another herb that’s great for our furry friends.

 In the same way that it helps us humans with upset stomachs and nausea, it can do that for them too. 

The minty fresh smell is a great kicker in dental treats, as well.

Ginger can also help soothe an upset stomach. 

Keep in mind that it is always important to rule out the cause of your pup’s upset stomach before reaching for remedy. 

Be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure of the proper dosage of any herb for your dog’s size.

Check out our full ingredients list!

We know our dogs were happier and healthier on Sundays, and we think yours can be too. 

 

 

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