Basil is obviously very healthy. It also works wonders for a delicious recipe!
It’s no wonder owners ask if adding this herb is a good idea for their dogs.
Great news!
This plant is not harmful for dogs. In fact, it is super healthy and there are even medicinal uses.
This goes for the Thai variety and Sweet Basil (AKA Saint John’s Wort).
Moderate amounts, in dried or fresh form, are absolutely OK for canines. Incorporating small amounts (by sprinkling some onto dog food) is a smart thing to do!
Dogs Can Have Basil
There is no reason why pets can’t partake.
Basil may even help to alleviate arthritis (a condition that affects so many dogs).
Excellent Essential Oils
There is no explicit reason to exclude a dog from conservative consumption of fresh basil.
On the contrary, the essential oils are amazing for animals too. They also happen to be the reason why basil smells so wonderful!
In any case…
Basil can be beneficial for dogs in numerous ways. Keep reading as we get into more detail!
Some More Good News
There are excellent antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Basil may even fight cancer!
The anti-fungal and even insect-repelling characteristics are attributes dog owners will really love.
In addition to canine arthritis, basil’s powerful beta-caryophyllene may reduce inflammatory bowel disease (IBS).
The above attributes are relevant to dogs too!
Can Calm Your Canine
Perhaps the best thing about a dog eating basil are the positive mood altering effects.
Basil has long been consumed for its calming ability. Yet another use for dogs!
Holy basil is a calming supplement much like melatonin.
To be specific…
It will decrease stress hormone levels (specifically Corticosterone) which may reduce a dog’s anxiety.
Any Downsides for Dogs?
Give some basil as part of a home-cooked meal.
Just closely monitor for allergies (especially when giving it for the first time).
The fact is some dogs are allergic to herbs. Perhaps this stems (no pun intended) from the way basil is often eaten: uncooked.
FYI: Many table foods include basil, even if it’s just a pinch (worth considering when feeding scraps).
Herbs and Plant Foods
Herbs (though not spices) are generally healthy for dogs.
With that being said…
Lots of animals don’t agree with plant-based foods. In particular, the oxalates are often insoluble.
Dogs also have a carnivorous bias and their digestive system is accustomed to meat (not plants).
So, it is understandable to be a bit cautious about what you feed.
Be sure to read about parsley and oregano as well!
The Bottom Line
A small amount of basil will likely be a net positive for your dog.
The healthy aspects generally apply to four-legged friends as well.
Nevertheless, be conservative with this herb. While rare, dogs can be allergic to basil.
Go with a sprinkling mixed in with regular food.
Can Tulsi tea be used as an eye wash for dogs with conjunctivitis?
How much basil do you give a medium-sized dog and how many times a day?
My dog has been eating raw herbs from the garden. He has a change in his disposition after these episodes. Can herbs change a dogs temperament? His changes only happen when he raids the herbs.
I have an 11 year old English Springer Spaniel and he likes eggs. I was mixing some fresh basil into my eggs, and wondered if he could eat the remainder. I also try to give him eggs for the nutritional benefits.
He is struggling with some arthritis, and so I was happy to learn more about basil. Charlie enjoyed his French omelette!
I have a 9 year old, 13 pound Chihuahua and he is beginning to suffer from arthritis. It happens only here and there but, in any case, I like the idea of a natural way to prevent it. How much basil should I give him and do I cut it up and add it to his food uncooked?
I make a cracker for my 12 pound Chihuahua from equal parts mashed yam, multi-grain flour, a dash of olive oil and as many whole flax seed and dried parsley as the batch will hold.
I add a slightly rounded measuring teaspoon full of turmeric to the flour. I flatten to 1/8 inch thick the little 1/2 teaspoon balls of raw cracker dough onto silicon cookie sheet liners and bake at 350 degrees F. The batches are about 1 cup mashed yam to scant cup flour.
Then, for about 30 minutes, I take out the cracker when it is no longer bendable but not particularly browned.
The turmeric, even this small amount, really helps our little guy be able to be up and about instead of being achy and in pain. Whenever I run out of these before making another batch, we really see the difference in him even if he’s without them for a short period. He gets them throughout the day and he doesn’t have other treats.
Basil has high amounts of Eugenol that can reduce the amount of glucose in Type-2 Diabetics. You can use basil to help prevent and even cure diabetes.