Can Dogs Eat Thyme?

Yes, dogs can eat limited quantities of thyme.

Similar to oregano, thyme is a garden herb that belongs to the mint family. It is used for culinary, medicinal, and even ornamental purposes. The aromatic dried plant has an earthy and minty taste that adds flavour to countless dishes served in the Mediterranean region.

ASPCA reports that thyme is non-toxic to dogs as well as cats. As such, your canine pet can safely consume small portions of this herb mixed into his food or treats. Aside from providing vitamins and minerals, it helps with digestive, urinary tract, and respiratory health. It is also said to help with the prevention of bad breath and stomach parasites.

How to feed thyme to your dog: Speak with your veterinarian before letting your pooch try thyme. You’ll need to know the recommended serving based on his size, age, weight, as well as existing health issues that may get aggravated.

Limit feeding your pet one teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme. Remember that eating too much fresh leaves may cause stomach-related issues. Plus, refrain from feeding thyme to dogs about to undergo surgery or just had an operation as it slows down blood clotting.

In addition, do not feed concentrated thyme oil as this may harm your pet. Only apply diluted oil on his skin to treat bacteria or fungi. Also, do not serve your dog Spanish thyme or Cuban oregano as this is considered toxic for dogs.

Here are three ideas for thyme treats your dog will love:

Bake dog treats with peanut butter, oats, and thyme leaves.
Add a drop of thyme oil to your dog’s drinking bowl to freshen his breath.
Sprinkle dried thyme over Spot’s food.

In summary: Dogs can benefit from eating thyme once in a while. The fiber-rich herb contains vitamins A, C, and K, manganese, iron, and calcium that can help with his overall health. Aside from thyme, learn which human foods you can safely give your canine pet through our “can dogs eat” blog category.