Food safety
Can Dogs Eat Basil? Yes, a Few Leaves Are Safe
Yes, dogs can eat basil in small amounts. The ASPCA lists sweet basil as non-toxic to dogs and cats, so a few chopped fresh leaves sprinkled on food are fine for most dogs. Basil adds little nutrition at that amount, and some dogs do not like the smell. The catch is how people eat it: pesto, pasta sauce, pizza and Caprese salad usually pair basil with garlic, onion, cheese, nuts or oil, and garlic and onion can damage a dog's red blood cells.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read3 sources
Why basil is safe for dogs
Sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, appears on the ASPCA's plant database as non-toxic to dogs and cats. The leaves contain small amounts of vitamins and plant compounds, but in a garnish-sized portion they are a flavor, not a supplement.
Basil is one of the few common kitchen herbs with that clean listing. Some others are not, so it is worth checking each herb separately rather than assuming the whole spice rack is safe.
Pesto and other basil dishes
Classic pesto blends basil with garlic, parmesan, pine nuts and olive oil. The ASPCA warns that garlic, like onion and chives, can cause stomach irritation and red blood cell damage that can lead to anemia, and its fat and nuts can upset the stomach.
Marinara, pizza, bruschetta and Thai basil stir-fries carry the same risk from garlic and onion, along with salt and chili. If your dog ate pesto or a garlicky sauce, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661; a fee may apply.
How to serve basil
Use fresh leaves only. Rinse them, pat dry and chop finely, then sprinkle a pinch over your dog's food or mix into homemade dog treats. Dried basil from a jar is fine in a tiny pinch, as long as it is basil alone and not an Italian seasoning blend with garlic.
Offer a small taste first and see whether your dog likes it. Do not use basil essential oil or concentrated extracts, which are far stronger than the fresh herb and not meant to be eaten.
For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.
How much basil can dogs eat?
Keep it to a garnish: under 20 lb, one or two chopped leaves; 20 to 50 lb, three or four leaves; over 50 lb, up to about a tablespoon of chopped leaves, a few times a week at most.
The ASPCA notes that eating any plant material can cause vomiting and stomach upset in some pets, so a dog that eats a whole basil plant from the garden may vomit even though basil is not toxic. Fence off herb beds if your dog grazes.
Puppies and basil
A puppy can have a leaf of finely chopped basil once it is eating solid food, but there is no benefit to rushing it. Introduce it on its own and in a tiny amount, because new foods often loosen a puppy's stool.
Potted herbs are tempting to teething puppies, and the soil, fertilizer or slug pellets in the pot can be more dangerous than the basil. Keep pots on a high shelf or windowsill.
Signs it disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet
Too much basil can cause vomiting, a soft stool or gas within a few hours, which usually settles within a day. Stop offering it and make sure your dog has fresh water.
Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts beyond 24 hours, or if your dog seems lethargic or will not eat. Call promptly if your dog ate pesto or another dish with garlic or onion, since signs of red blood cell damage can take a few days to appear.
Other safe greens and herbs
Cilantro is also listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs, and plain cucumber slices, green beans and romaine lettuce make fresh, low-calorie snacks. The ASPCA lists cucumbers and green beans among foods you can share.
Some herbs that look harmless, such as parsley and oregano, are listed as toxic on the ASPCA database, and chives are an Allium, so check before sharing any herb.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Can dogs eat pesto?
No. Pesto is made with garlic, which can damage a dog's red blood cells, along with cheese, nuts and oil. If your dog ate pesto, call your vet or an animal poison control line for advice.
Can dogs eat Thai basil or holy basil?
The ASPCA listing is for sweet basil. Other basils are closely related, but Thai basil is usually eaten in dishes with garlic, chili and fish sauce, which should not be shared.
Can dogs eat dried basil?
A tiny pinch of plain dried basil is fine. Avoid seasoning blends such as Italian seasoning, which often include garlic or onion powder. Check the label before sharing any dried herb with your dog.
Is basil good for dogs?
Basil is safe, but in the small amounts a dog eats it adds little nutrition. It is a flavor to share, not a health supplement or a treatment for anything.
Can basil plants hurt dogs?
The ASPCA lists basil as non-toxic, but a dog that eats a lot of any plant may vomit. Keep potted herbs out of reach, especially of puppies that dig and chew.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
