Can Dogs Eat Rosemary? Yes, in Small Amounts

Why rosemary is safe for dogs

Rosemary, Rosmarinus officinalis, is listed on the ASPCA's plant database as non-toxic to dogs and cats. It is a woody, strongly scented herb, so most dogs will only accept a small amount mixed into food.

In the small amounts a dog eats, fresh rosemary is a flavor rather than a nutrient source. There is no need to add it to a dog's diet, but a little does no harm to a healthy dog.

Roasts, holiday dishes and rosemary oil

Rosemary is a staple of Thanksgiving and Christmas cooking, and that is where the risk lies. Roast turkey, lamb, potatoes and stuffing seasoned with rosemary usually also include garlic, onion, butter and salt. The ASPCA warns that garlic and onion can cause red blood cell damage leading to anemia.

Rosemary essential oil is a concentrated product, not a food. Keep it, and any oil diffuser, away from dogs, and never apply essential oils to your dog's skin without your vet's advice.

How to serve rosemary

Strip the needles from a fresh sprig, chop them very finely and sprinkle a pinch over your dog's food. The woody stem is hard to chew and digest, so discard it. Plain dried rosemary in a tiny pinch is fine as well.

If you are cooking meat for your dog, set aside a plain portion before adding rosemary blends, garlic or salt for the rest of the family, then add a pinch of chopped rosemary alone if you like.

For dogs that gulp anything new, a slow feeder bowl or a lick mat keeps portions small and eating slow.

How much rosemary can dogs eat?

Keep it to a pinch: under 20 lb, a few chopped needles; 20 to 50 lb, about a quarter teaspoon of chopped leaves; over 50 lb, up to half a teaspoon, a few times a week at most.

Large amounts of any herb can cause vomiting or diarrhea. If your dog has a medical condition or takes regular medication, ask your vet before adding herbs, as a precaution. Fresh water should always be available.

Puppies and rosemary

Puppies can have a tiny pinch of finely chopped rosemary once they are eating solid food, but there is no benefit to it. Start with a few needles to see how your puppy's stomach handles it.

Rosemary bushes in the yard are usually ignored, but a teething puppy may chew the woody stems. Supervise young dogs in the garden and offer a proper chew toy instead. Keep jars of dried rosemary closed and out of reach too.

Signs it disagreed with your dog and when to call a vet

Too much rosemary may cause vomiting, a soft stool or a mild belly upset within a few hours, which usually settles within a day. Stop offering it and make sure your dog is drinking normally.

Call your vet if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than a day, or if your dog seems lethargic or will not eat. Call promptly if your dog ate a seasoned roast or stuffing with garlic or onion, or got into rosemary essential oil.

Other dog-safe herbs

Basil and cilantro are also listed by the ASPCA as non-toxic to dogs and can be used the same way, as a pinch of chopped leaves. Plain, cooked vegetables such as green beans and carrots make good low-calorie extras.

Not every herb is safe: the ASPCA lists parsley and oregano as toxic, and chives are an Allium. Check each herb before sharing.

This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.