Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herb from the Lamiaceae family.This herb is mainly found in tropical regions, from Central Africa to Southeast Asia. It has always been a popular culinary herb, as it is packed with vitamins and antioxidants.Herbs and spices are added to dog food quite often. Herbs do have a lot of benefits and have a positive impact on your canine’s health. However, they also have certain compounds which are bad for dogs. For instance, bay leaves have eugenols and other essential oils that make them toxic to dogs. Herbs can also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other stomach problems in dogs. But not all herbs are toxic to dogs. Can dogs eat basil? Basil is one of the few herbs that are not harmful to dogs or cats. If you feed the right amount, it can also help your dog deal with arthritis and cancer.What are the other health benefits of basil for dogs? Can dogs eat basil pesto? Are they allergic to basil? Continue reading to find out.Do dogs like basil?Unlike humans, dogs do not like to experiment with their food often. Since their digestive system is different from ours, they refrain from eating certain types of foods.Some dogs like mint and herbs, while some don’t. Basil is a herb that is part of the mint family. Often, dogs love to munch on leaves. So there is a good possibility that your dog will enjoy basil. However, some dogs can not even stand the smell of basil. Dogs have 300 million olfactory cells and 1700 taste buds. It means their sense of smell is almost 40 times stronger than ours and their sense of taste is about one-sixth as powerful as ours. Any smell that is mild for you can be overwhelming for your dog. Basil is a pungent-smelling herb, that tastes like pepper. So if your dog is running in the opposite direction anytime you take basil close to it, it is understandable. Our final verdict on do dogs like basil is; it is an individual choice!Here is a quick tip. You can always use mint-flavored treats to check how your dog reacts to the smell and flavor before actually giving basil or any other mint herbs.Are basil plants toxic to dogs?Basil is one of the few herbs that are not toxic to dogs. In fact, it is very healthy for your dog.A small amount of basil has notable health benefits as it is packed with antioxidants. The herb can be toxic to dogs and cause several health problems when consumed in large quantities.What herbs are not good for dogs? Aloe vera is one common household herb. This herb is toxic to dogs as it contains anthraquinone glycosides which are helpful for bowel movements. In dogs, it can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even tremors in some cases.Comfrey has a lot of anti-inflammatory properties. However, it also has alkaloids which are known to cause liver damage in dogs. Just like basil, dried comfrey can also be a problem when consumed in large quantities. Hops, an important herb used in beer manufacturing, is extremely toxic to your canine friends. The specific cause of toxicity has yet to be discovered. All parts of the plant are considered hazardous.Borage, caraway eucalyptus, lovage, and marjoram are some other toxic herbs. When it comes to feeding herbs and spices to your dogs, always do your research. If you are not sure, contact your veterinarian and avoid risks.How much basil can dogs eat?When it comes to herbs and spices, a small amount goes a long way.Though basil gives several health benefits to your canine, it is better to provide them in moderate quantities. Although the nutritional value of basil is high, you can start by offering small quantities of basil. Based on the size of your dog, you can slowly increase the dosage. If you have small dogs that are under 15 lbs (6.8 kg), a pinch of dried or fresh basil every day is the right amount. If you add more than a pinch, it can cause gastrointestinal problems. For medium-sized dogs that are between 15-40 lb (6.8-18.1 kg), a quarter teaspoon or half teaspoon of dried or fresh basil will do. Large dogs that are over 40-50 lb (18.1-22.7 kg) can eat a teaspoon of fresh or dried basil every day.This is the maximum amount of basil your dogs can have. It should only make up 10% or less of your pet dog’s diet. Though dogs can eat basil every day, they don’t need it that often. Giving basil once a week or once every two weeks is more than enough. Just because your dog is OK with eating basil, you cannot add more or make it a habit, as it can have adverse effects. One thing to keep in mind, basil is just a treat and cannot be considered a meal. If your dogs have any allergic reactions, it is best to seek medical attention.Is basil beneficial for dogs?Humans are not the only ones to enjoy the health benefits of fresh basil or cooked basil. Unlike most of the other herbs, basil is good for your dog. It offers several health benefits for dogs, too.The benefits of basil can be seen in the prevention of cellular damage in your dog. It has antioxidants and works by destroying the free radicals that damage cells. Basil leaves can heal cellular damage. Basil is also known for its anti-cancer benefits; the antioxidants in basil keep your dog from developing chronic diseases like cancer.Basil contains anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces your dog’s chance of getting arthritis. Beta-caryophyllene in basil has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and antioxidant properties. It also reduces digestion problems and cholesterol in dogs. Basil provides calming benefits too. Sometimes your dog may get anxious quickly by trivial matters. Basil leaves act as calming agents that ease arthritis pain and reduce the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that causes anxiety in dogs. Basil contains vitamins and minerals which help to boost your pet dog’s immune system.Side Effects Of Basil For DogsAs we have discussed above, just a small amount of fresh or dried basil can be included in your dog’s diet. Dogs are primarily carnivores. Though they eat greens and leaves from time to time, too much can cause digestive issues like vomiting, stomach upset, and diarrhea.Basil is a fiber-rich herb. This is definitely a plus, but it can also be a problem when you don’t keep a track of how much basil your pet dogs eat. In dogs, mineral absorption is disrupted by fiber, resulting in an imbalance. This causes an upset stomach. Some dogs are even allergic to basil. Dogs can develop other skin ailments when they frequently eat basil. Itchiness, hives, and swelling are some of the common allergic reactions. Talk to a veterinarian before introducing basil to your dog’s diet.How To Serve Basil To DogsBasil pesto is a great option for dogs. You can make a dog-friendly version by avoiding garlic. Garlic contains thiosulfate, which is harmful to dogs as it can cause hemolytic anemia that affects the red blood cells. Be careful while adding oil and salt. You should also skip the cheese and pepper steps to avoid causing an upset stomach.Another way to add basil is simply mixing it up with dog food. You can chop it into small pieces and sprinkle it over wet dog food, dry dog food, or over their treats. Just be careful not to use too much. You can feed your pet all parts of basil, including the seeds in cooked or fresh forms. There are several basil species. Sweet basil, also known as Saint John’s Wart, and Thai basil, are the most preferred ones for dogs.Did You Know…This herb is used in dog shampoos to get rid of dandruff and ticks. It also works well if your dog has oily skin. Holy basil oil is used to treat dog ringworms. Sweet basil oil works against various strains of Escherichia coli or E.coli.Basil is derived from the Latin term basilius and the Greek word basilikon phuton, which both mean royal or kingly plant. This name was given to the herb since it was used to make royal perfume. Basil is also known as the king of herbs. The herb’s Latin name is sometimes mistaken with that of a reptile called basilisk because it was once thought to be an antidote to the reptile’s venom.Egyptians have found that basil was used for Egyptian mummies. When India was part of the British Empire, in place of the Bible, Hindus were permitted to swear on holy basil in court. The plant was thought to grow only where there was hatred and greed in Ancient Greece and Rome. When people took part in religious fasts, they often ate basil leaves as it was thought to offer energy. In Jewish folklore, basil was used as an antidote for snake bites.
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a herb from the Lamiaceae family.
