Basil is one of the most common herbs out there. In fact, it is a staple in most households all over the world. 

Many households even grow their own basil. This is the cheapest and easiest way to get it. There are many types that range from Thai basil to sweet basil, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

However, when it comes to dogs, herbs and spices are a bit complicated. While some herbs and spices are bad for them (especially spices) there are others that are actually beneficial.

So a question a lot of us dog lovers have is, can dogs eat basil? In this article, you’ll find out whether basil is safe for dogs. You’ll also find out if this food has health benefits or if it has harmful effects on our dogs. 

Can Dogs Eat Basil?

The short answer is yes; Dogs can absolutely eat basil. Basil is a safe food for dogs. 

Even though there are many types of foods that are not good for dogs such as grapes, bones, and chocolate, basil is not one of them. 

In fact, basil is good for our furry pooches, and contains a number of benefits for them.

Benefits of Basil for Dogs 

Basil is rich in certain minerals and vitamins. These include Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Fiber, and Calcium. 

Listed below are the primary nutrients and how they contribute to the health of our dogs:

  • Vitamin A. This can help prevent medical conditions caused by irregular blood sugar levels. 
  • Vitamin K. It is great for developing blood vessels as well as regenerating skin and creative tissue.  
  • Fiber, which helps in solving a dog’s digestive problems. Foods rich in fiber such as basil can help against bowel movement problems. 
  • Calcium, this helps in the development of bones and teeth. Additionally this can provide a good source of calcium for lactose intolerant dogs.

Other Benefits of Basil

Aside from these minerals and vitamins, basil is also good for dogs because of other qualities. For example, they contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These are great for fighting against inflammation.

Basil also has antimicrobial properties that can help in fighting against bacterial infections. 

The herb is used to detoxify a dog’s body from some type of toxins that can be harmful to dogs. Aside from that, basil is also good for lowering blood sugar levels. They are extremely useful against Type 2 Diabetes. 

Precautions about Feeding Basil to Dogs

However, it’s not all good when it comes to dogs and basil. Having too much basil can cause some issues for your dog. For starters, basil can cause diarrhea or loose stools.

Having too much fiber can also be bad for dogs. Too much fiber can cause a loose stool, or even diarrhea.

Another reason as to why basil may be bad for dogs is because of allergies. Generally, basil is good for dogs. However, some dogs are allergic to basil, so you’ll obviously want to keep your dog away from it if allergies are a concern.

Learn More About What Human Foods Are Healthy or Harmful for Dogs

This article is part of our special series of articles about “What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?”

In the next article find out Can Dogs Eat Cheerios?

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