Can dogs eat Basil?
Yes - in moderation
Yes - fresh basil is safe for dogs in small amounts. It is a garnish rather than a nutrient, and pesto is a firm no because it contains garlic.
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What happens
Basil is not toxic to dogs. It contains antioxidants and small amounts of vitamin K, and a torn leaf or two stirred into food is completely harmless. Most dogs are indifferent to it. It is worth being realistic about what it does: the health claims made for culinary herbs in dogs are largely extrapolated from human research and very small quantities, so basil is a pleasant addition rather than a supplement. The practical warnings are about what basil usually arrives in. Pesto is built on garlic, which is toxic to dogs, and also carries a lot of oil, salt and cheese. Tomato-and-basil pasta sauces are almost always made with onion or garlic too. The herb is fine; the dish is usually not.
How much is safe?
A torn leaf or two for a small dog, a few for a large one, occasionally. Large amounts of any herb cause stomach upset, so there is no reason to go further.
How to prepare it
Fresh leaves, washed, torn or chopped small and stirred through food. Dried basil in a pinch is fine. Never pesto, never a shop-bought pasta sauce.
Symptoms to watch for
Almost always nothing. A large quantity may cause mild vomiting or loose stools. If basil arrived in pesto or a pasta sauce, the garlic is the thing to worry about, and that shows up over a day or two as lethargy, weakness or pale gums.
When to call the vet
Only if your dog has eaten pesto or a garlic-based sauce in any quantity, or is vomiting repeatedly.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Can dogs eat pesto?
No. Pesto is built on garlic, which is toxic to dogs, and it is also heavy on oil, salt and cheese. The basil in it is the only harmless part.
Is basil good for dogs?
It is safe rather than beneficial. The antioxidant claims come from human research and much larger quantities than a dog would ever eat. Treat it as a harmless garnish.
Can dogs eat dried basil?
Yes, a pinch of dried basil is fine. Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use less, and check that any mixed seasoning does not contain onion or garlic powder.
Looking for a food to feed instead? browse the directory or read the guides.
This is label analysis, not veterinary advice - if your dog has a health condition, talk to your vet before switching foods.