Can dogs eat Parsley?
In small amounts, with care
In moderation - ordinary curly parsley is safe in small amounts and is used in dog treats for breath. Spring parsley is a different plant and is toxic.
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What happens
Curly and flat-leaf parsley, the kind sold in supermarkets, is not toxic to dogs and a small amount is a harmless garnish. It contains vitamins A, C and K and is sometimes credited with freshening breath. Two cautions keep it out of the safe column. Parsley is a mild diuretic in quantity, which is a reason not to feed much to a dog with kidney disease without asking your vet first. More importantly, spring parsley - a different plant that resembles the herb - contains furanocoumarins, which cause photosensitivity and can be toxic; it is uncommon in Britain but worth knowing if you grow herbs. As with all herbs, large amounts cause an upset stomach regardless of species.
How much is safe?
A pinch of finely chopped fresh curly parsley for a small dog, up to a teaspoon for a large one, occasionally.
How to prepare it
Fresh curly or flat-leaf parsley, washed and finely chopped, stirred through food in a small amount. Never spring parsley, and nothing from a sauce or dressing containing garlic.
Symptoms to watch for
Too much causes vomiting, diarrhoea or unusually frequent urination. Spring parsley exposure can cause skin sensitivity to sunlight, which looks like redness or irritation on thinly furred areas.
When to call the vet
If your dog has eaten a lot and is vomiting persistently, or if you suspect spring parsley and see skin irritation. Check with your vet before using parsley regularly in a dog with kidney disease.
Can dogs eat these?
Common questions
Does parsley help dog breath?
It is a common ingredient in breath treats and may help a little in the short term. Chronic bad breath almost always means dental disease, which needs a vet rather than a herb.
Is parsley safe for dogs with kidney problems?
Ask your vet first. Parsley is a mild diuretic in quantity, so it is not the obvious thing to add to the diet of a dog with kidney disease. For a healthy dog a pinch occasionally is fine.
What is spring parsley?
A different plant that looks similar to the culinary herb but contains furanocoumarins, which cause photosensitivity and can be toxic to dogs. It is uncommon in the UK but worth identifying if you grow herbs.
Sources
Veterinary and animal-welfare references behind this verdict. We are not vets - these are the published sources we read.
- Food Hazards in Animals MSD Veterinary Manual
- People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets ASPCA Animal Poison Control
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.