Can dogs eat Thyme?
Yes - common culinary thyme is safe for dogs in small amounts. Spanish thyme, a different plant sometimes kept as a houseplant, is toxic.
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What happens
Common thyme, the herb in your kitchen, is not toxic to dogs. In small culinary amounts it is harmless and contains some antioxidants and vitamin K. It has a mild traditional reputation for helping digestion, which is not well established in dogs but does no harm at the quantities involved. The distinction that matters is botanical: Spanish thyme, also sold as Cuban oregano or Mexican mint, is a different plant altogether and is toxic to dogs, causing vomiting, diarrhoea and in serious cases more than that. It is grown as a houseplant with thick fleshy leaves, so it looks nothing like kitchen thyme, but the shared name causes confusion. As with all herbs, thyme essential oil is far too concentrated to give.
How much is safe?
A pinch of fresh or dried common thyme for a small dog, up to half a teaspoon for a large one, occasionally.
How to prepare it
Fresh leaves stripped from the woody stems, or a pinch of dried, stirred through plain food. Never the essential oil, never Spanish thyme, and nothing from a dish cooked with garlic.
Symptoms to watch for
Culinary amounts rarely cause anything. Larger quantities can bring mild vomiting or loose stools. Spanish thyme causes more pronounced vomiting and diarrhoea and warrants a call.
When to call the vet
If your dog has chewed a Spanish thyme houseplant, or ingested thyme essential oil.
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Common questions
Is Spanish thyme the same as normal thyme?
No. Spanish thyme, also called Cuban oregano or Mexican mint, is a different plant with thick fleshy leaves, usually grown indoors, and it is toxic to dogs. Common kitchen thyme is the safe one.
Can dogs eat dried thyme?
Yes, a pinch is fine. Dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh, so use less, and check any mixed seasoning for onion or garlic powder.
Does thyme help a dog's digestion?
It has a traditional reputation for it, but there is little evidence in dogs and the amounts involved are tiny. It is a harmless seasoning rather than a remedy.
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.