Basil adds extra flavor to any dish. This healthy herb will also make any dog food smell and taste good.
Adding this herb to your dog’s food will provide the variety that will spice up a dog’s day, and break the routine for him.
Basil is safe for dogs but it should be given in moderation.
“Basil will make your dog’s dish taste amazing, and it’ll even provide some health benefits because it contains natural antioxidants, which can help with digestion, reduce inflammation, and stimulate the immune system,” said Teresa Milne in “Is Basil Safe For Dogs?” in the Dog Friendly Scene website.
Sweet Basil
A member of the mint family, basil is a popular plant that commonly grows in Mediterranean climates.
Nutritional Ingredients:
Calcium
Cobalamin
Iron
Magnesium
Vitamin B-6
Vitamin C
Vitamin D
Benefits:
Alleviate anxiety
Anti-inflammatory
Ease joint pain
Gut protecting
Improves mood
Protect against infections
Great For:
Appetite stimulant
Arthritis
Constipation
Diarrhea
Intestinal gas
Basil is good for dogs and humans because it has chemicals that are known to kill bacteria and fungi within the gut. “It is known to reduce stomach problem symptoms of the gastrointestinal tract,” Milne said.
Risks
Too much of anything poses a risk even if it is a good thing, Milne stressed.
Overeating basil may lead to stomach upset and vomiting. Please make sure to give only small amounts of basil to your dog, Milne said.
Basil is not poisonous or toxic to dogs but when feeding basil to your dog for the first time, please consult the veterinarian if this can be given to your dog, and observe your dog.
Also, make sure your dog’s diet is well-balanced. “If you follow all the best practices when offering basil, your dog will reap the rewards of this magical herb,” Milne added.
Serving Suggestions
You can give one or two leaves to your dog. This is enough for him or her to get the benefits of the herb. You can mix basil to the dog’s food or you can it give directly to the dog.
Fresh is always best, though it is slightly more potent than dried basil. But please make sure the dried herb is not mixed with salt and garlic powder as these two ingredients are highly toxic or bad for dogs.
Basil choices
Recommended Amount
Milne warned against overindulgence when it comes to giving basil. “Don’t give them more than one or two leaves per mealtime unless instructed otherwise by your veterinarian,” Milne said.
After giving basil, observe the dog. Do not rely on extra food to provide all the nutrients a dog needs.
“Keep in mind that good quality dog food should always have the nutrients that a dog needs,” Milne said.
“Not all dogs like basil. It’s certainly an acquired taste, and the larger dogs are more inclined to have a nibble, whereas the small dogs are often much fussier in general when trying new foods,” she added.
Other Varieties of Basil
The safe basil, and the most common herb variety, is sweet basil. Sweet basil is sold mainly in shops and markets over the other types. There are three other types of basil that dogs can eat: lemon basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai basil. All should be given in moderation.
“Lemon basil can bring extra flavours to your dog’s diet and provide some health benefits to your dog. Cinnamon basil will make your dog’s dish taste amazing, and it’ll even provide some health benefits, “ Milne said.
“Thai basil will make your dog’s dish taste flavoursome, and it’ll even provide some health benefits, such as an anti-inflammatory, easing of joint pain dogs and protection against infections,” Milne added.