Can Dogs Eat Thyme? What You Need To Know

You might be tempted to flavor your dog’s food with it, but can dogs eat thyme? Read this guide to learn about this herb.

You want to give your fur baby the best, so can you give them fresh herbs like thyme? Keep reading to learn how safe thyme is for dogs and whether thyme essential oil is dangerous.

For ultimate pet safety, please ask your vet any questions you have regarding your dog eating thyme.

What Is Thyme

You’ve probably used thyme in your cooking or grown it in your herb garden. The thymus vulgaris is actually native to the Mediterranean region.

Spanish thyme is an herb in the mint family and shares many similarities with oregano. Just like other fresh herbs, thyme was used medicinally and in many religious rituals by ancient Egyptians throughout the middle ages and is still used in home remedies today.

Today, many pet owners use it to fight bad breath in their dogs. In this guide, we will look really closely at the different types of Thyme and whether it is a good thing to share with your pup.

Can Dogs Have Thyme

The short answer is that dogs can have a small amount of fresh thyme without experiencing negative side effects or health issues.

In fact, thyme has antibacterial properties, which can be good for them. Just remember to be careful with how much they eat.

Too much of a good thing can cause bad side effects. If your dog overeats thyme, they might experience stomach issues or bloody diarrhea.

Is Thyme Safe For Dogs

Dog owners, it is safe to give your dog thyme. It’s always best to give them organic thyme so they don’t eat pesticides or herbicides.

Small amounts of thyme are good for dogs. Always check with your dog’s veterinarian before using herbs to support a healthy lifestyle, but other pet parents have used thyme to help their dog’s high blood pressure and urinary tract infections.

It’s a great way to support their overall health and well-being.

Is Thyme Toxic To Dogs

No, thyme is non-toxic. However, too much can wreak havoc on your dog’s digestive system, leading to an upset stomach.

There are no known toxic effects of thyme on dogs.

Health Benefits of Thyme

There are a lot of health benefits associated with thyme. It’s known to lower heart rate. Thyme also contains antioxidants, which fight free radicals and help prevent disease.

It has antimicrobial properties, so it’s good for your dog’s immune system and is a natural treatment for irritable bowel syndrome.

The anti-inflammatory properties of thyme make it a beneficial herb to use for pain (like arthritis).

It doesn’t contain many essential nutrients but is a good source of vitamin C.

And finally, it has carminative properties that help with blood clotting.

Small bowl of dried thyme next to fresh thyme sprigs.

Can Dogs Eat Dried Thyme

Yes, dogs can eat dried thyme leaves. Be careful and only give them a pinch of dried thyme per day. You can use it to flavor their dog food naturally.

Can Dogs Eat Lemon Thyme

It’s called lemon thyme because it has a yellow color and a faint lemon scent. This plant is safe for dogs to eat in small bits. Large amounts of it might upset their stomach.

Can Dogs Eat Creeping Thyme

This a beautiful ground-covering herb with bright purple buds. It is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, but large quantities could upset their gastrointestinal tracts.

Can Dogs Eat Thyme and Rosemary

Yes, thyme and rosemary are safe herbs for dogs to eat in small portions. Control how much they eat because excessive amounts could make them feel sick.

Is Thyme Essential Oil Safe For Dogs

It’s very important that you are careful with how much thyme essential oil you use on or around your dog. Do not give concentrated or undiluted thyme oil to dogs. It is way too strong and can make their blood pressure drop really low.

You should always mix thyme oil with volatile oils like olive oil before giving it to your dog.

Read more about diffuser essential oils and dogs.

How Much Thyme Can Dogs Have

Be careful with how much thyme you give your dog. It’s best to add no more than one teaspoon per pound of dog food.

If you are giving your dog thyme for the first time, watch for allergic reactions like difficulty breathing or vomiting. These are really rare, but it’s always best to be as safe as possible.

You can also sprinkle 1/2 a teaspoon of thyme in your favorite homemade dog treats recipe.

Final Thoughts

It’s safe to give your pet thyme. It’s healthy herbs that dogs can safely eat in their dog food and treats, and has several health benefits.

More Dog Food Resources

What other human foods are safe for dogs? Here are some more resources about different herbs dogs can and can’t eat:

Find lots of information about human food dogs can eat (and ones they can’t) here on Spoiled Hounds!

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