Can Dogs Have Parsley? Discover The Benefits And Facts

There are various types of parsley, such as Italian parsley, also called flat-leaf parsley or French parsley, or curly leaf parsley.

Cilantro is also called Chinese parsley or coriander. Green Parsley is mainly used in decoration or as a garnish of chopped herbs in many recipes, but it also has many nutritional values. Green parsley has a unique flavor and is a popular ingredient in soups, stews, and sauces.

Dogs eat parsley sauce because it is considered a diuretic in veterinary medicine, for both pet dogs and cats. Fresh parsley is considered a good food or a treat for your pet. This herb has many benefits. Spring Parsley helps freshen up breath and, since it contains Vitamin K, it boosts liver health.  If you are thinking about feeding your dog some parsley, here's what you need to know about its nutritional values and its health benefits along with how you should serve it to your dog. Parsley is considered an option for dog treats. One should only feed them a curly variety. These treats can be given to a dog in small amounts.

To find out more about the diet of a dog, you may like reading can dogs eat papaya, and can dogs eat carrots?

Is parsley safe for dogs?

The first question you might ask is, is parsley even safe for my dog? And the answer is yes. Dogs can eat parsley. Parsley is safe; it is also very healthy for both you and your dog. It is also safe for cats to eat.

However, you should only feed fresh, curly parsley to your dogs; we'll explain why that is later.  Parsley is rich in fiber and protein. A tablespoon of finely chopped parsley contains one calorie and less than a gram of carbohydrates. It has virtually zero fat or cholesterol because of the absence of sugars in the leaf.

Fresh parsley is rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, and vitamin C and also contains trace minerals like calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium. It is exceptionally rich in vitamin K, with about 1.05 oz (30 g) of parsley containing 547% of the referenced daily intake values; vitamin K is important for healthy blood clotting and strong bones.

Dogs should only be fed curly parsley (or French parsley) in small servings. That is because parsley contains furanocoumarins which is a toxic compound and can be harmful to your dogs in high quantities.

Benefits Of Parsley For Dogs

As we say, parsley is a herb, which is rich in many vitamins and minerals, and also has high fiber, low fat, and carbohydrates.

Parsley is a recommended remedy for bad breath as it has a very fresh scent and high concentration of chlorophyll which acts as a deodorant for your dogs' mouth. Parsley is also proven to nullify the foul smell of sulfur compounds.

Fresh parsley is also rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids, carotenoids, and Vitamin C, which benefit your health in many ways. Sometimes, molecular reactions in a cell can generate certain molecules known as free radicals. Antioxidants in parsley react with these free radicals, stopping them from affecting our cells.  Parsley is rich in flavonoids, mainly myricetin and apigenin which are shown to reduce the risk of type two diabetes and heart diseases.

Due to its high vitamin K content, parsley is exceptionally good for dogs with bad bone health. Vitamin K helps create better and stronger bones by promoting the growth of osteoblasts which are bone-building cells. Vitamin K also improves the health of the liver and ensures better blood clotting.

It helps with digestive problems and soothes the stomach. It helps reduce infections in the urinary tract due to its diuretic properties.

The vitamin A present in parsley improves vision and clears the cornea in the eyes. Fresh parsley is also proven to have anti-inflammatory properties and provides relief from itching and several other infections.

How To Feed Parsley To Dogs

Among all dog treats, parsley is considered full of nutrition if it is homemade. Parsley is best served in the form of small chopped fresh leaves. But there are several ways for you to prepare some parsley dishes for your dog.

Parsley tea for dogs can be made by first making some parsley concentrate by boiling several large parsley leaves in a liter of water. The tea should then be set aside covered for a couple of hours and can be boiled again over a low flame for an hour to make the parsley blend into the water. But make sure to add one teaspoon per 10 lb (4.53 kg) of your dog's weight.

Parsley soup is very good for pets and is an ideal way to get rid of any infections in the urinary tract and is effective on an empty stomach. Parsley should be blended in a juicer or a mixer and mixed with water in equal proportions. Feed a teaspoon of this soup per every 20 lb (9.07 kg ) of your dog's weight or add some water if your dog isn't fond of its taste.

You can also feed freshly cut parsley to your dog. Make sure that it's finely cut and add it to your dog's regular diet, mixing it well with its meal. Feed it twice to your dog.

List Of Herbs That Are Safe For Dogs

Pet dogs can eat a variety of herbs and spices. They have anti-inflammatory properties and are rich in antioxidants; on top of that, they improve their digestive health. Here are natural herbs for dogs that you should try to include in your pet's diet.

Aloe vera is one of the best herbs that you can feed your dog. It has very good antibacterial properties and boosts the immune system.

Basil is packed in vitamins and essential minerals along with antimicrobial agents and antioxidants. It also promotes your dog's health.

Cinnamon has a wide range of anti-inflammatory agents, fights bad breath and is delicious for dogs.

Ginger's roots enhance the digestive system, improve blood circulation and alleviate nausea.

Rosemary is high in fiber and full of important vitamins. It helps make the heart stronger.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for 'Can dogs have parsley?', then why not take a look at 'Is peppermint oil bad for dogs?' or 'Pug facts'?