No, dogs should not eat parsley regularly because it’s a diuretic. While the curly variety of parsley is safe for your dog in small amounts but can impact the digestive system. This is the main kind generally bought at the store. Spring parsley, however, is toxic to dogs.
Caution: This food is generally considered risky by the veterinary community. Dogs should not eat this food and should be monitored for adverse effects.
| Food Safety | The curly variety is safe in small amounts |
|---|---|
| Nutritional Value | The safe kind of parsley is an excellent source of vitamin K. It can also help with urinary tract infections and can help freshen up a dog’s breath. |
| Potential Risks | Giving the wrong kind of parsley to your dog can have severe consequences since it has furanocoumarins. This toxin can cause blindness and dermatitis in dogs. Parsley, even the safe kind, should never be given to pregnant dogs since it can cause muscle contractions. It can also cause kidney stones in dogs with kidney issues. |
| Symptoms | Blurriness or loss of vision, itching, rashes, skin irritation, peeling skin, cloudiness in the cornea. |
How Much Parsley is Bad for Dogs?
More than the amount, it is the kind of parsley that determines whether it is bad for dogs. Spring parsley is dangerous in any amount and should not be given to dogs. Curly parsley can be incorporated into your dog’s diet for its benefits. One tablespoon per 20 pounds of body weight is a good way to introduce parsley to your dog.
What Makes Parsley Unsafe for Dogs?
A variety of parsley called spring parsley has a toxic substance called furanocoumarins. This toxin, when ingested can cause dermatitis and loss of vision in dogs. Therefore, pet owners have to ensure the kind of parsley they have before adding it to their dog’s food.
Where is Spring Parsley Found?
Not in the kitchen. That’s the good news. You don’t have to go inspect your spice drawer. Spring parsley is generally found outside on rolling hills, in elevated areas (+1500 ft above sea level) and generally grows early spring. If you hike with your dog in an environment such as this, please get familiar with what the plant looks like and avoid it. The toxicity for this shrub is high.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Curly parsley does have nutritional benefits; therefore, adding it to your dog’s diet would be safe. A tablespoon of dried parsley leaves added to regular meals will enable your dog to benefit from the herb.
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Flat leaf parsley, along with spring parsley, contains toxins that can cause blindness and dermatitis in dogs.
