Can dogs eat parsley?

Parsley is a kitchen herb dogs can have in small amounts as a natural breath freshener. In larger quantities it contains furanocoumarins and oily compounds that can stress the kidneys and irritate skin. Here's how much parsley is safe and what forms to avoid.

Why only in moderation

Curly leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum), the kind commonly used in cooking, contains small amounts of vitamins A, C and K along with chlorophyll, which helps mask odor in a dog's mouth. In the amount you'd normally sprinkle over a bowl of food, it isn't a problem for dogs.

Parsley also contains furanocoumarins and an essential oil with compounds called apiole and myristicin, which are concentrated mainly in the root and seeds. In large doses these compounds can stress the kidneys and, in sensitive dogs, cause skin photosensitivity after sun exposure.

The riskier forms are parsley root and especially dried parsley seed, which have a much higher concentration of these oily compounds than fresh leaves. Parsley seed has historically even been used as an abortifacient, and in concentrated form it isn't appropriate for dogs or people.

So the issue isn't parsley itself, it's the dose and form. Ordinary fresh or dried parsley leaf in a kitchen-sized amount won't hurt a dog; concentrated parsley oil or a large amount of seed will.

How to serve parsley

• Finely chop fresh parsley leaf and sprinkle it over your dog's regular food; never use it as a main ingredient of a meal.
• Use dried parsley in an even smaller amount than fresh, since it's more concentrated.
• Avoid parsley oil and supplements with a high concentration of parsley extract, since these are dosed very differently from the fresh herb.
• Introduce any new herb gradually and watch how your dog reacts, since even a small amount can upset a sensitive dog's stomach.

Risks

• In large or repeated amounts, parsley can stress the kidneys, especially in dogs with existing kidney disease.
• Furanocoumarins can cause skin photosensitivity in sensitive dogs after time in the sun.
• Concentrated parsley oil and seeds contain more apiole and myristicin than fresh leaf and can be more toxic.
• Pregnant dogs should avoid parsley in larger amounts, since it's historically been linked to uterine contractions.

Symptoms to watch for

• Vomiting or loss of appetite after a large dose
• Diarrhea
• Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight (redness, sunburn)
• Changes in urination with long-term overuse
• Lethargy

Your dog already ate parsley. What now?

1. If your dog ate a few leaves of parsley from the garden or your plate, this usually isn't a concern; just watch for normal digestive upset.
2. If your dog ate a large amount of parsley oil, a supplement, or seeds, contact your vet, since these are much more concentrated forms.
3. Watch your dog for 24 hours, checking for vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urination, and see a vet if symptoms persist.