There can never be a better flowering plant used to garnish than parsley! It is native to the Mediterranean. You can incorporate its fresh or dried leaves into your everyday diet, including marinades, salads, soups, and sauces.
There are three types of parsley: flat leaf, turnip-rooted, and curled leaf. While each class has several cultivars, they all have a distinct flavor. Undoubtedly, parsley is an excellent source of nutrients. However, how suitable is it for your dog?
Can My Dog Eat Parsley?
Yes. Dogs can eat specific types of parsley in moderation, including curly and Petroselinum crispum. You must avoid spring parsley as it contains excessive furanocoumarin, which is toxic to pets. This compound triggers light sensitivity, contributing to blindness in the long run.
A tablespoon of chopped parsley contains one calorie, no fat, and no cholesterol, making it safe and healthy for dogs. While it is low in carbs, proteins, and fiber, this herb is rich in vitamins and trace minerals.
Ensure that you properly feed your dog. Usually, you’ll need to chop the herb into small bits and add it to your dog’s diet. You can also blend it into the dog’s water at one tablespoon per 20 pounds of the dog’s weight.
You can consider brewing parsley into a tea. This option requires adding a tablespoon of parsley tea per 10 pounds of the dog’s weight. Lastly, you could add this herb to various doggy treats, including cookies.
Health Benefits of Parsley to Dogs
Parsley is rich in minerals and vitamins that can help boost your dog’s health. Here is a breakdown of the health benefits your dog gets from parsley.
Antioxidants
Parsley is packed with various antioxidants and folic acid to help fight free radicals in the blood. These antioxidants will significantly reduce oxidative stress, ensuring the dog has a better and healthier coat. Additionally, antioxidants reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart conditions in dogs.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Anti-inflammatory properties in parsley shall help address pain, inflammation, and tingling. These properties allow the dog’s body to defend itself against various illnesses, stimulating healing simultaneously. In addition, these properties enhance kidney and antimicrobial health, ensuring that the dog’s urinary health is top-notch.
Anti-inflammatory properties in parsley can help relieve pain from arthritis in your doggie. You can use it alongside other treatments to manage pain and improve the quality of your dog’s life.
Bone Health
Parsley provides dogs with enough vitamin K to boost bone density and health. You can rely on it to prevent osteoporosis. In addition, parsley contains potassium, calcium, and magnesium, supplementing vitamin K.
Fresh Breath
Parsley is associated with fresh breath in dogs. However, this does not mean it is a substitute for tooth flossing and brushing.
Vision
Parsley is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for improved vision. This vitamin can also improve the dog’s immune system, cushioning your pet against various health complications.
When Is Parsley Unhealthy For Dogs?
Excessive consumption of parsley can cause dermatitis and skin allergies in dogs. This herb is packed with oxalates that can cause kidney stones in dogs, particularly when taken in large quantities. Its high furanocoumarin content can sensitize the cells visible to lights, contributing to blindness in dogs.
Parsley is often used to end pregnancies in humans, meaning it is unsafe for pregnant dogs. Ingesting this herb causes muscular contractions in pregnant dogs, which could terminate gestation early. You might need to avoid it in nursing dogs too.
Is Parsley Suitable for Dogs?
Parsley is safe for dogs when consumed in moderation. The recommended dosage is a teaspoon of parsley for every 20 pounds the dog weighs. Offering the right quantities will help avoid toxicity and health complications.
Conclusion
Parsley is a healthy herb that helps your dog fight bad breath, osteoporosis, and inflammation. Yet, you must offer it in the right quantities to avoid light sensitivity and blindness. Consult a vet before offering it to your pet!
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