Yes, dogs can eat rosemary in moderation. Rosemary is safe and sound for your dog. In addition, it can be used as a natural preservative and flea repellent. It comprises of antioxidants that limit heart disease, cancer. Rosemary can also solve your dog’s digestive problems because of its antimicrobial properties. Rosemary can also enhance mood and memory. However, rosemary contains some volatile oils, which can cause itchy skin, stomach upset, and nervous system depression if consumed in large quantities.
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What is Rosemary?
Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves. Rosemary is a widely used herb in a variety of dishes across the world. It comes from the Mediterranean region and has been used for decades. Rosemary improves the brain and memory, increases blood supply, and aids digestion. Rosemary is a versatile herb used in a variety of meats and vegetables.
Nutrient Profile of Rosemary
Rosemary are good for your dog. Rosemary is an excellent source of vitamin A, C, and B6. It also contains riboflavin, folate, and thiamine. Rosemary possesses a few micro-nutrients like calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper, along with omega – 3 and omega – 6 fatty acids.
Rosemary comprises phytochemicals that provide several benefits. These phytochemicals are:
Rosmarinic Acid: This is a phytochemical which has potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Rosmarinic acid helps in preventing oxidative stress-related cell damage.
Camphor: It is primarily known for reducing swelling and pain. To some extent, this can also reduce itching.
Ursolic Acid: It helps in the growth of skeletal muscle tissue.
Caffeic Acid: This has antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties.
Betulinic Acid: It contains anti-cancer properties.
Carnosol: Carnosol contains strong antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in preventing cardiovascular diseases.
Carnosic Acid: Its primary task is to protect various cells and tissues of the central nervous system.
Health Benefits of Rosemary for Dogs
Rosemary contains several phytochemicals and micronutrients that offer health benefits for dogs including:
Helps combat certain Bacteria and Fungi
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Promotes Healthy Heart
Improves Digestion
Improves Coat Quality
Types of Rosemary You Can Feed Your Dog
Not all forms of Rosemary are safe for your dog. When it comes to feeding rosemary to your dog, you will have to be cautious and choose one of the options below:
Dried Rosemary: You should chop the rosemary leaves and mix them in the dog food.
Rosemary Paste: Make a paste of rosemary and add that to the dog food.
PRO-TIP: You must avoid using rosemary oil in dog food as it is dangerous for the dog. Your dog might suffer from sneezing, vomiting, and other severe health disorders if you do!
How Much Rosemary To Feed Your Dog
The saying “less is more” applies to rosemary servings and dogs. If your dog is healthy, it does not need rosemary.
Keep in mind the following daily serving sizes:
Half a teaspoon of dry rosemary leaves OR
A teaspoon of rosemary paste
Bear in mind that rosemary has a solid and intense scent, which is why you should use the smallest amount possible. Aside from that, it’s rich in iron, which has been associated with health issues when consumed in large quantities.
Risks of Eating Rosemary
Rosemary is a common herb that many people use to cook for themselves and their dogs. It is handy to your dog when used in small amounts, but it can have harmful side effects when used in excess. An allergic reaction to rosemary may range from mild itchiness to extreme seizures. Although the diagnosis can take longer than predicted once detected. Treating rosemary allergy is relatively simple.
Rosemary provides several health benefits for both humans and dogs, which is why it’s used in many dog foods. However, it would not be appropriate for all dogs. Consult your doctor if you think your dog is allergic to rosemary.
Symptoms of Rosemary Allergy
If you dog is allergic to Rosemary, you will notice some of the following symptoms:
Itchy skin
Dry, Flaky skin
Hair Loss
Ear Infection
Obsessive licking or chewing of feet
Inflamed paw
Gastrointestinal Upset
Seizures
Rosemary Allergy in Dogs: Causes
When your dog suffers from allergies, its body attempts to shield itself. Although the ingredient or substance is, in fact, harmless, the body does not accept it as such and mounts an extreme defensive reaction. If your dog has a rosemary allergy, its body will mount an unnecessary immune response to the herb. This allergic reaction will manifest itself rapidly or gradually over time. Many food allergies develop when dogs have an infection in the stomach or intestines or after an imbalance in their natural flora.
Rosemary Allergy in Dogs: Diagnosis
If you dog suffers from allergic reactions, you should consult your vet who will run detailed tests and collect his medical history to figure out what is causing the symptoms. If your dog’s eyes are watery, the veterinarian can run a series of tests to determine the cause. The vet might use fluorescein staining to look for a scrape or ulcer on the cheek, for example. If the dog’s skin is itchy and the doctor isn’t sure what’s causing it, so may take a scrape to rule out foreign pathogens or bacterial overgrowth.
Blood tests can give the doctor an indication of how well the dog’s internal organs are performing. A complete blood count and chemistry panel will provide the veterinarian the details for an accurate diagnosis. The findings of the blood tests will reveal whether there are any increases in white blood cells and whether they are linked to an allergic reaction.
The most common approach for determining an allergy is to do a dietary experiment. It would help if you fed your dog a diet for at least 90 days without rosemary in a dietary investigation. You cannot offer any sweets or flavored medications containing rosemary during this trial because it can influence the outcome. If the allergic symptoms disappear after 90 days, you must reintroduce rosemary into your dog’s diet. If the allergy problems return after you reintroduce rosemary, you’ve found the root.
Rosemary Allergies in Dogs: Treatment
The veterinarian may recommend a medication to alleviate the scratching that your dog is experiencing. As the rosemary leaves his system, the drug will make the dog itch long enough for the skin to recover. If you don’t get rid of the itching root, you’ll have to keep giving the drug and potentially heal over time.
The easiest way to handle rosemary allergies is to follow a strict eating plan. It can be a frustrating process, but if you find the allergen’s root and successfully eliminate it from their diet, both you and your dog will be better off. Suppose the allergen isn’t removed from your dog’s diet; in that case, the immune system will deteriorate over time, leading to persistent problems or secondary infections, which can lead to more health problems for your dog.
Final Words
Rosemary isn’t harmful to dogs. To help alleviate stomach upsets, give your dog a small amount of rosemary. While the extract is safe, do not use the oil. Discuss the number of doses with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate amounts based on the reason you’re using them.
Finally, rosemary may induce an allergic reaction, much like any other food or herb. If you see any symptoms of allergies, consult a vet and stop feeding rosemary if necessary.
