Can Dogs Eat Sage? Is It Safe Or Toxic To Dogs?

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Dog owners are always concerned about whether they can feed their dog human food or not. Sage is commonly used in dinner preparations and baking, so if you’ve ever wondered “can dogs eat sage?” – keep reading!

What Is Sage?

Sage (Salvia officinalis from the family Lamiaceae) is a common perennial herb with many different varieties. Common kitchen sage (also known as meadow, true, golden, culinary, or garden sage) is the most widely used variety, known for its soft leaves and pungent odor.

This widely used herb is typically used in cooking to flavor baking, roast meat, roast vegetables, stuffings, sauces, and gravy. It can also be used in tea – and sage oil is notably used for its medicinal properties and to use topically on wounds and sores.

Can Dogs Eat Sage Safely?

The good news is that sage is totally safe for your dog. All parts of the plant are non-toxic for your pup, including the flowers, stem, and leaves.

Sage can even have health benefits for your dog. But as with any other herb or human food, your dog should only have sage in small amounts in case of adverse affects.

Benefits Of Sage For Dogs

Adding a sprinkle of sage to your dog’s regular healthy meals can have a few added benefits apart from the delicious savory flavor. It contains high levels of rosmarinic acid which is widely known for its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidants

The leaves and stems of the sage plant contain antioxidants that can help counter free radical damage in your dog’s cells.

Vitamins and minerals

Sage contains vitamins and minerals including:

• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Phosphorus
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K

As you can see, these tiny leaves pack quite a punch for your dog’s immunity and overall health!

Improves digestion

Sage is used as a tea to improve digestion, and ease symptoms of bloating and diarrhea. It can also help improve these symptoms in your dog.

In addition, the oils in sage have antimicrobial benefits which can soothe minor stomach bacterial and fungal stomach infections.

Anti-inflammatory

For many years, sage has been used to ease pain and inflammation. If your dog suffers from arthritis or joint pain, sprinkling some sage into their meals could be beneficial.

Allergies

Does your dog have seasonal allergies? Adding some sage to their diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms due to the rosmarinic acid it contains.

Breath freshener

If your dog is having a stinky breath day, giving them a couple of sage leaves to chew can kill the oral bacteria in their mouth and give them a burst of natural freshness.

How To Feed Sage To Your Dog

After reading all of these benefits – don’t be tempted to feed your dog a pile of sage leaves! Too much sage can have negative effects for your dog, such as vomiting and stomach upsets.

You can feed sage to your dog in moderation – using either freshly picked leaves or dried leaves from your local supermarket. Simply take a pinch of dried leaves or chop up some fresh ones, and mix them in with your dog’s food.

A recommended amount is 1/4 teaspoon for small dogs, and up to 1 teaspoon for larger dogs. The flavor of sage is quite strong, so less is more – for both dogs and humans!

Sage can also be used to flavor your dog’s homemade dog biscuits and smoothies.

Is Pineapple Sage Toxic To Dogs?

Like the common garden sage, the delicious-smelling pineapple sage is non-toxic for dogs. But while there’s no danger of poisoning, you shouldn’t let your dog eat too many of these fragrant leaves.

Is Russian Sage Harmful To Dogs?

Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia ) isn’t from the same genus of plants as common sage. This herb is commonly used in parts of Asia for medicial reasons, and it’s also used to make garment dyes and color food.

This plant is totally safe for your dog to eat, so if you spot your pup munching on this in the garden, it’s okay. Just make sure they don’t eat too much of it!

What Other Herbs Are Safe For Dogs To Eat?

Now that you know a bit of sage is safe and healthy for your dog to eat, you might be wondering what other garden herbs are okay for your canine friend. Many herbs have great health benefits for dogs!

Some other non-toxic herbs for dogs include:

• Rosemary
• Basil
• Parsley
• Cilantro
• Oregano

Always start your dogs off with a tiny pinch of any new herb, or consult your vet if you unsure if you should feed your dog specific herbs.

In Summary – Can Dogs Eat Sage?

Dogs can eat sage safely, and it can even provide them with added health benefits when added in moderation to their regular balanced diet.

Like other common herbs, make sure your dog doesn’t eat too many sage leaves. Too much of this good herb can lead to stomach upsets for your pup. If you’ve got any concerns about feeding your dog safe, it’s always best to consult with your veterinary professional for peace of mind.