The Best Dried Herbs For Dogs

What are herbs?

Herbs are plants valued for their savoury, aromatic or medicinal properties, typically harvested for their leafy green or flowering parts. Unlike vegetables which are eaten as main components of a meal, herbs are generally used in smaller amounts to flavour food, create aroma or provide much-needed plant-based nutrients.

How are herbs defined?

The definition of an herb differs depending on the context:

• The green, leafy parts of a plant used fresh or dried to season food. Examples include basil, parsley and mint.
• A plant that lacks a permanent, woody stem above the ground (an herbaceous plant) and typically dies back at the end of the growing season.
• Any useful plant or plant part including leaves, roots, bark and seeds—utilised for its therapeutic or medicinal qualities.

Why use dried herbs in homemade dog food?

Dried herbs offer a number benefits in homemade meals and natural feeding plans.

Dried herbs:

• Add natural flavour to a dog’s meals
• Provide freshness and aroma
• Add plant-based nutrients
• Encourage variety in the diet
• Freshen breath naturally
• Complement fresh whole foods

Because dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh herbs, only small amounts are usually needed.

Some of my favourite dried herbs for dogs

Parsley

One of the most popular herbs for dogs, parsley is also often considered one of the best all-around herbs to pep up homemade food.

Why many home dog cooks use dried parsley:

• Acts as a natural breath freshener.
• Beneficial for digestive health.
• Helps protect against cancer and heart disease.

Its versatility makes it useful for homemade treats, snacks and everyday meals.

Basil

A gentle herb full of fresh aroma, dried basil adds a mild, sweet flavour that works beautifully in homemade dog food.

Home dog cooks like myself often use basil because it can:

• The perfect seasoning for dog soups and stews.
• Provide natural plant compounds.
• Bring freshness to bland foods.

Basil pairs especially well with chicken, turkey and vegetable-based recipes.

Rosemary

Rosemary is popular amongst those of us who feed our dogs fresh food because of its rich aroma and natural antioxidant content.

Many of us include rosemary in our dogs homemade meals because:

• The active botanical compounds found in rosemary function as a natural shield for both physical and mental longevity.
• It makes a meal smell and taste fresher.
• It offers a multitude of health benefits.

Rosemary can be quite strong — a little goes a long way!

Dill

Dill has a lighter flavour than many herbs, making it useful for dogs with sensitive stomachs.

Dill is particularly good for:

• Fish recipes for dogs.
• Lighter homemade meals and snacks.
• Digestive-support diets created by my resident dog nutritionist.

Many home dog cooks find dill especially helpful for dogs who prefer milder flavours.

Oregano

A staple in Mediterranean, Italian, Greek and Mexican cuisines, oregano goes down a storm with most dogs too!

I use oregano in my dogs’ homemade meals because:

• It provides natural flavour.
• Variety is important.
• It’s a nutritional powerhouse.

Contains more antioxidants than blueberries and apples!

Peppermint

Dried peppermint can add a cooling aroma and fresh taste to homemade meals or treats.

Many home dog cooks use peppermint because it:

• Freshens doggy breath.
• Soothes minor digestive upsets.
• Adds variety to homemade recipes.

It helps alleviate nausea too!

Dandelion

One of my absolute favourite herbs for dogs — more nutrient-dense than most leafy greens, and if you know when and where to pick it, it’s absolutely free!.

I love to use dandelion herb in my dog’s food because:

• It’s a recognised liver and digestive tonic.
• Dandelion herb is low in calories and rich in fibre.
• They’re really, really potent as a dried herb.

Every part of the dandelion plant is good for both you and your dog!