Peppermint for Dogs: A Complete Guide
Historically, mint species including peppermint and spearmint were used in early herbalism. Small amounts of fresh mint leaves were occasionally crushed into livestock or working dog feed to settle mild gastrointestinal distress, reduce wind and relieve bloating. Dried peppermint and spearmint leaves were historically also stuffed into dog bedding or rubbed onto their coats to act as a natural deterrent against fleas, ticks and mice.
That is why those of us who feed our dogs homemade food still enjoy adding a little finely chopped mint to meals or homemade treats to this day.
Can dogs eat peppermint?
Yes, dogs can safely eat fresh or dried peppermint leaves in modest quantities says our in-house dog nutritionist, but you must avoid toxic varieties like English pennyroyal and highly concentrated essential oils.
What are the health benefits of feeding dogs peppermint?
Feeding your dog the fresh or dried peppermint can provide moderate health benefits, primarily by soothing digestive discomfort and freshening bad breath.
Key benefits of peppermint for dogs include:
- Aids digestion and reduces wind: peppermint contains menthol, a natural compound that relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive tract. This can help ease bloating, wind, stomach cramps and general indigestion in dogs.
- Alleviates nausea and motion sickness: if your dog gets car sick or suffers from mild nausea, a tiny amount of peppermint can help soothe its stomach before a travel journey.
- Natural breath freshener: the antimicrobial properties in peppermint don’t just mask odours; they actively help reduce the bad bacteria in your dog’s mouth that cause foul breath.
- Rich in nutrients and antioxidants: peppermint leaves offer dietary fibre, vitamins A and C and essential minerals like calcium, iron and zinc to support overall cellular health and the immune system.
- Soothes seasonal allergies: the herb contains rosmarinic acid, an antioxidant that has been shown to reduce symptoms associated with environmental or seasonal allergies.
How much peppermint can a dog eat?
In the world of feeding fresh food for dogs, there is a wise old saying that has served me very well over the years — everything in moderation.
If you are just starting out feeding your dog peppermint, I would suggest:
- Small dogs: a tiny pinch of finely chopped fresh leaf
- Medium dogs: 1/8 teaspoon of fresh leaf
- Large dogs: 1/4 teaspoon of fresh leaf
Dried peppermint is highly concentrated so perhaps halve those amounts if you are giving your dog the dried herb.
How to feed a dog peppermint
You can safely feed your dog fresh or dried peppermint herb to help freshen breath or soothe minor wind provided it does not have kidney, liver or severe acid reflux issues.
Dogs do not chew or digest whole leaves well, so follow these preparation steps:
- Wash fresh leaves thoroughly, mince them finely and mix them directly into their food. This prevents them from picking the leaves out and helps digestion.
- Peppermint tea: brew a plain peppermint tea bag in plain water, let it cool completely and pour 1–3 tablespoons over your dog’s food. You can also freeze the cooled tea into ice cubes for a refreshing treat.
Mix a tiny pinch of the finely chopped herb into a spoonful of kefir or yogurt.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is peppermint safe for dogs to eat?
A. Yes, fresh or dried leaves from the peppermint plant are safe for most healthy adult dogs when given in moderate quantities.
Q. What are the benefits of peppermint for dogs?
A. Peppermint’s natural antimicrobial properties actively target the bad oral bacteria causing dogggy breath. The active compound, menthol, acts as a natural antispasmodic. This relaxes the smooth muscles of the gut to ease bloating and flatulence. A tiny pinch of the herb can settle mild travel sickness or motion sickness before car journeys
Q. Can I give my dog human peppermint sweets?
A. Absolutely not. Human sweets, breath mints and gum should never be given to dogs. They are heavily packed with sugar which leads to diabetes and tooth decay. More importantly, sugar-free human mints frequently contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that triggers life-threatening drops in blood sugar and fatal liver failure. Peppermint chocolates are also highly toxic due to theobromine.
Q. Is peppermint essential oil safe for dogs?
A. No, peppermint essential oil is highly toxic to dogs. Essential oils are incredibly concentrated and contain high levels of terpenes. A dog’s liver struggles to break down these compounds. Even when diluted, applying it to their skin causes irritation, and dogs will likely lick it off, causing oral ulcers and gastrointestinal burning.
Q. How can I safely give peppermint to my dog?
A. If you are cooking homemade dog treats or want to supplement its food with the fresh herb, always wash and finely chop the fresh leaves, limit the portion to a tiny pinch (less than a teaspoon) mixed directly into food. Avoid completely if your pet suffers from severe acid reflux, kidney issues or liver disease.
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