From raw, fresh leaves to hard candies, asking can dogs eat mint? is sort of like asking can people eat mint?
Whether your dog can eat mint depends on the mint and how it’s ingested.
While some mint species are safe or even beneficial to a dog’s health, others can be poisonous. On top of that, mint products like candies and gums can be loaded with companion ingredients like sugar and synthetics that won’t be kind to your dog’s stomach.
A bit about mint
In the science world, mint belongs to a large family of flowering plants named Lamiaceae, which contains hundreds of genera and thousands of plant species to its name. Within this family, mint plants belong to the genus Mentha, which contains around 20 species, many of which you’ll come across in your home or garden. Of those 20 species, only certain types of mint are safe for dogs to eat.
What types of mints can dogs eat?
The Common Safe Mints for Dogs**
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Peppermint can help sooth your dog’s stomach, much like it does with humans.
Spearmint can help tone down that trademark doggy breath, and can even help repel fleas.
Wild Mint is full of antioxidants and nutrients that can help protect your dog and keep them healthy.
You may also come across catmint — which isn’t part of the Mentha genus, still in the Lamiaceae family — and may have a relaxing effect on some dogs. As a bonus (if the name isn’t a dead giveaway), it’s also safe for cats.
The Common Toxic Mints for Dogs**
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Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)
Unlike other members of the mint family, Pennyroyal is dangerous to your dog when ingested.
It’s an especially important species of mint to identify and avoid, particularly because it’s a common plant spotted throughout the United States, frequently planted in gardens for its natural pest-repellent properties. So on your next walk, watch out for this:
> View this post on Instagram > > A post shared by Katie J (@wild_she_howls) on Aug 18, 2020 at 10:54am PDT
Other Mint Varieties and Products to Avoid for Dogs
Pennyroyal is a type of mint that contains the chemical pulegone, which has been known to cause vomiting, diarrhea, liver damage — and in extreme cases, failure — in dogs who ingest it. Dogs have been known to have such serious reactions to the pennyroyal plant, that we’d advise calling your vet if you catch your dog nibbling on it.
If your dog is ingesting mint via candies or chocolates, we’d advise you put a stop to it altogether. Chocolate for the obvious reasons, but even tiny breath mints and gums can carry artificial sweeteners like xylitol which has proven toxic to dogs. Some of these products may also use concentrated mint oils that can leave your pet feeling ill.
How Much Mint Can My Dog Eat?
No matter how safe the mint, overindulgence can result in GI issues. Mint leaves are plant material, and we wouldn’t recommend more than a few leaves per day of any raw plant for your trusty companion.
It’s best to stick to the real plant or specially formulated mint products for dogs.
Bonus: Doggy Breath Mints
When it comes to overall health, fresh food like Nom Nom’s is the best place to start. But it’s never a bad idea to supplement their oral health with the occasional dog-safe mint treat.
Purchase in store or make some at home! For an easy-freeze treat, try plain yogurt, a dash of fresh mint leaves, and a bit of parsley, blended and frozen in an ice cube tray overnight. When selecting fresh mint for dog-safe treats, make sure leaves are fresh and pesticide-free.
Whenever that doggy breath reaches a fever pitch, pop an easy-freeze mint treat out of the freezer and let them lick the stink away
FAQs
How can I introduce mint to my dog’s diet safely?
Reinforce that only 1-2 leaves of fresh mint are recommended for dogs daily. Stick to safe species of mint like spearmint or peppermint. Wash leaves thoroughly to remove pesticides. Start with small amounts, chopped and mixed into food. Monitor for any gastrointestinal issues. Avoid pennyroyal and wintergreen, which are toxic to dogs.
Are dried or powdered mint leaves as safe as fresh mint leaves for my dog?
While powdered and dried mint leaves are still as safe as fresh mint for your dog, they are much more concentrated, so use a much smaller amount.
Is mint safe for puppies or senior dogs?
In small, controlled abounts, fresh mint leaves are safe for puppies and senior dogs. Stick to safe species of mint like spearmint or peppermint. Wash leaves thoroughly to remove pesticides. Avoid pennyroyal and wintergreen, which are toxic to dogs.
