Can Dogs Eat Peppermint?

You probably want or just had peppermint ice cream or some drink containing peppermint and you are like can dogs eat peppermint or can I give a bit of it to my dog?

You don’t need to worry as we have all answers to your questions here in this post.

But you can tell us by commenting down below if you have any unanswered questions.

What Is Peppermint?

Peppermint is a hybrid species, a cross between watermint and spearmint.

Peppermint is also known as Mentha piperita. In 2020, world production of peppermint was 48,437 tonnes, led by Morocco with 83% of the world total and Argentina with 14%.

Peppermint oil is known to repel some pest insects, including mosquitos, and has uses in organic gardening. It is also widely used to repel rodents. Peppermint oil and leaves have a cooling effect when used topically for muscle pain, nerve pain, relief from itching, or as a fragrance.

Can Dogs Eat Peppermint?

Dogs can eat peppermint.

Some vets and scientists say that peppermint can calm an upset dog’s stomach. You can give your doggo peppermint in moderation – a few leaves a day are more than enough.

But dogs can eat only fresh and dry peppermint. Dogs should stay away from candies or any products containing xylitol or pennyroyal oil. Both of these ingredients are toxic to dogs even in small amounts.

Peppermint is safe for completely healthy dogs but it’s not recommended to be given to dogs that are taking some medicine, particularly for dogs getting homeopathic medicine.

Although dogs can eat peppermint they maybe won’t because of the strong aroma this herb has. But before you give your dog peppermint we want to tell you how you should feed your dog with this herb and how much is the safe amount.

Before giving any new human food to dogs you should consult with a vet, as it will know in what health condition they are and if the dose should be reduced.

What Should Products of Peppermint Dogs Avoid?

Products containing peppermint aren’t as safe as the fresh or dry variety of the herb. Peppermint candies, peppermint oil, and peppermint candy canes are not safe for dogs.

Let’s see why they aren’t safe:

1. Peppermint Candy

Dogs shouldn’t eat peppermint candies.

Peppermint candies are hard, while chewing them they can stick to dogs’ teeth, as happens with humans too.

But usually, because it’s a small thing dogs don’t even try to chew them, and then it’s very dangerous because the risk of choking is very big. Even if it goes through the throat of the dog it can cause intestinal blockage. And this can be life-threatening.

And what will happen if your doggo finds somewhere a candy with the wrapper on? Usually, some dogs won’t try to eat it but there are many cases where dogs did the complete opposite. Eating candy with wrappers can cause bowel obstruction or intestinal blockage. As you should already know this situation can be life-threatening.

And let’s not forget that candies are a high-caloric food, containing too much sugar too.

Then comes another life-threatening reason. Most of the candies contain xylitol.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a sweetener that is completely safe for humans but very toxic to dogs.

Symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• lethargy
• liver failure
• seizures
• muscle tremors
• low blood sugar

If you think that your dog had peppermint candy or any other candy containing xylitol you should call a vet immediately. If there are already any of the signs, then go directly to a vet clinic.

Also don’t give peppermint candies containing chocolate as it turns out that chocolate is toxic too.

2. Peppermint Oil

Dogs shouldn’t eat peppermint oil as it can be toxic to dogs.

Peppermint essential oils contain highly concentrated formulas that can be very dangerous and harmful to dogs.

If dogs consume even small amounts of peppermint oil they can get diarrhea, vomiting, and weakness. Don’t use peppermint oil on dog’s skin as it can irritate and cause very sensitive skin.

It’s not good for them to smell it even as dogs’ noses are much more sensitive to smells than humans. This strong smell can irritate their nose and cause respiratory problems or make it difficult for them to breathe.

Peppermint oil poisoning can be fatal for dogs if it is left untreated that’s why whenever you have some doubts that your dog had some amount of peppermint oil get in touch with your vet immediately.

3. Peppermint Candy Cane

Dogs shouldn’t eat a peppermint candy cane.

It’s too sweet. I don’t know if you like it but for sure I would never buy it for myself, too sweet for my liking.

So, it’s too sweet which means that there is a lot of sugar and even if it is sugar-free then there is xylitol. I don’t know which option you like for your dog but I personally am against both of them. And as with every candy, this peppermint candy cane is high in calories too.

You shouldn’t give it to healthy dogs what about dogs with some health issues? If your dog has diabetes or obesity then that is 100% NO.

Why Dogs Should Eat Peppermint?

Some pet owners use peppermint as it helps with dogs’ motion sickness because it calms the stomach.

Peppermint also stimulates the appetite of both humans and dogs.

When Dogs Shouldn’t Eat Peppermint?

Dogs that are completely healthy can eat peppermint, of course, in moderation.

But dogs that are getting homeopathic treatment shouldn’t eat dry or fresh peppermint as this herb acts like an antidote that can make the homeopathic medicine stop working.

How Much Peppermint Is Safe For Dogs?

The only form of peppermint that is safe for dogs is the herb itself. It doesn’t matter if you will give fresh or dry peppermint. Just keep the dosage small. Few leaves are more than enough for dogs.

Don’t give them more than a few leaves as it can cause gastrointestinal upset.

How to Feed Dogs Peppermint?

Dogs can eat only the herb safely so you can give just a few leaves to your dog. You can chop them and then sprinkle them on their food or give them only leaves – dry or fresh.

I want to include again that peppermint candies and peppermint oil aren’t safe for a dog’s health condition.

If you are giving your dog peppermint to calm the stomach but it looks like it’s not helping, then you shouldn’t increase the dosage because too much peppermint can worsen the situation.

Can Dogs Eat Peppermint: Nutritional Benefits

Peppermint leaves are rich in potassium, calcium, and folate. Peppermint is also rich in some vitamins like vitamin A, and vitamin C.

All these nutrients have:

• anti-oxidant
• anti-inflammatory
• anti-bacterial

properties. They can help keep dogs in good overall health condition but from two leaves they can’t get a lot of nutrients. Peppermint’s nutrition can be only an addition to dog food as it can’t be the main source of nutrition.

Can Dogs Eat Peppermint: Dog-Friendly Recipes

1. Peppermint Puppy Cookies

Servings: 25 cookies;

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of coconut oil;
• 1 ripe cut into small pieces banana;
• 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce;
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract;
• 1 1/2 cups of white whole wheat flour;
• 1 cup of rolled oats;
• 1/2 teaspoon salt;
• 1/4 cup of warm water;
• a pinch of flaxseed;

Method:

1. Mix the water with flaxseed.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
3. Oil a cookie sheet.
4. Cream the coconut oil, flaxseed mixture, bananas, applesauce, and peppermint together in a mixer until the banana is mashed well and the coconut oil is thoroughly incorporated.
5. Add the salt, 1 cup of white whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of rolled oats. Mix well.
6. Add the oats and remaining flour.
7. Press the batter evenly on the cookie sheet, spreading it into each corner. Take a dough scraper or knife and score the dough.
8. Bake for 40 minutes,  then break them up into smaller pieces.

2. Peppermint and Molasses Dog Treats

Servings: 25 cookies;

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp molasses;
• 1 tbsp olive oil;
• 2 tbsp peanut butter;
• 1 tsp peppermint extract;
• 1 cup goat milk;
• 1 cup water;
• 2 cups flour;

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined. Use your hands to mix if necessary.
3. Knead the mixture on a floured surface and roll out to 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Cut with festive cookie cutters and place on non-stick cookie sheets.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly brown.
5. Cool on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. Store treats in a sealed container and refrigerate them or freeze them.

Interesting Facts About Peppermint

1. December 3 is National Peppermint Latte Day.
2. February 19 is National Chocolate Mint Day.
3. Peppermint is the number one flavor for non-chocolate, hard candies.
4. The best time to harvest peppermint is on a sunny day when the plant is just beginning to flower.
5. Ancient Greeks believed mint could cure hiccups.

Wrapping It Up

Dogs can eat only the leaves of peppermint. They shouldn’t consume peppermint candies, chocolates, and peppermint oil. Dogs should avoid every product containing peppermint because of the other ingredients, not because of the peppermint itself.

Tell us if your dog likes eating peppermint as mine decided to only smell it and not even try to it. It was a hard NO. And that’s normal because their noses are stronger than ours.

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