Can Dogs Eat Mint? Benefits and Risks

Mint, also known as Mentha, is a popular aromatic herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family. With hundreds of varieties grown worldwide—including native spearmint, peppermint, Scotch spearmint, apple mint, and wild mint—people use this herb for culinary purposes and incorporate it into health and beauty products. Mint is also the primary ingredient in many breath fresheners like chewing gum, mouth rinse, and toothpaste.

Dogs can safely eat one or two fresh, plain mint leaves per day. However, feeding your dog mint leaves in excess may upset their digestive system. Stick to serving them a few small bites of mint occasionally, rather than regularly. Only incorporate non-dedicated food into your dog’s diet after consulting with your veterinarian about the benefits and risks.

Pet owners should also note that one species of mint plant—the English pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium)—is toxic to dogs. Wintergreen—a fresh-smelling herb commonly confused with mint—is also toxic to dogs. If you can’t verify the species of your mint leaves, do not feed them to your pooch.

Mint can offer a series of potential health benefits for your furry friend.

1. 1. Antioxidant-rich: The antioxidants in mint may help protect your dog against cell oxidation and free radical damage that contribute to cancer.
2. 2. Freshens breath: Mint’s refreshing aroma can help freshen a dog’s bad breath.
3. 3. May help allergies: The rosmarinic acid in mint may relieve seasonal allergies in dogs. Additionally, the natural menthol in mint plants may act as a nasal decongestant.
4. 4. Nutrient-rich: Mint contains nutrients that are valuable to your dog’s health, such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. It also contains vitamin A (which strengthens your dog’s immune system and skin health) and vitamin C (which strengthens your dog’s bone health).

Here are some of the hazards associated with feeding your dog mint.

1. 1. Mint products can cause health problems. Dogs should never consume mint products meant for humans, including breath mints or candies, which contain chemical ingredients and added sugars that may cause tooth decay, elevated blood sugar, and weight gain in canines. Additionally, sugar-free mints and candies often contain xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs. As with mint candy, mint ice cream contains unhealthy added sugars and artificial ingredients. Furthermore, mint ice cream often contains chocolate chips and vanilla extract, both toxic to dogs.
2. 2. Overconsumption causes discomfort. Overeating mint can cause abdominal and gastrointestinal distress in dogs. For that reason, only feed your pooch one-to-two mint leaves at a time.
3. 3. Similar plants and certain species are toxic. The English pennyroyal is the one mint species toxic to dogs. It contains a toxic chemical called pulegone that can cause liver damage or even complete liver failure when consumed in large quantities. If your dog accidentally eats this type of plant, they will likely experience an upset stomach, vomiting, or diarrhea shortly after ingestion. Additionally, the wintergreen plant—which many people mistake for mint due to its minty flavor and aroma—is toxic to dogs.

Before offering your pooch a mint, consider the following guidelines:

1. 1. Talk to your vet. Always consult with a veterinarian before incorporating any quantity of human food or herbs into your dog’s diet. Your vet can also advise on proper portioning for your specific dog breed.
2. 2. Choose mint products specifically for dogs. Canine-specific dog foods and dog treats that contain mint should be safe for your dog to eat, while human foods with mint are unsafe. For this reason, avoid giving them mint-flavored foods and candies made for human consumption. These mint products often contain ingredients harmful to pups and dogs. Only feed them a leaf or two from a verified mint plant.
3. 3. Verify the mint species. If you’re buying herbs at a grocery store or mint plants from a nursery, ensure that your chosen mint plant is neither the English pennyroyal nor a wintergreen plant mistaken for mint. Similarly, avoid letting your dog eat a mint plant found in the wild unless you can verify it’s not an English pennyroyal plant.
4. 4. Wash the mint. Wash your mint leaves thoroughly before feeding them to your dog to rinse away potentially harmful pesticides.
5. 5. Serve in moderation. Only feed your dog one or two fresh mint leaves on occasion to avoid stomach distress.
6. 6. Monitor their behavior. Always introduce new foods to your dog slowly and monitor their behavior afterward for any adverse reactions. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort like vomiting, fatigue, or swelling, call the vet immediately.

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