Is Parsley Safe for Dogs?

Curly parsley and Italian flat leaf parsley are widely used in human recipes, but did you know these two varieties can affect dogs differently? It's important to know the differences between them when keeping your dog's safety in mind.

Is parsley safe for dogs? That depends.

Why This Matters

Maybe you are wondering why it's important to know if dogs can eat parsley. Well, there are a couple reasons.

Many of us are cooking homemade meals and treats for our pups. When we cook and bake for our dogs, it's very likely that we try to squeeze in as much nutrition for them as we can. Parsley is one of those ingredients that could give your recipe a nutritional boost - as long as it's the right kind.

Also, parsley is an ingredient in some of the foods we buy for our dogs, particularly ones that are formulated to freshen breath. It's important to know and ask about the type of parsley in these prepared foods.

But parsley is parsley, right? Isn't it all the same? No, it isn't.

Here's the low down on curly parsley vs Italian flat leaf parsley and why this matters for your dog.

Curly Parsley

Curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is sometimes called a superfood for dogs and is often recommended as a safe herb for dogs when used in moderation.

It's easy to identify curly parsley by its tight clusters of frilly leaves. Curly parsley is often a lighter green than Italian flat leaf, but you can't rely on color alone to differentiate between the two. In my photo above, curly parsley is on the left.

The health benefits of curly parsley for dogs include:

Vitamin A - supports vision and immune system
Vitamin C - antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, supports cognitive aging
Vitamin K - supports liver function
Digestive aid
Freshens breath (although nothing compares to brushing your dog's teeth)

Curly parsley also contains trace minerals calcium, folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It's an herb that's got a lot going for it. So, yeah... your dog might benefit from having a little curly parsley in his/her diet.

Always consult your veterinarian first, start with very small quantities as advised by your vet, and monitor for changes in behavior and body functions when introducing anything new to your dog's diet.

Italian Flat Leaf Parsley

Italian flat leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum) goes by many names like Italian parsley, plain leaf parsley, and flat leaf parsley.

You can spot Italian flat leaf parsley by the flat leaves in loose clusters, as shown on the right in my photo above. It's often a darker green than curly parsley, but not always.

While flat leaf parsley is not highly toxic like garlic and onions, it does contain at least one substance that is harmful to dogs and should be avoided. Here's the main reason why you should steer clear of feeding it to your dog: furanocoumarins.

Furanocoumarins are found in a variety of plants and citrus fruits. When dogs eat flat leaf parsley, they ingest these toxins.

Furanocoumarins are phytotoxic, meaning activated by light. When this happens, it sensitizes the cells and causes inflammation like a sunburn in dogs, resulting in dermatitis (itching, scratching, and excessively licking or biting an area).

When activated by sunlight, furanocoumarins can also cause corneal damage in dogs and lead to blindness.

So stay safe and keep your pup away from all varieties of flat leaf parsley.

All Parsley

Parsley of any variety is a natural diuretic. On one hand, this can help your dog flush out bacteria that causes urinary tract infections. On the other hand, its high levels of oxalates can also exacerbate existing kidney conditions.

Avoid giving parsley to pregnant dogs, as it can cause early contractions, putting the lives of both the mother and puppies at risk.

The Bottom Line

Curly parsley is safe for dogs when given in moderation (consult your veterinarian for quantities based on your dog's health and weight).

Italian flat leaf parsley should be avoided.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is the authority on animal poison control. It strongly recommends against feeding your dog any parsley except the curly variety.

Parsley should never be the primary part of a dog's diet.

Always consult with your veterinarian before introducing any new food into your pet's diet to ensure it is safe for his/her specific health needs.

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

On a personal note... I had to call this hotline in March 2025 when I thought our beagle may have eaten another dog's heart medicine. At that time, the consultation fee was $95 USD. In my opinion, the care, knowledge, and advice I received were worth every penny. And the dogs are fine - whew!

FAQ

What is the difference between dried and fresh parsley?

Dried herbs are always more concentrated, because the water content has been removed from the leaves. One tablespoon of fresh herbs is equivalent to about one teaspoon of dried herbs.

Is dried parsley at the store made from curly or flat leaf?

Unless the label specifically states it is curly parsley, assume that dried parsley from the store is flat leaf.

Where can I buy dried curly parsley?

Yappy Kitchen's Parsley Mint Pineapple dog treats contain dried curly parsley from Spices, Inc., a company in Northumberland, Pennsylvania.