Mint is known for its refreshing flavor. The mint can give you instant refreshment, and it is used in different forms all around the world. It is widely used in daily foods as drinks, in sauces and in other forms. So due to its wide usage, the dog owner asks a question that can dogs eat mint? There are different varieties of mint in the world. Some varieties are ok for dogs, and some are not good for the dog.
This article will learn more about the mint and the nutrients and effects of nutrients on the dog.
What Is Mint?
Mint is a refreshing herb that is also known as mentha. The mint belongs to the Lamiaceae family. There are 15 to 20 plant species that have a variety of usages. The mint can be used in many different forms, as in the dried form, essence or infusion form. It is used to make refreshing drinks, candies, gum, toothpaste, and it is also used in the form of mint oil.
Nutritional Value Of Mint
The mint is a nutritionally rich herb. It contains the necessary nutrients and some essential plant compounds that can play a significant role in the healthy physiology of the body. Other important nutrients in the 100 grams of mint are as follows:
| Nutrients | Value in grams | %age daily value |
| Total fat | 0.9 grams | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 31 mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 569 mg | 16% |
| Dietary fibers | 8 grams | 32%c |
| Protein | 3.8 grams | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 52% | |
| Calcium | 24% | |
| Iron | 28% | |
| Vitamin D | 0% | |
| Vitamin B-6 | 5% | |
| Cobalamin | 0% | |
| Magnesium | 20% |
Other Important Minerals
There are some essential minerals present in the mint that can play a vital role in the maintenance and regulation of healthy physiology as follows:
- Copper
- Zinc
- Potassium
- Folate
- Phosphorous
These minerals can act as a significant minerals to carry out a significant biochemical reaction in the body.
Can Dogs Eat Mint Safely Without Any Health Issue?
The dogs can eat the mint in moderation. When given the mint in a moderate amount, the mint can provide health benefits to the dog. There are so many varieties of mint, and not every mint is safe for the dog. So, before giving the mint, you should first consult the vet to ensure that the mint you will provide to your dog is safe for your dog or not.
Mint Varieties That Are Generally Safe For The Dogs
As discussed above, mint has many varieties, and all the types are not safe for dogs. Some are harmful to dogs. below are some varieties of the mint that you can give to your dogs because these are safe for the dog’s health:
- Peppermint
- Wild mint
- Spearmint
Mint That Is Toxic To The Dog’s Health
Some varieties are bad for the dog’s health, such as the Pennyroyal. It is also known as the Mentha pulgeium in the world of science. This mint is hazardous for your dog’s health. The Pennyroyal also belong to the mint family, but unlike other members of the mint family, it can cause health problems to the dog.
But the question is, what makes this mint a dangerous type of mint for the dog. There is a compound present in this type of mint known as the pulegone. If your dog has eaten this Pennyroyal, you can observe the following symptoms of illness in your dog:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Digestive upset
So, if you find the above symptoms in your dog after your dog has visited the garden. Because there is the Pennyroyal is grown in the gardens due to its pest repellent property. So, if you have the Pennyroyal in your garden, you should not allow your dog to visit the garden alone.
Perilla Mint
There is another type of mint known as the perilla mint, known as toxic for the dog. If your dog has eaten the perilla mint, then your dog can suffer from intestinal problems.
Benefits Of Mint To The Dog
The mint can provide many benefits to the dog. Because so many essential nutrients and plant compounds are present in the mint that can improve the dog’s health. the health benefits provided to the dog by eating the mint are as follows:
Antioxidant
There are the antioxidants presents in the mint. The antioxidants are very good for the dog’s body as it fights against the free radicles produced as a result of the cell damage in the body. The antioxidants slow down the ageing process in your dog by a fight with the free radicals in the body. Antioxidants also keep the skin of the dog healthy.
Menthol
There is a compound known as the menthol in the mint that can play a very influential role against the cold in the dog. The menthol has the property to break the thick mucus, and it also prevents the building up of mucus again.
Relief From Bad Breath
The mint is known for its refreshing aroma. When the mint or any food made with mint is eaten, it kills the bacteria causing the mouth’s bad breath. So, if your dog is suffering from a bad breath problem, you can give the mint or food made with the mint; it will be helpful for the dog to get relief from the bad breath.
Improve The Digestive Health
The mint also has a soothing property. So, if your dog is suffering from digestive issues, you can give the mint to your dog. This will help to maintain the excellent health of the dog.
Warnings About Mint To Dog
Mint is good for the dog’s health because it contains many essential nutrients that act as a vital component in many biochemical reactions in the body. But still, the usage of the mint must be in moderation. If your dog has overeaten mint in one day, it can lead to stomach upset in the dog.
Don’t give the mint to the dog that is toxic for the dog’s health. If you want to give the mint or food made with the, it will be wise to consult the vet before giving it to the dog to ensure the type of mint you use in the food is safe for your dog.
When making any food with mint, try to keep it as simple as possible don’t add too many ingredients because not all the elements present in the kitchen are safe for the dog’s only pick the ingredients that are safe for the dog.
FAQs
Can My Dog Eat Fresh Mint Leaves?
Yes, your dog can eat a few numbers of mint leaves, but make sure the type of mint you are offering to your dog is safe for your dog. If yes, then surely, you can give a small number of leaves to your dogs. When presented in an ideal amount, it can provide health benefits to the dogs.
Is Mint Toxic for Dogs?
There are so many varieties of mint, the not all type of mint safe for dogs. So, yes, if you are giving the mint to a dog that is dangerous for the dog, it can be proved toxic for its health.
Conclusion
Mint is known for its refreshing fragrance and taste. Due to its wide usage and flavor, many dog owners ask a question that can dog eat mint? The answer is yes; the dog can eat the mint in moderation. But not all the type of mint are safe for the dogs. There are some varieties of mint that can be proved toxic for the dog’s health.
So, for being on the white side, you should first consult the vet to know which type of mint is safe and which type of mint is not suitable for the dog’s health.
