Can Dogs Eat Tarragon?

Brief Answer

Tarragon is mildly toxic to dogs and is best avoided entirely. It belongs to the Artemisia family and contains estragole and methyl eugenol, which can be harmful. A tiny amount in a cooked dish is unlikely to cause serious harm, but deliberate feeding is not recommended.

The Full Picture

The ASPCA lists tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) as toxic to dogs. It belongs to the Artemisia family, which includes wormwood and mugwort, and contains essential oils including estragole and methyl eugenol that can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. While a tiny trace in a cooked dish is unlikely to cause a serious emergency, tarragon should not be intentionally offered to dogs. Tarragon essential oil is far more concentrated and poses a greater risk. If your dog eats a significant amount of tarragon, contact your veterinarian. Safer herb alternatives for dogs include rosemary (listed as non-toxic by the ASPCA) or small amounts of basil.

Nutritional Highlights

• Contains small amounts of iron and manganese
• Provides trace vitamins A and C

How to Prepare Tarragon for Dogs

• Do not feed tarragon to your dog intentionally
• If your dog eats food cooked with a small amount of tarragon, monitor for stomach upset
• Avoid tarragon essential oil, which is far more concentrated and poses greater risk
• Safer herb alternatives include rosemary, basil, or a small amount of parsley

How Much Tarragon Can Dogs Eat?

Tarragon should not be given to dogs. If a tiny amount is consumed accidentally in cooked food, it is unlikely to cause serious harm, but watch for signs of digestive upset.

What You Should Know

Tarragon should be kept well away from dogs. If your dog has eaten tarragon, watch for symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or loss of appetite. In an emergency, contact your veterinarian or an animal poison helpline straight away.