Can a Yorkie Eat Oregano? (Solved & Explained!)

Yes, Yorkies can eat oregano but it is not recommended. Oregano is not toxic to Yorkies but can still potentially cause digestive issues, so it is best to avoid using it where possible in their food.

In this article we will be covering topics such as whether or not Yorkies can eat oregano, if so how much oregano they can eat as well as listing the seasonings that are toxic to dogs.

Can Yorkies eat oregano?

Yes, technically Yorkies are able to eat oregano. Although it is not classed as a toxic ingredient for dogs it does have the potential to cause digestive issues. For this reason, it can be referred to as ‘mildly toxic’.

All of your dog’s food should be served plain where possible as your dog’s benefits from seasoned food are far outweighed by the disadvantages.

Oregano is used in many dishes prepared for human consumption. So, if you want to give your pet a little bit of your food (assuming the rest of the ingredients are dog-friendly) then it is not the end of the world.

How much oregano can a dog eat?

Although dogs are able to eat oregano this does not mean that they should eat unregulated amounts. The less oregano your Yorkie consumes the better. 

Sometimes you may be recommended to give your dog oregano drops in which case you should strictly adhere to the recommended dosage. 

For most dogs this can be roughly four drops of oregano two to three times per day for a few days. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

What seasonings are toxic to dogs?

Although oregano is non-toxic to dogs, this does not mean that all seasonings, herbs and spices are safe for them to eat. In fact, many of the most popular seasonings for human consumption are bad for dogs.

For example, the following seasonings are toxic to dogs and should not be given to them under any circumstances:

• onion (onion powder etc.)
• Garlic (garlic powder etc.)
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Cocoa powder

If your dog has consumed any of these it is best to keep a close watch on them to make sure that there are no irregularities with their digestive system. If your dog has diarrhoea or is vomiting get in contact with your vet.

What happens if my Yorkie eats oregano?

What happens if your Yorkie eats oregano will depend on the amount of oregano that they consume. If your dog eats only a small amount of oregano the chances are that they will be fine and not have any side effects.

However, if your Yorkie eats a large amount of oregano then you may notice that they start to have stomach issues and may begin to experience side effects such as vomiting and diarrhoea.

There are other, less common, symptoms such as decreased heart rate, ulcers and low blood pressure. If you notice any problems contact your vet immediately to be safe rather than sorry.

Is fresh oregano safe for my Yorkie to eat?

Oregano is a herb that is commonly used both in its fresh form and in its dried, processed form. Both versions of the herb are perfectly safe for your dog to consume in moderation.

In some cases it has been used as a natural medicine for dogs.

What herbs can dogs eat?

In addition to oregano, there are a number of herbs that are fine for dogs to consume. If possible, make sure that their meals are not seasoned, but if you want you can add a small amount of any of the following herbs:

• Cinnamon
• Parsley
• Ginger
• Rosemary
• Tumeric
• Basil

However, you should always make sure that these are used sparingly. If your dog displays any symptoms similar to those of toxic ingredients call your vet.

Is dried oregano safe for my Yorkie to eat?

Just like fresh oregano leaves are safe for your dog to consume, so is dried oregano. This ingredient is very commonly found in a lot of food for human consumption, especially those using tomatoes.

So, if your Yorkie is after a little bit of your food containing dried oregano, this is fine. However, do not give them too much.

What is oregano poisoning?

Oregano poisoning can happen when your pet ingests too much of the herb. This is what happens when their bodies are unable to process the herb and it results in unpleasant side effects as their bodies try to rid themselves of it.

There are a number of different symptoms to look out for but the most common ones include those similar to symptoms of toxic foods such as stomach issues and being sick.

If your dog begins to exhibit any side effects watch over them carefully and if they do not subside then call the vets. In order to calm your dog’s stomach down, you may want to try giving them plain, easily-digestible foods.

Does oregano have health benefits for dogs?

Oregano does have health benefits, and this is also applicable to dogs. Oregano is an anti-inflammatory and as such it may be useful to help prevent diseases such as osteoarthritis. 

In addition to being anti-inflammatory, oregano is anti-bacterial, antiviral and antifungal. 

Before giving your dog oregano as a health treatment, speak to your local vet for advice.

Can dogs have oregano oil?

Dogs are able to have oregano oil, but only if it is prepared properly in such a way that it is safe for dogs to consume. For example, oregano oil is known as a “hot oil”.

A “hot oil” is one that can cause serious burns and side effects if it is not correctly diluted and the wrong concentration is administered. 

Therefore, before you consider giving your dog oregano oil you should always check with your dog’s vet as to whether this is the correct treatment for them.

Always check the dosage label on the packaging and check whether or not you need to dilute the drops before giving them to your dog.

Is oregano safe for pregnant Yorkies?

Oregano oil can be used for pregnant Yorkies but you should always check with your dog’s vet before giving them any new medications, especially when they are pregnant.

Kevin "Ken" Davies

My name is Ken and I’m one of the staff writers at Petloverguy.com. I’ve cared for pets most of my life starting with hamsters, turtles, and snakes. Then moving up to parakeets, guinea pigs, and even ducks.
I currently live with two yorkies and a chihuahua mix.