Is Basil Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)

No treatment is needed for fresh basil leaves in ordinary amounts. Keep pets away from concentrated basil essential oil products, which are a separate concern from the plant itself.

Basil is not known to contain toxic compounds harmful to dogs, cats, or horses.

Basil is confirmed non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA and is safe in the ordinary amounts you'd find in a kitchen herb garden. A fresh leaf or two torn over food is a fine occasional addition for most dogs. The usual caveat for any culinary herb applies: concentrated essential oil extracted from the plant is a different, far more potent substance than the fresh leaf, and shouldn't be treated the same way.

Scientific name

Ocimum basilicum

Family

Lamiaceae

Also known as

Basil, Saint Joseph's Wort, Sweet Basil

Typically found

both