Why limited
Keep lavender to small, occasional amounts. Sensitive pets may react to it, and sugar- or fat-heavy foods raise the risk of obesity and pancreatitis.
Lavender leaves and especially its essential oil contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which can cause vomiting, depression, and central nervous system depression in cats. Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the plant, but it is best limited.
Dogs are rated “Feed with care” and cats “Do not feed”. If both share the house, go by the stricter of the two when you decide what to hand over.
If it ate some before you noticed, watch for vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness or a painful, swollen abdomen over the next 24 hours. A one-off small amount in a healthy adult usually passes with water and rest; repeated exposure, a puppy or kitten, a senior, or a pet with an ongoing illness is a reason to call your vet the same day.
Other foods that need limits
The full A–Z food list groups every food by verdict for each species.
Frequently asked questions
Can dogs eat lavender?
CAUTION — limited. Lavender leaves and especially its essential oil contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which can cause vomiting, depression, and central nervous system depression in cats. Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the plant, but it is best limited.
How much lavender can dogs have?
Keep lavender to small, occasional pieces and never part of the main meal. It is classed as with care, so pets with a sensitive gut, pancreatitis or diabetes should skip lavender entirely.
What reaction should I watch for after dogs eats lavender?
In the 24 hours after dogs eats lavender, look for vomiting, diarrhoea, gas or a drop in appetite. Lavender leaves and especially its essential oil contain linalool and linalyl acetate, which can cause vomiting, depression, and central nervous system depression in cats. Dogs may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the plant, but it is best limited.
How often can dogs have lavender?
Save lavender for rare moments rather than building it into a routine; your dog may enjoy it, but that alone does not make it fit to feed often.
What are safer treats than lavender for dogs?
Pick from the safe list instead — Scallops or Squid carry none of the risk that lavender does, and they work better as an everyday treat.