Leaf binging is not a new activity among Bostons. Bostons enjoy nibbling leaves of various plants and herbs because of their attractive smell, shape, and size.
But what kinds of leaves are safe for your Boston? This guide shares a list of non-toxic herbs and all about the information on what leaves my Boston terrier can eat in detail.
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What Leaves Can My Boston Terrier Eat?
As you know, dogs are grouped among carnivores which are also known as meat-eaters. But even after being a carnivore, your Boston terrier can consume herbaceous leaves that have many health benefits.
Leaves That Are Fit to Consume for My Boston Terrier
1. Basil
Basil is a well-known antioxidant not only for humans but also for your Boston terrier. Your dog can benefit from its health-giving properties.
Basil also has anti-viral, antimicrobial, and relaxing properties. In addition, doctors suggest that feeding basil can relieve your Boston’s arthritic pain in the long term.
2. Parsley
Who would have thought that this pasta seasoning ingredient could be the best meal for your dog? Well, you might be surprised to know that just like basil, Parsley also has many health benefits for the Boston terrier.
It contains indispensable nutrients with flavonoids. Parsley also contains antioxidants and Vitamin A. A few leaves of Parsley can relieve stomach pain and even refresh their breath.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary contains lots of Vitamin B6, Iron, and calcium. It is an indispensable herb and makes up a well-balanced diet for your dog. Rosemary also has antioxidant properties and can be good for the brain.
4. Coriander
Bostons love the taste of coriander leaves. The tiny leaves of coriander come with a lot of health benefits for your dog.
This may include:
- antibacterial properties
- antibiotic properties
- antifungal properties
- lots of antioxidants
- anti-cancer properties
Thus, feeding few leaves of coriander once a day to your dog can keep it away from many chronic diseases. Not only that, but coriander also aids calcium absorption and stabilizes the blood sugar levels of your dog.
5. Mint
Another herb that is beneficial for your Boston terrier is mint. All varieties of mint are known for their medicinal qualities.
Mint regulates excellent blood circulation in the body and improves digestion. In addition, it contains powerful antioxidants, and like Parsley, eating few leaves of mint can freshen up your dog’s breath.
6. Fennel Leaves
Feeding few fennel leaves to your Boston terrier can set its health a par. Just like coriander, fennel can detoxify the blood and organs and boost digestion in your dog.
Fennel offers excellent medicinal properties to lactating female Boston terriers after childbirth. It increases the amount of milk during lactation that helps in feeding the new puppies. It also helps in reducing the size of the uterus and weight loss in new mother Boston terrier.
7. Dill Leaves
Dill leaves help in regulating the menstrual and hormonal cycle in female Boston terriers. In addition to that, Bostons who have diarrhea can have dill leaves for relief. It helps combat bacteria and other ailments in the stomach and gives a soothing aftereffect to your dog.
8. Oregano Leaves
Oregano is recommended for Bostons in small quantities to obtain several health benefits. It contains antibacterial properties and helps with digestive problems. This non-toxic herb relieves diarrhea and gastric problems in Bostons.
Oregano is said to contain minerals like iron, calcium, and Vitamin B6 that boost your dog’s health. Therefore, it’s best to extract oil from these leaves and feed your dog in a very small amount to prevent oregano poisoning.
9. Thyme Leaves
Thyme leaves are known to clear the digestive tract of the dog. Moreover, ingestion of thyme leaves helps your Boston with irritable bowels.
It also helps in getting rid of parasites such as hookworm that causes intestinal infections. The best way to treat your dog with thyme is to mix fresh thyme leaves per pound with their dog food.
10. Lemongrass
Lemongrass serves the same purpose to your Boston terrier as it does to you. It helps treat digestive tract spasms, high blood pressure, stomachache, pain, vomiting, cough, convulsions, and fever. In addition, it tends to fight against germs and works as a mild astringent.
11. Spinach
Spinach is quite controversial on the list. Consuming too much Spinach can lower down calcium absorption tendency in your Boston and lead to renal failure. The best way to serve Spinach to your Boston is to steam it and serve it in very little quantity.
What to Do if My Dog Is Allergic to the Plants Mentioned Above?
Well, even though these plants are least or non-toxic, yet there is no guarantee that all of the above will suit your dog. Eating or nibbling leaves of plants to which your dog is allergic can cause poisoning and harm your dog’s health.
If so happens, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Here are few symptoms you can refer to check whether your dog is allergic or not:
- Increased itchiness
- Swelling of ears or earflaps.
- Inflammation of skin
- Continuous vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Itching in ears
- Hives or other marks
If your Boston has vomited, you can carry a sample of it to the doctor for test and analysis.
Conclusion
A study reveals that grass and plant-eating is a widespread behavior among domestic dogs than their non-domestic counterparts. It was observed that about 68% of the dogs, including the Boston terrier, loved to nibble plants on a daily basis.
About 79% of dog owners admitted that their dogs enjoyed gating grass over other plants. The owners realized that their pet’s grass-eating habit made it vomit frequently and affect its health. It was also observed that new pups were more inclined towards grass-eating than their adult counterparts.
But why do dogs eat grass? Well, it’s out of boredom. In the dog world, plants are considered non-food items and referred to as pica.
So dogs who love to eat most of their time can end up on become plant binge eaters.
Though there is nothing to worry about as per researchers, according to them, plant-eating is a very typical behavior among dogs and, thus, shouldn’t be taken much seriously unless they are toxic to consume.
