free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

1-877-937-4372 the pet expert hotline

free shipping over $100 (USA & Canada)

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD / IBS) Comfort Kit

Parasite Cleanser and Diarrhea Relief

USD $137.85
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD / IBS) Comfort Kit USD $137.85 Add to Cart

Can Dogs Eat Fennel? What About Cats?

Herbs For Pets 3 min read
can dogs eat fennel? three fennels in the picture in a brown bowl

Are you wondering, “can dogs eat fennel?” or perhaps you’re curious about whether feline companions can ingest fennel, too? The short answer is yes, they can!

In fact, this kitchen staple is not only harmless to your pet, but it is also a highly nutritious herb. Let’s dive into the world of fennel and learn how exactly it helps with your pet’s health!

What’s Fennel, Anyway?

Fennel blossoms. Fennel flowers. Fennel seeds. Seasoning for food. Fennel in a garden. Can dogs eat fennel?

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a green and white plant with yellow flowers. Its hair-like foliage makes it unique, and its aromatic flavor makes it excellent as a spice.

This nutrient-rich herb is low in calories and includes essential components like calcium and antioxidants such as Vitamins A and C. Dogs, while primarily omnivores, can get nutrients from fennel, making it a healthy and beneficial addition to their diet. As for human use, this plant’s dried seeds and oil have also historically been used as medicine.

A Glimpse into Fennel’s History

Fennel can help address digestive conditions like gastric discomfort, flatulence, and bloating.

Fennel has been around for centuries, with roots tracing back to the Mediterranean region. Foeniculum vulgare is originally from southern Europe, but it has now become established in northern Europe, Australia, and North America. Various regions worldwide grow and cultivate this versatile vegetable!

On top of that, with a rich history in traditional medicine, the plant may address a broad spectrum of health issues associated with the digestive, endocrine, reproductive, and respiratory systems.

Medicinal Properties Fennel for Dogs & Cats

This plant has a long list of properties, from anti-inflammatory, nutritive, antibacterial, and carminative, which can contribute to many health benefits for your furry companion. Its high fiber content also serves as a valuable ally in promoting smooth digestion, preventing constipation, and enhancing overall gut health for your beloved pet.

Fennel can also help in cases of digestive issues like gastric discomfort, flatulence, and bloating. This herb possesses the ability to help relax spasms, improve peristalsis (the wave-like motion of the intestines), expel intestinal gas, and ease stomach cramps. For these reasons, our holistic vet and master herbalist have added fennel to NHV’s main gastrointestinal formula NHV TumFlora, and our constipation support NHV Maris.

  • TumFlora helps ease IBD symptoms (e.g. acid buildup), helps improve natural intestinal flora, and helps address bacterial infection in the gut.
  • Maris is vet-formulated for constipation in cats. It promotes healthy bowel movements and soft stools, helps reduce congestion, and supports good colon and GI function.

As internal parasites may cause gastrointestinal damage in your little one, our vet and pet experts have also included fennel in NHV Inulin-PK. Being a natural deworming support, Inulin-PK helps repair damage parasites cause, promote gastrointestinal tract healing, and control bleeding.

Precautions with Fennel for Dogs & Cats

A lady with bangs and long straight hair visits her dog's, more specifically, golden retriever's, vet to consult "can dogs eat fennel". The vet wears black-rimmed glasses and is wearing his surgical gloves and stethoscope.

In general, this herb is completely safe for pets. However, the volatile oils in fennel may contribute to photosensitive dermatitis in some animals, but it is very rare.

To ensure your sweetie’s safety, we recommend you consult your veterinarian before introducing fennel into your pet’s routine. Your vet can provide guidance based on your pet’s specific health background and needs.


So, can dogs eat fennel? We trust that you have the answer to this question now! Nonetheless, if you have any more questions about fennel, pet supplements, or anything else related to your furkiddo, don’t hesitate to reach out! Just press the button below, and it will direct you to the chat. Our team of pet experts is here to help in ways that we can.

NHV Pet Experts

NHV Pet Experts

We have a dedicated group of pet expert professionals, including veterinarians, vet techs, and other pet professionals to guide you through any questions. We’re committed to your pet’s wellness and can offer additional tips, resources, nutritional advice, and more.

Published: October 24, 2023

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like