Can Dogs Eat Lemongrass?

No, dogs should not eat lemongrass. The ASPCA lists lemongrass as toxic to dogs. In dogs, it names stomach upset as the sign. The ASPCA does not say how much it takes to make a dog sick, so the safest choice is to keep all of it away from your dog.

Why is lemongrass bad for dogs?

The ASPCA says lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, also called oil grass) contains two things that can cause harm: essential oils and cyanogenic glycosides. Essential oils are the strong-smelling oils that give a plant its scent. Cyanogenic glycosides are plant chemicals that can release cyanide. The ASPCA page does not explain more than that, and it does not give an amount that is harmful.

Because there is no known safe amount, there is no safe way to give lemongrass as a treat or an add-in to your dog’s food.

What are the signs of lemongrass poisoning in dogs?

The ASPCA lists stomach upset for dogs and cats. That can mean:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Not wanting to eat

The ASPCA page names only “stomach upset.” The items above are common ways a dog’s upset stomach shows up. Call your vet about anything else that seems wrong.

If your dog got into lemongrass oil, watch more closely. Pet Poison Helpline says essential oils in general can harm all pets. Its page does not mention lemongrass by name. The common signs it lists are drooling, vomiting, tiredness, not wanting to eat, and irritation of the skin, mouth, or airways. Signs usually show up within about 6 to 8 hours. Mild cases often pass within hours. Severe cases can last 3 to 7 days.

Is lemongrass essential oil dangerous for dogs?

It can be a problem. Pet Poison Helpline says essential oils can affect all species, and that cats and birds are at the greatest risk. Treat any lemongrass oil as something your dog should not lick, eat, or wear.

Keep oil bottles closed and out of reach. Be careful with diffusers and with oil that could spill on your dog’s fur, because dogs lick their coats.

What should I do if my dog ate lemongrass?

1. Take away any plant or food left in reach. Check your dog’s mouth and fur for oil.
2. Call your vet or a poison hotline. Tell them how much your dog ate, what form it was in, and when.
3. Don’t make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to. Pet Poison Helpline says not to cause vomiting after essential oil exposure, because the oil can get into the lungs.
4. Watch your dog. If signs start or get worse, go to a vet.

Pet Poison Helpline gives these steps for oil exposure:

• If oil got on the skin or fur, wash it off with liquid dish soap.
• If your dog swallowed it, dilute it with water or food early.
• If your dog breathed it in, move your dog to fresh air.

Ask a vet or hotline before you try any of these, so they can tell you what fits your dog’s case.

What about lemongrass tea, soup, or curry?

We could not find a source that says how much lemongrass in food is harmful to dogs. The ASPCA lists the plant as toxic, so keep these away from your dog:

• Lemongrass tea
• Soups and curries made with lemongrass
• Stir-fry or marinades with the stalks
• Leftover stalks and trimmings in the trash or on the counter

Many dishes with lemongrass also have onion or garlic. Those are a separate danger for dogs. See our guide to foods that are toxic to dogs.

What can I give my dog instead?

If you want to share a plant-based snack, pick something simple, such as plain carrot or cucumber slices. See our guides on can dogs eat carrots and can dogs eat cucumbers.

Keep treats a small part of your dog’s day, and ask your vet how much is right for your dog.

Cats should skip it too. See can cats eat lemongrass.