Lavender
8 foods contain this ingredient
This is an alphabetical list, not a ranking. Add KL+ to rank foods for your pet in the Food Finder.
About Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb added to some pet products for scent or calming purposes rather than as a nutrient source.
Lavender is an aromatic herb occasionally added to pet treats, supplements, or bedding for its scent and potential calming effects rather than as a nutritional ingredient. While small amounts may offer mild calming benefits for dogs, evidence is limited and concentrated lavender essential oils can cause gastrointestinal upset, lethargy, or toxic reactions—especially in cats—so only pet-safe formulations should be used and a veterinarian consulted if unsure.
- Derived from
- Lavandula angustifolia plant
- Primary role
- aromatic or calming additive, not nutritional
Why it's used
Lavender's scent compounds are included in some calming products and treats on the premise that they may promote relaxed behavior, though formulations vary widely in concentration and form. It is used in dried, extract, or diluted forms rather than as a food nutrient.
Common concerns
- Listed as toxic by ASPCA The ASPCA's toxic plant database lists lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) as a plant of concern for dogs, cats, and horses, identifying linalool and linalyl acetate as the compounds responsible and vomiting or loss of appetite as documented clinical signs.
- Concentrated essential oil exposure Essential oil forms of lavender are far more concentrated than the dried herb or plant, and cats in particular have reduced liver capacity to process certain essential oil compounds compared to dogs or humans.
- Limited evidence for calming claims Documentation of lavender's calming effect in dogs comes from a small number of studies on behavior during specific situations like travel, and broader evidence in pets remains limited.
Also relevant
Reactions to lavender exposure can occur through ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of diffused oil, not just eating the plant.
Common Questions
What category is Lavender?
Lavender is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Lavender part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Lavender in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Lavender?
8 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Lavender, including American Natural Premium, Bocce's Bakery, Earth Animal.
Foods with Lavender
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
Find the right food for your pet
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