Parsley
423 foods contain this ingredient
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About Parsley
Parsley is a garden herb added to pet food and treats in small amounts as a natural flavoring and breath-freshening ingredient.
Parsley is used in pet foods primarily as a natural flavoring and breath‑freshening herb that also contributes small amounts of vitamins (notably vitamin K and vitamin C), folate, antioxidants and some fiber. While safe in culinary amounts for most dogs and cats, concentrated extracts, seeds or large quantities can be harmful (containing compounds such as apiol/myristicin), may affect pregnant animals or interact with anticoagulant medications, and can increase oxalate load in susceptible pets, so its use in formulas is typically minor and controlled.
- Derived from
- leaves of the parsley plant (Petroselinum crispum)
- Primary role
- flavoring and breath-freshening herb
Why it's used
Beyond its flavor contribution, parsley is included in some dental chews and treats specifically for its breath-freshening reputation, and it contributes minor amounts of vitamins and antioxidant compounds in the small quantities typically used.
Common concerns
- Furanocoumarins and photosensitization The ASPCA lists parsley as toxic to dogs and cats due to furanocoumarin compounds that can cause photosensitization, that is, sunburn-like skin reactions, though it notes large amounts are needed to produce this effect.
- Distinct from spring parsley Spring parsley (Cymopterus species), a different plant sometimes confused with culinary parsley, is separately listed by the ASPCA as toxic and is not the herb used in pet food.
- Oxalate content Parsley contributes some oxalates, a factor sometimes considered for pets prone to certain types of urinary crystals or stones.
Common Questions
What category is Parsley?
Parsley is categorized as a herb ingredient in the KibbleLab database.
Is Parsley part of an allergen group?
No allergen group is linked to Parsley in the KibbleLab database.
Which foods contain Parsley?
423 foods in the KibbleLab database contain Parsley, including Nulo, Nutro, Only Natural Pet.
Foods with Parsley
Alphabetical by brand. Scores run 0 to 10, higher is better, on published veterinary science.
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