Dill or Anethum graveolens is an aromatic herb native to South-Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean area. However, it has been naturalized in many other places including India, Europe, America, and Europe.
This annual or biannual plant belongs to the family Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (the carrot, parsley or celery family) which has other flavoring plants such as cumin, coriander, chervil, celery, ajwain, anise, carrot, caraway, parsley, parsnip among others.
With a flavor that closely resembles that of caraway, this herb fresh leaves and immature flower cluster are used in dishes such as fish, salads, soups, pickles, fish, sauces, to fill sandwiches and so on. Additionally, its dry seeds are also used in seasoning various foods.
Can cats eat dill?
Yes. Cats can eat dill in moderation as a small occasional treat. This herb is non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses as ASPCA notes. In fact, fresh and dried leaves are safe.
In humans, this herb helps with digestive issues including anorexia, flatulence, liver and gall bladder problems. In felines, it may work similarly.
Although it has many nutrients including vitamin A, B complex, C, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and other vitamins and minerals, this does not qualify it as good food for them. Will these pets be able to utilize these nutrients?
Unfortunately, no. These pets eat flesh and they may not be able to digest fibrous plant food sources as they lack the right enzymes. Therefore, limit the amount given to avoid gastrointestinal upsets including gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Dill pickle
We do not recommend giving dill pickle to cats since it is high in sodium (brine) as well as sugar. Furthermore, in some cases, garlic may be used making it potentially poisonous to these pets.
Is essential oil safe for kitties?
Dill essential oil is extracted from Anethum graveolens leaves. It has α-phellandrene, p-cymene, limonene, [1] alpha-pinene, among others.
According to Essential Oil Diffuser, this oil should be avoided since it has ketones and alpha-pinene and it joins others such as hyssop, marigold, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus, nutmeg essential oil that are harmful to these pets. Furthermore, they may cause skin irritation.
However, the leaves safe since the concentration of this essential oil is low making them harmless to these pets.
Conclusion
A small amount of chopped dill leaves sprinkled on your kitties food safe. However, its essential oil used in making soap, perfumes, and other is not safe to kitties.