When asking, âcan dogs eat borage,â the short veterinary answer is a definitive no. According to the ASPCA, the raw borage plantâincluding its leaves, stems, and star-shaped blue flowersâis highly toxic to dogs. Ingesting this common garden herb can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential liver damage over time.
While the raw herb is dangerous, you may have seen borage seed oil listed as an ingredient in canine skin supplements. Refined borage oil is specially processed to remove the plantâs harmful compounds and is generally safe, but the raw plant itself must be kept strictly out of your dogâs reach.
Why the Borage Plant is Toxic to Dogs
Understanding exactly what makes this herb dangerous can help you appreciate the risks of growing it at home. The danger lies in specific chemical compounds naturally produced by the plant as a defense mechanism.
The following table breaks down the dangerous components found in the borage plant.
| Toxic Component | Primary Effect on Dogs | Risk Level |
| Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids | Can cause cumulative or acute liver damage. | High |
| Tannins | Leads to stomach upset and intestinal irritation. | Moderate |
| Mucilage | Can cause mild digestive distress in large amounts. | Low |
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are the primary veterinary concern for dog owners. These natural compounds defend the plant against herbivores but are highly toxic to canine livers.
When a dog ingests PAs, their liver attempts to metabolize them. This digestive process creates toxic byproducts that actively destroy healthy liver cells over time.
Because liver damage can be cumulative, even small, repeated nibbles of borage leaves in the garden can be dangerous. Dogs are most commonly exposed to this plant through:
- Grazing in unsecured residential herb gardens.
- Eating dropped flowers that blow onto the lawn.
- Sniffing and chewing on wild borage during nature walks.
- Consuming human foods or salads garnished with raw borage flowers.
Symptoms of Borage Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog grazes on borage, symptoms can range from mild stomach upset to severe organ distress. Watch closely for these clinical signs of toxicity.
The table below outlines common symptoms and their required urgency.
| Symptom Category | Specific Signs to Watch For | Veterinary Urgency |
| Gastrointestinal | Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, loss of appetite. | Moderate (Call Vet) |
| Behavioral | Lethargy, weakness, uncharacteristic hiding. | High (Seek Care) |
| Hepatic (Liver) | Jaundice (yellowing of eyes/gums), dark urine. | Critical Emergency |
Initial signs of borage ingestion usually involve the digestive tract. Your dog may vomit, drool excessively, or experience diarrhea shortly after eating the leaves or flowers.
If a large amount was consumed, or if the dog has been eating it over several days, liver-related symptoms may appear. Jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and gums, is a severe warning sign that the liver is struggling to function.
Safety Warning: Liver damage from plant alkaloids can sometimes be delayed by days or even weeks. Never wait for severe symptoms to appear before contacting a veterinary professional about toxic plant ingestion.
Borage Plant vs. Borage Oil Supplements
Many dog owners are understandably confused because borage oil is often recommended for canine skin health. There is a distinct chemical difference between the raw herb and the refined oil supplement.
This table highlights the differences between the two forms of borage.
| Form of Borage | Toxic Compounds Present | Safety for Dogs |
| Raw Plant (Leaves/Flowers) | High levels of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids. | Unsafe / Toxic |
| Unrefined Borage Seed Oil | May contain trace amounts of alkaloids. | Potentially Unsafe |
| Refined Borage Seed Oil | Alkaloids removed during processing. | Safe (Vet Approved) |
Refined borage seed oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential omega-6 fatty acid. Veterinarians sometimes use GLA to treat canine skin allergies, dry coats, and joint inflammation.
Reputable supplement manufacturers process the oil specifically to remove the dangerous pyrrolizidine alkaloids. This extraction and purification process makes the finished, refined oil product completely safe for canine consumption.
However, you should never attempt to make your own borage oil at home or feed the raw seeds directly to your dog. Always consult your veterinarian before adding any new oil or supplement to your dogâs daily diet.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Borage Leaves
Accidental ingestion requires a calm but prompt response to ensure your dogâs safety. Follow these immediate steps if you catch your dog eating the plant.
The table below provides a step-by-step action plan for unexpected plant ingestion.
| Step | Action Required | Purpose |
| 1. Remove the Plant | Gently take any remaining plant material from their mouth. | Prevents further toxin exposure. |
| 2. Estimate Quantity | Note exactly what parts and how much was eaten. | Helps the vet assess toxicity risk. |
| 3. Call for Help | Contact your vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center. | Provides professional medical guidance. |
| 4. Follow Instructions | Do not induce vomiting unless directly told to do so. | Prevents complications or aspiration. |
Your veterinarian or a poison control specialist will evaluate your dogâs weight, the amount consumed, and the exact time of ingestion. They will use this information to tell you if you need to visit the emergency clinic.
Do not use at-home remedies like hydrogen peroxide or salt to induce vomiting. In some cases, forced vomiting can cause more harm to the esophagus or lungs than the ingested plant material.
If you must visit the clinic, bring a sample or a clear photo of the plant with you. This helps the veterinary staff confirm the plant identification and tailor their treatment plan accordingly.
Safe Herbs to Grow in a Dog-Friendly Garden
If you want to plant a culinary or medicinal garden, there are plenty of dog-safe alternatives to borage. Choosing non-toxic plants gives you peace of mind when your dog plays in the yard.
This table compares common garden herbs based on their safety for dogs.
| Herb Name | Safety Status for Dogs | Primary Concern or Benefit |
| Borage | Toxic | Contains liver-damaging alkaloids. |
| Basil | Safe | Non-toxic and generally well-tolerated. |
| Rosemary | Safe | Non-toxic, though large amounts cause stomach upset. |
| Thyme | Safe | Non-toxic and safe for garden sniffing. |
| Mint | Toxic (some varieties) | English pennyroyal mint is highly toxic to dogs. |
Basil, rosemary, and thyme are excellent choices for households with curious dogs. They do not contain the dangerous alkaloids found in borage and are perfectly safe if your dog takes an accidental nibble.
Even with safe plants, it is best to discourage your dog from grazing in the garden. Eating too much of any raw, fibrous plant material can cause mild stomach upset and diarrhea.
Always cross-reference new additions to your garden with the ASPCA toxic plant database to ensure they are safe for your pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are borage flowers toxic to dogs?
Yes, borage flowers contain the same toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids as the leaves and stems. Even though the star-shaped blue flowers are popular edible garnishes for humans, they should never be fed to dogs.
Can dogs have borage seed oil?
Refined borage seed oil is generally safe for dogs and is often used as a skin and coat supplement. The commercial refining process removes the toxic alkaloids, leaving behind beneficial omega-6 fatty acids. Always follow your vetâs dosage recommendations.
How much borage is toxic to a dog?
There is no established safe amount of raw borage for dogs. Because pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause cumulative liver damage, even small amounts ingested over a period of time can be highly dangerous and require veterinary attention.
What to Remember About Borage for Dogs
When it comes to the question of can dogs eat borage, the veterinary consensus is clear: the raw plant is toxic and should be entirely avoided. The pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in the leaves, stems, and flowers pose a serious, cumulative risk to your dogâs liver and digestive system.
While refined borage oil can be a highly beneficial supplement for skin health under veterinary supervision, the garden herb itself belongs out of pawsâ reach. If your dog accidentally ingests any part of a live borage plant, contact your veterinarian or animal poison control immediately for professional guidance.