Can Dogs Eat Clover? 13 Alternatives!

Can dogs eat clover, and is it safe for them to consume it? Many people enjoy using clover in cooking – but can dogs eat it? Let’s look at what you need to know about the herb.

Before scrolling down to a more in-depth answer of this guide, “Can Dogs Eat Clover,” you can check out these other similar topics from our team at We Love Doodles: Can Dogs Have Condensed Milk? and Can Dogs Eat Freeze Dried Strawberries?

What is Clover For Dogs?

Clovers are low leguminous herbs with trifoliolate leaves and flowers originating in Europe. Around 300 types of clovers are found worldwide; they have several purposes and uses, including medicinally, as a good luck charm, and as a tasty, tangy herb for cooking and garnishing food – but can dogs eat clover?

Can dogs eat clover?

Two types of clover are edible to dogs; the European White Clover and Red Clover, but only in small amounts, and we don’t recommend it regularly.

Can dogs eat clover grass?

Dogs can eat clover grass, but it is best to avoid it as a usual food item. It’s also hard to tell which type of clover is which in the wild, especially when they’re not flowering, so if you’re unsure about which type is which, it is best to avoid giving it to your dog.

Can dogs eat clover flowers?

Clover flowers are safe for humans and dogs to eat because they do not contain any toxic substances. However, they have a very bland taste and are not particularly popular.

Can dogs eat clover sprouts?

Clover sprouts are unsuitable for dogs because they contain a toxic chemical called hemagglutinin, which can cause intestinal distress.

Can dogs eat clover honey?

Clover honey is a safe and tasty treat for dogs in moderation, but it should not be given to dogs with pollen allergies.

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Can Dogs Be Allergic to Clover?

Dogs can be allergic to several plants, of which clover is a common type. This can cause several symptoms, which we will discuss below. The only way to tell which of these your dog is allergic to is to perform allergy testing at the vet.

If your dog is allergic to clover, you can avoid trouble by cutting the grass and using dog-safe weed killer in your yard, avoiding grassy places on walks during spring and summer, and giving your dog antihistamines if their allergies are severe.

Let’s take a look at the symptoms of clover allergies in dogs:

• Sinus Irritation: A common sign of being allergic to a plant in dogs is sinus irritation, coughing, sneezing, and running of the nose and eyes.
• Your Dog Could Have Skin Irritation: This is more an effect of physical contact with the plant than eating it, but dogs with sensitive skin or allergies to clover can have skin reactions when they come into contact with the plant. It can cause inflammation, irritation, hives, scratching, and facial swelling. This can be treated with antihistamines and a soothing oatmeal bath.
• Your Dog Could Deal With an Upset Stomach: Your dog may also experience gastrointestinal issues such as a tummy ache, vomiting, and diarrhea from consuming an allergen such as clover. While it’s unpleasant, so long as it clears up within a day or two, it shouldn’t be anything to worry about – but we wouldn’t recommend letting them eat it again.

Related: Common Goldendoodle Food Allergies and Types of Cockapoo Skin Allergies.

Are Clovers Poisonous to Dogs?

When consumed in large quantities, clover is toxic to dogs. All parts of the plant contain soluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause some symptoms, as discussed below.

You should always supervise your dog’s outdoor time if your garden contains toxic plants, especially if they are prone to eating things they shouldn’t. If your dog begins to experience severe symptoms of poisoning, you should contact your vet immediately or call the Pet Poison Helpline.

Symptoms that your dog could suffer from consuming clovers are:

• Excessive Salivation: Excessive drooling is a very common symptom of poisoning. If your dog starts to drool after eating clover, you should monitor them closely.
• Upset Stomach: Your dog can also get an upset stomach from poisoning. This will be more intense than an allergy-related stomach upset, so watch out for more serious signs of pain and discomfort, dehydration, and changes in appetite.
• More Serious Effects: While it is extremely unlikely that your dog would consume enough clover to do any significant damage, consistent consumption over time can also lead to metabolic disturbances, kidney damage, and even death.

Does Clover Have any Benefits For Dogs?

Nutritionally, the two types of edible clover are both high in calcium, fiber, and protein, which are great for the bones, digestion, muscles, and vitamin C. This powerful, essential antioxidant fights free radicals in the body. However, your dog should be getting adequate amounts of these nutrients in their daily meals anyway.

Red clover for dogs may also offer many medicinal benefits; it’s rich in blood-purifying properties and is said to be an anti-cancer agent, as well as useful for treating skin problems related to poor liver function and may benefit dogs suffering from liver issues or cancer.

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Can I Give My Dog Clover as a Treat?

If you like to use the things that grow in your garden or you’re just a fan of the herb, you can give your dog a small amount of red or white clover as a treat now and then or even add it to their dinner to spice things up.

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Are Clovers the Same as Cloves?

Cloves and clovers are not the same things. Although their names sound similar, cloves are a spice made from the flower buds of an evergreen tree called the clove tree – a completely different plant from a completely different family.

Alternatives to Clover For Dogs

Let’s look at some alternative herbs and spices that are safe for dogs to eat:

1. Anise: A small pinch of Anise powder mixed in with your dog’s meals can help with nausea, gas, and other digestive issues. It has also been found to help with respiratory issues and boosts energy in lethargic dogs.
2. Sweet Basil: Between ⅛ – 1 teaspoon (depending on the size of your dog) of sweet basil, otherwise known as St. John’s Wort, sprinkled on top of their food, can massively help with stress and anxiety problems. It is a popular herb among humans for its calming effects. It is also rich in anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties, as well as vitamins A, B, C, and E.
3. Chamomile: Cooled chamomile tea can be drunk or applied topically to ease minor skin irritations. It’s an anti-inflammatory, a muscle relaxant and can help with anxiety and treat inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. Coriander: 1/16 – ¼ of a teaspoon of Coriander sprinkled on food can help to ease digestive issues such as gas and bloating, and it is rich in vitamins A, B6, C, E, and K, as well as thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folate, potassium, zinc, and essential minerals, plus antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties.
4. Dill: 2 to 8 ounces of cooled dill tea or ¼ – 1 teaspoon of the herb sprinkled on top of food helps to calm the gastrointestinal tract since it has antispasmodic properties and can reduce gas and constipation. It can also help with bad breath in dogs with dental issues.
5. Ginger: Ginger can be given to dogs in servings of 20 – 50 mg per kg of body weight and mixed in with food or baked into homemade treats. It helps with IBD flare-ups, nausea, vomiting, and the side effects of cancer and chemotherapy. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, and it has been found to support cognition and be a circulatory stimulant.
6. Mint: A couple of fresh mint leaves or a pinch of dried mint can be given to dogs daily for a boost of vitamins A and C, plus calcium, copper, folate, iron, niacin, magnesium, manganese, riboflavin, zinc, phosphorus, fiber, and antioxidants. Mint for dogs is great for freshening the breath and also aids in digestion, too.
7. Parsley: Parsley can be given to dogs in half teaspoons per 10 pounds of body weight. It’s rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folic acid and antioxidants, and it’s excellent for freshening the breath.
8. Peppermint: Half – 1 teaspoon of peppermint is another great breath freshener, as you might expect, but it can also help with digestive issues and motion sickness.
9. Rosemary: Rosemary is another good herb for dogs; between ⅛ – ½ teaspoon of rosemary a day can provide lots of antioxidants, iron, calcium, and vitamin B6, plus it has antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties.
10. Sage: Sage can be given in ⅛ – 1 teaspoon servings and contains vitamins A, E, and K, as well as calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. It also helps with gastrointestinal issues and is rich in antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
11. Thyme: Thyme can be fed to dogs every few days, between  ½ – 1 teaspoon per serving. It is rich in antifungal, antibacterial, and antispasmodic properties, so it’s great for gastrointestinal upsets, iron, manganese, calcium, antioxidants, fiber, and vitamins A, C, and K.
12. Turmeric: A few sprinkles of turmeric on daily meals is a great idea for older dogs as it is a strong anti-inflammatory for arthritis and has been proven to be as strong as ibuprofen for pain relief. It’s also an antioxidant and an antimicrobial, and it has been found to increase bile flow to protect the stomach and liver.
13. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a great option for dogs with a sweet tooth. It is not only tasty but very good for them in moderation. Its chock contains anti-inflammatory properties, suppressing bacterial growth and relieving arthritis pain in senior dogs. It can even help overweight dogs fight the risk of diabetes by regulating their blood sugar and raising their insulin resistance.

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Conclusion For “Can Dogs Eat Clover”

Can dogs eat clover? Well, a little bit is perfectly fine! This is great news, as clover grows quickly in your yard and your dog may take to snacking on the herb from time to time. 

As with any supplement you’re unsure of, you’ll want to ask your vet if you have further questions about your dog’s clover consumption. In summary, though, clover is typically fine for dogs in small quantities. 

If you find this guide, “Can Dogs Eat Clover,” helpful and informative, you can check out:

• Can Dogs Eat Sugar Cane?
• Can Dogs Eat Goldfish Crackers?
• Can Dogs Eat Sprinkles?

You can learn more about what you can or cannot feed your dog when it comes to human food by watching “Human Foods That Are Good For Dogs” down below: