Can dogs eat fennel?

Trim the base and tough outer layer of the bulb, then slice thinly. Raw fennel is crisp and juicy, while braised or steamed fennel is soft and sweet. The stalks are fibrous and best chopped small. The fronds can be treated like dill.

Fennel bulb has about 31 calories per 100 g.

Offer one or two thin slices to a small dog and up to a quarter of a bulb, sliced, to a large dog. Start with a small piece to see whether your dog likes the taste. Larger helpings can lead to gas or loose stools because of the fiber.

Chilled raw slices make a crisp summer snack.

Fennel seeds are sometimes added to homemade dog treats. A small pinch is fine. They are not a remedy for gas or digestive problems in dogs, even though they are traditionally used that way by people. Persistent gas, bloating or stomach noises should be checked by a vet.

Fennel often appears in dishes with garlic, onion, olive oil and parmesan, and in Italian sausages alongside salt and pepper. Fennel and orange salads include citrus and dressing. Keep your dog's share plain and separate.

Wild fennel grows along coasts and roadsides in southern Europe, California and Australia. It belongs to the carrot family, which also includes highly toxic plants such as hemlock. Only give your dog fennel from the shop or your own garden.