Basil is a sweet, aromatic herb with tender green leaves, grown in gardens or pots and used fresh or dried as an herb ingredient in foods and seasoning blends. It provides minimal nutrition but contains aromatic oils that may cause mild stomach upset if eaten in large amounts. Offer only a tiny plain leaf or sprinkle and avoid oily herb blends.
Common types include sweet basil, Thai basil, and purple basil. Flavors range from clove-like to peppery. Fresh basil is sold in bunches, clamshells, or potted plants, and dried basil is sold as flakes or powder.
Basil plants have bright green leaves on square stems and produce small white or purple flowers if allowed to bolt. The leaves bruise easily and release a strong aroma when chopped or torn. Fresh basil is seasonal in summer and sold in small clamshells or as potted plants. Pets may encounter basil from herb planters, fallen leaves, table scraps, and seasoning blends. Many packaged basil pastes and herb mixes include garlic, cheese, salt, or oil.
