Lemon myrtle is an aromatic Australian herb (Backhousia citriodora) used as dried leaf, tea, and seasoning in sauces, marinades, and desserts. Its flavor is strongly citrus-like because the leaves contain citral-rich volatile oils. Culinary use is usually in tiny pinches, while extracts and essential oils are much more concentrated.
Direct pet-specific feeding research for lemon myrtle is limited. Guidance is inferred from veterinary references on citrus-type essential oils and concentrated aromatic products. These concentrated oils may irritate the mouth, stomach, skin, and airways, with cats generally more sensitive than dogs.
Lemon myrtle often appears in tea blends, spice rubs, and flavored salts. Those products may add caffeine, sodium, alliums, or sweeteners depending on the brand. Because blend composition varies, label checks are important after any accidental exposure.
For pets, avoid intentional feeding of lemon myrtle products, especially oils and extracts. Tiny accidental culinary traces are lower risk than concentrated preparations.
