Is Marjoram Toxic to Dogs and Cats? (2026)
Origanum majorana
Advertisement
Quick facts
| Toxic to dogs | Yes |
|---|---|
| Toxic to cats | Yes |
| Toxic to horses | No |
| Toxic component | Essential oils (in large, concentrated amounts) |
| Onset of symptoms | Within a few hours |
| Indoor / outdoor | both |
If your pet ate this plant
Both lines are staffed 24/7. A consultation fee applies to each. Do not wait for symptoms to appear before calling.
Advertisement
Symptoms in dogs
- Mild GI upset with large amounts
Symptoms in cats
- Mild GI upset with large amounts
Advertisement
What to do
Culinary amounts in food are generally not a concern; only large, concentrated ingestion (like eating a potted plant) warrants a call to the vet.
Toxic component and mechanism
The toxic component in Marjoram is essential oils (in large, concentrated amounts).
What makes this plant different
Marjoram is a common cooking herb, and the amounts typically used in food are not a meaningful pet-safety concern — the caution here applies mainly to a pet eating a potted marjoram plant directly, not to table scraps containing a pinch of the dried herb.
Plant identification
- Scientific name
- Origanum majorana
- Family
- Lamiaceae
- Also known as
- Marjoram, Knotted Marjoram, Pot Marjoram
- Typically found
- both
Pet-safe alternatives
Advertisement
Related plants
Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Lavender
Lavendula angustifolia
Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
Adam-and-Eve
Arum maculatum
Last verified: July 2, 2026 · Cross-referenced with ASPCA Animal Poison Control