Winter Savory Toxic?

Updated 2026-03-06| 5 min read| 1,810 found this helpful

Winter savory is classified as non-toxic to cats, dogs, and horses per verified toxicology data

No harmful toxic effects are linked to ingestion or dermal contact with this plant for the listed species

Excessive consumption may still trigger mild, transient gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals

FAQ

Is Winter Savory toxic to Humans?

No known toxic effects; excessive ingestion may cause mild, temporary stomach upset or loose stools (Non-toxic)

Is Winter Savory toxic to Cats?

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant (Non-toxic)

Is Winter Savory toxic to Dogs?

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant (Non-toxic)

Is Winter Savory toxic to Horses?

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant (Non-toxic)

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Toxicity Details

Humans

Non-toxic

No known toxic effects; excessive ingestion may cause mild, temporary stomach upset or loose stools

Cats

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant

Dogs

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant

Horses

Non-toxic

No documented toxic symptoms linked to consumption of this plant

Toxicity Snapshot

Toxic PartsNo plant parts are considered toxic to cats, dogs, or horses; all parts are safe for incidental consumption

Exposure RoutePrimary exposure route is ingestion; dermal contact does not cause any known adverse effects

Toxic CompoundsCarvacrol; Thymol; Rosmarinic acid; p-Cymene

First Aid & Prevention

First 30 Minutes

• Offer small amounts of fresh water to the animal if they consumed a large quantity of the plant
• Monitor for 1-2 hours for signs of mild gastrointestinal upset such as drooling or loose stools
• Remove any remaining plant material from the animal's access to prevent overconsumption

Contact Vet Immediately

• If the animal displays persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy lasting over 24 hours after ingestion
• If the animal has pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions or known herb sensitivities

Prevention

• No special growing restrictions are needed for households with cats, dogs, or horses
• Store harvested savory in sealed containers out of reach of young, curious pets that chew excessively
• Avoid feeding large amounts of raw savory to livestock or pets as a precaution against digestive upset

Treatment & Prognosis

• Supportive care only for mild digestive symptoms, including short dietary rest and access to fresh water
• No specific antidote is required as no toxic effects are associated with this plant species

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Professional Toxicology

Scientific NameSatureja hortensis

AliasesGarden Savory、Summer Savory、Bean Herb

Toxicity Grade

HumansNon-toxic

CatsNon-toxic

DogsNon-toxic

HorsesNon-toxic

Target Organs

No organs are targeted by toxic compounds from this plant, as no toxic effects are documented for the listed species

Mechanism of Action

• No toxic mechanisms have been identified for this plant in studied domestic animal species; its active compounds are well-tolerated at typical exposure levels

Other Species Risk (CliniTox)

Information from CliniTox veterinary text.

Cattle: No known toxic effects; considered a safe forage herb in small quantities

Sheep: No reported toxicity associated with consumption

Goats: No documented adverse effects from incidental ingestion

Confusion Risk

The following plants look similar and may be confused:

Common Lavender Lavandula angustifolia

Both have narrow aromatic leaves and small purple flower spikes; lavender has a soft sweet scent, while savory has a sharp peppery-herbal aroma

Common Thyme Thymus vulgaris

Both are low-growing woody Lamiaceae herbs with small oval leaves; thyme has much smaller leaves and a milder earthy aroma than savory

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Related Toxic Plants

Perilla Mint

Perilla frutescens

High toxicity to cattle, horses, and other ruminants

Ground Ivy

Glechoma hederacea

Low to Moderate toxicity to cats, dogs, and horses

Diviner's Sage

Salvia divinorum

Moderate toxicity to humans, cats, and dogs

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Data Sources

1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control

This information is for reference only and does not constitute medical advice. If ingestion or poisoning is suspected, seek medical or veterinary attention immediately.