Things to consider before giving herbs to your dog
It’s tempting to just jump paws-first into a list of the best herbs for dogs! However, there are some points you need to think about prior to feeding your pet any supplement or functional food. So let’s begin with those.
For starters, we always recommend speaking to a vet before adding these kinds of ingredients to your pup’s meals. All animals are individuals, and it’s important to ensure the herb you’re interested in is suitable for your pooch’s needs. It’s not enough to ask what herbs are good for dogs – you need to ask what herbs are good for your dog.
This is especially relevant if your pooch has an existing health condition or is taking any medication. Certain plants may interact with certain medicines, making them less (or more) effective or causing unwanted side effects. Similarly, if your pet has diabetes, for example, you’d need to be careful about ingredients that affect blood sugar.
Another point is to ensure you’re confident about exactly how to feed your furry friend the best herbs for dogs. This includes the method (e.g. mixing it into their wet food or applying it topically) and the dosage. The appropriate dose will vary according to factors like the strength of the product and the size of your pup. All of which means it’s vital to read the instructions carefully.
Finally, it’s possible that your pet may experience side effects from, or be allergic to, certain ingredients. Always keep a close eye on your pooch after feeding them something new, including healthy herbs for dogs. If you notice any negative change in their condition or behaviour, stop using the ingredient and book a vet appointment.
Finding the right herbs for your dog
The first step in deciding which plants to give your pup is knowing the issue you’re hoping they’ll help with. Then you can research suitable options. For instance, if your pet struggles with separation anxiety, you might look up herbs good for dogs who feel stressed. Or, if they suffer from tummy troubles, you could search for the best herbs for dogs’ digestion.
Some plants have multiple benefits for our pets. This will hopefully allow you to find one that ticks all the boxes. If not, you may be able to give your pup two herbs at the same time. However, be sure to check that the ones you have in mind are compatible with each other. Just like medicines, some functional foods can have unwanted interactions.
Finding the best herbs for dogs isn’t only about the variety of plant you choose. It’s about getting a high-quality version of it too. For example, we suggest opting for an organic ingredient. That way, you know the producers didn’t use any nasty chemicals when cultivating the plants. It’s also a good idea to pick a product that’s 100% pure. Some have fillers like bulking agents, artificial colourings and flavourings, preservatives, emulsifiers, and other unwanted extras. These may reduce the potency of the product, making it less beneficial for your pooch.
Lastly, always buy your pup herbal products that are specifically made for animal consumption. The best herbs for dogs are, well, for dogs! Even if you take the same plants for your own health, don’t share yours with your pet. Nor, of course, should you try theirs. This is one instance where sharing is not caring!
Can all dogs have herbs?
No – we don’t recommend ever giving herbs to puppies, or dogs who are pregnant or nursing. There hasn’t been enough research to confirm that it’s safe to do so.
Another point we want to raise is that herbs are not a replacement for professional veterinary care and treatment. If your pet is unwell, take them to the vet rather than trying to use plants to help them yourself.
With that out of the way, let’s look at some of the best herbs for dogs.
Best herbs for dogs with allergies
Here are three of the best herbs for dogs who have allergies:
1. Echinacea
Benefits: May help to reduce oxidative stress, plus support the immune system.(1) It can also tackle inflammation – something that’s involved in many allergic reactions. The plant might additionally aid in treating common skin concerns like itchiness and rashes, which are often symptoms of allergies.
Serving: Available as a capsule, liquid extract, and powder. Check the packaging for the recommended dosage.
Potential risks and side effects: High doses of the herb may cause gastrointestinal issues. Echinacea might not be suitable for animals with autoimmune disorders.
2. Sea buckthorn
Benefits: Sea buckthorn berries are rich in omega-7 fatty acids, which help maintain optimal moisture levels in your pup’s peepers.(2) This could reduce allergy symptoms like dry eyes. The ingredient also contains palmitoleic acid and linoleic acid. These may lessen inflammation and boost skin hydration, easing itchiness and dry paw pads.(3)
Serving: Available as a powder and an oil, which you can mix into your pet’s wet food. For ours, we suggest ⅛-¼ teaspoon of powder, or 1-2 drops of oil, per 5kg of body weight daily.
Potential risks and side effects: Excessive consumption may cause minor gastrointestinal issues.
3. Milk thistle
Benefits: Supports liver health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, plus preventing toxins from binding to the organ’s cells.(4) The liver helps to remove excess histamine from the body. This is a chemical produced in response to allergy triggers, which causes symptoms like itching and sneezing.
Serving: Available as a powder and an oil, which you can mix into your pet’s wet food. For ours, we suggest ¼-½ teaspoon of powder, or ¼ teaspoon of oil, per 5kg of body weight daily.
Potential risks and side effects: You shouldn’t give milk thistle to your pet for more than 3-6 weeks without a break. Excessive use may suppress liver function.
Best herbs for anxious dogs
Here are three of the best herbs for dogs who get stressed or anxious:
1. Ashwagandha
Benefits: Research shows this potent herb can significantly reduce stress responses and symptoms of anxiety in dogs.(5) It lowers your pup’s cortisol levels, helping them to feel more relaxed and decreasing fear-related aggression. So it’s easy to see why ashwagandha is always top of the list of best herbs for dogs with anxiety!
Serving: Available as a powder, which you can add to wet food, and in capsules and treats. For our powder, we recommend feeding your pup ⅛-¼ teaspoon per 10kg of body weight once or twice a day.
Potential risks and side effects: We suggest giving your pet ashwagandha in cycles (e.g. having a 1-8 week break after 6-8 weeks of use). This prevents them from developing a tolerance to the ingredient or overstimulating their immune system.
2. Valerian root
Benefits: Has mild sedative properties that can promote relaxation and alleviate insomnia. It also helps ease nervousness and stress in pups, possibly by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. This could assist in treating separation anxiety, fear of fireworks, and similar issues.(6)
Serving: Available as a powder, capsule, and tincture. Check the packaging for the recommended dosage.
Potential risks and side effects: Might cause drowsiness and lethargy. The herb can interact with anaesthetics and other sedatives, so avoid use in the two weeks before a medical procedure.
3. Lavender
Benefits: Naturally calming and soothing, this is among the best herbs for dogs in terms of both scent and effectiveness. Research shows it can lower heart rate and alleviate stress and anxiety in dogs during car rides and in shelters.(7)
Serving: Pop some lavender oil in a diffuser to disperse it in your home or spray a little in the car. You could also put a drop on your pup’s collar.
Potential risks and side effects: Don’t apply lavender oil directly onto your pet’s fur or skin, or allow them to ingest it.
Best herbs for your dog’s dental health
Here are three herbs good for dogs’ teeth, gums, and oral health:
1. Parsley
Benefits: This herb is naturally antibacterial and high in chlorophyll, making it an effective option for controlling oral bacteria. It may help to reduce plaque buildup on your pup’s teeth and freshen their breath.
Serving: Add a teaspoon of parsley oil to your dog’s water bowl, or a fresh sprig of curly parsley to their food.
Potential risks and side effects: Only feed your dog curly parsley. Other varieties can be toxic because of chemicals they contain called furanocoumarins.
2. Cinnamon
Benefits: Possesses anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-viral, and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, it may help ease toothache, freshen your pup’s breath, and prevent tooth decay and overgrowth of oral bacteria.(8)
Serving: You can mix cinnamon powder into your dog’s wet food – check the correct dose for your pooch with a vet.
Potential risks and side effects: Don’t let your pet inhale cinnamon powder or consume cinnamon essential oil. It’s also best to avoid cinnamon sticks, as they are a choking hazard.
3. Mint
Benefits: This herb is naturally antiseptic and antimicrobial, plus helps to keep your pup’s breath (and yours!) fresh.(9) It may be able to kill off some of the bacteria that cause dental plaque.
Serving: You can feed your dog one or two fresh mint leaves (depending on their size) a day. Be sure to wash them first.
Potential risks and side effects: Too much mint might upset your pet’s stomach. Take care not to feed your pup English pennyroyal mint, as this species is toxic to dogs.
Best herbs for your dog’s gut health
Here are three of the best herbs for dogs’ digestion:
1. Jerusalem artichoke
Benefits: This plant is rich in a type of fibre called inulin, which acts as a prebiotic for your pooch.(10) It nourishes the good bacteria in their gut and inhibits the growth of bad bacteria there, supporting digestive health.
Serving: We offer organic Jerusalem artichoke powder, which you can mix into your pup’s wet food. Start with 1/4 teaspoon per 5kg of body weight and work up to a maximum of one teaspoon per 5kg.
Potential risks and side effects: Excessive amounts of fibre, like that in Jerusalem artichoke, may cause digestive issues such as flatulence and diarrhoea.
2. Ginger
Benefits: Contains an active compound called gingerol, which acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The ingredient helps to ease digestive issues, most famously nausea (for example, caused by motion sickness during car journeys).(11) Ginger may stimulate the stomach and reduce gas too, preventing bloat.
Serving: Mix a small amount of ginger powder or grated raw ginger into your pup’s wet food. There’s also the option of adding powdered ginger to their water bowl.
Potential risks and side effects: Ginger can thin the blood, so don’t give it to your pet before they have surgery. And, as with many of the best herbs for dogs, large quantities of this spice might upset their stomach.
3. Turmeric
Benefits: Last on our list of the best herbs for dogs, turmeric is bursting with a beneficial active compound called curcumin.(12) It acts as an anti-inflammatory, which may help ease conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. The ingredient also stimulates the production of bile in the liver. Bile assists with the breakdown of food and enables your pup to absorb more nutrients from their meals.
Serving: You can mix a little turmeric powder into your pup’s wet food, or buy capsules. Check the packaging for the recommended dosage.
Potential risks and side effects: Large amounts of the spice might cause digestive troubles. Turmeric acts as an anticoagulant, so may not be suitable for animals on blood thinners or who have blood clotting disorders.
Final thoughts on using herbs for dogs
Hopefully, this has given you a helpful overview of the best herbs for dogs! Remember, the right choice for your pet will depend on their individual needs and your health goals for them. And always check with a vet before feeding your pup one of these ingredients to make sure it’s suitable. If you take this approach, herbs can be a beneficial addition to your pet’s diet.
