What is ashwagandha?

Before we answer the question ‘can dogs have ashwagandha?’, it might be helpful to talk about what ashwagandha is. While it’s certainly growing in popularity, the herb is still not quite a household name. Even less so when it comes to harnessing it to support the health of our furry friends!

Also called Indian ginseng and winter cherry, ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a small shrub native to India and Southeast Asia. Interestingly, the word ‘ashwagandha’ is derived from the Sanskrit words for ‘horse’ and ‘smell’. That should give you an idea of the root’s scent! It’s among the most important herbs in Ayurveda – a traditional Indian medicine system – thanks to its many impressive therapeutic properties. People use it to relieve stress, improve sleep quality, enhance their cognitive functions, and even boost their athletic performance. 

So, we know that people are able to take ashwagandha to better their health and wellness. But can dogs have ashwagandha for the same reason? Happily, the answer to that question is also yes. Adding the herb to your pup’s diet could have a number of positive effects on their wellbeing. From easing stress to supporting joint health and immunity, there are lots of potential benefits of ashwagandha for dogs. Let’s dig into the details.

Can dogs take ashwagandha for stress and anxiety?

Just like humans, a lot of pups unfortunately suffer from stress and anxiety. This could be anything from separation anxiety to fear caused by thunderstorms or fireworks. While some of the symptoms of anxiety in dogs are clear, others are more subtle. Things to look out for include pacing, whining, destructive behaviour, excessive grooming, trembling, and urinating in the house. So, can dogs have ashwagandha to help alleviate stress and anxiety? The science says yes.

Ashwagandha acts as an adaptogen, which means it helps the mind and body cope with stress more effectively. That’s true for both us and our pets. It can improve your pup’s resistance to both short-term and long-term stress from a variety of causes. Research has found that adding the root to your dog’s diet could significantly reduce stress responses and symptoms of anxiety.(1) It may also decrease fear-related aggression and pain interference. One way in which it does so is by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol in your pooch. This helps them to feel more relaxed. And as a bonus, ashwagandha doesn’t cause the sort of adverse side effects that some pharmaceutical medications can.

But can dogs have ashwagandha and expect their stress to vanish completely? Probably not. It’s best used as one part of a holistic approach to the issue. We have a whole article on separation anxiety in dogs, but here are some quick tips:

• Create a quiet, safe space where they can relax by themselves
• Ensure they get enough exercise
• Don’t shout at or punish your dog – instead, comfort and reassure them
• Provide toys and games to keep your pup entertained

What else can dogs take ashwagandha for?

Helping to ease stress and anxiety is probably what ashwagandha is best known for. But can dogs have ashwagandha to assist with other health issues? Absolutely.

Another area in which ashwagandha might be effective is immunity. Studies suggest that the herb is able to stimulate certain types of immune cells in humans, dogs, and other animals.(2) It may therefore work to support your pup’s immune system and lessen the chance of them getting an infection.

Ashwagandha also has potent anti-inflammatory properties. This is good for lots of reasons, but one of the most notable is joint health.(3) Conditions like arthritis are characterised by swelling in the joints, and may cause both pain and loss of mobility. So, can dogs have ashwagandha to help alleviate this? Evidence suggests they can. Research has found that the herb is able to reduce pain and inflammation in those with arthritis. Adding it to your pup’s diet could therefore allow them to play more energetically and go on longer walks!

A particularly interesting finding suggests that ashwagandha could be good for your dog’s cognitive health.(4) As pups get older, they may experience a decline in memory and similar functions. One reason for this is oxidative stress, or damage caused by free radicals. Ashwagandha acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from such harm. That’s great news for pets who love learning new tricks!

In addition to supporting brain health, decreasing oxidative stress may reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. For example, it may help to explain why research has found that ashwagandha can protect liver health in old dogs.(5) All of which means there are plenty of persuasive reasons to add this potent herb to your furry friend’s diet.

Is ashwagandha safe for dogs?

So, we’ve seen that there are lots of exciting potential benefits of ashwagandha for dogs. But how can dogs have ashwagandha safely? Experts generally agree that the herb is suitable for canine consumption. However, like all functional foods, there are a few pointers to think about before adding it to your pet’s diet.

First, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. As such, you should always stick to the recommended dosage when feeding your dog ashwagandha. This will be indicated on the packaging, and varies according to the size of your pooch. Second, as with any new food or supplement, there’s a slim chance your pup could be allergic to ashwagandha. Make sure you monitor them closely when you start adding the ingredient to their diet. If you notice any negative effects or unusual behaviour, stop giving your pet ashwagandha and take them to a vet.

Can dogs have ashwagandha when they’re pregnant or nursing? We advise against it. You also shouldn’t give ashwagandha to puppies. This is simply because there hasn’t been enough research to determine the safety of the herb for these groups. Finally, it’s crucial to remember that ashwagandha is not a replacement for professional veterinary care or medicine. If you have any concerns at all about the health of your pup, book them a vet appointment right away.

Can I give my dog ashwagandha if they have a medical condition?

We’ve established that there are several benefits of ashwagandha for dogs, and the herb is safe for pups to consume. But can dogs have ashwagandha if they’ve got an existing medical condition or are on some type of medication? Here the answer is less clear. It’s possible that ashwagandha could interact with veterinary medication or cause side effects in pups with pre-existing health conditions. As such, it’s crucial that you talk to a vet prior to adding the root to your doggy’s diet. They will be able to advise you on whether or not the herb is suitable for your pup’s needs.

In fact, we recommend all pet parents speak to a vet before giving their fur baby a new functional food. All animals are unique, and this will give you the confidence that you’re doing the right thing for your fluffy friend. Which is what we all want!

Can dogs have ashwagandha every day?

Let’s recap. Can dogs have ashwagandha? Yes, with a few caveats depending on your pup’s individual situation and needs. Could it benefit their health and wellbeing? Yes, it may help manage your dog’s anxiety, support their immune system and joints, and generally enable them to thrive. So, the next question is can dogs have ashwagandha every day? Well, here the answer is both yes and no. Allow us to explain.

You are able to give your dog ashwagandha powder daily, but it’s recommended that you do so in cycles. For example, you might want to stop adding it to their food for 1-8 weeks after 6-8 weeks of use. The same advice holds for other adaptogens (like medicinal mushrooms), and there are two main reasons why. First, it prevents your pup from building up a tolerance to the ingredient and it then losing its effectiveness. Second, ashwagandha may have an immunomodulatory effect, and taking a break can help you avoid overstimulating your pooch’s immune system. Incidentally, the same is true for humans taking the herb, in case you were thinking of joining your pup!

How can dogs eat ashwagandha?

If reading this has made you want to try giving your pup ashwagandha, you’re probably now wondering about the practicalities. Can dogs have ashwagandha in their food? Or do you need to give them a supplement? Personally, we recommend using a powder, because you have more control over how much you feed your pet. And, as anyone who’s had to give their pooch a tablet knows, it’s easier to get them to eat it!

The simplest method is to mix ashwagandha powder directly into your dog’s wet food. As a guide, we suggest using an eighth or a quarter of a teaspoon per 10kg of your pet’s weight. That’s roughly 250-500mg a day. If your pup is a fussy eater, try starting with a smaller dose and building up to this over time. You also have the option of dividing it into two doses per day rather than one.

Can dogs have ashwagandha at any time of day? Absolutely – so feel free to add it to their breakfast, lunch or dinner. The herb won’t keep them awake or have a sedative effect, so choose the time that best suits your routine. Or should we say choose the time that best suits your pup’s routine!

Introducing our ashwagandha for dogs (and cats!)

One final point to talk about when it comes to ashwagandha for dogs is quality. Can dogs have ashwagandha from anywhere? Not exactly. If you want the optimal results (and smallest chance of side effects), you need to choose a high-quality product. As you’re a proud dog parent, we probably don’t need to tell you the importance of that! And because we’re animal lovers too here at Boosie, we strive to offer the very best ashwagandha powder for pets.

We source our ashwagandha directly from small organic farms in India, where people have been using the herb for generations. The farmers pick the plant by hand, then carefully dry the roots out and grind them into a fine powder. We don’t sneak in any nasties like artificial flavourings, bulking agents, or other unwanted fillers. Ensure your furry friend enjoys the pure benefits of organic ashwagandha powder for dogs and cats – 100% natural, with nothing added, just as it should be!

To help minimise our impact on the planet and other animals around the world, we use environmentally friendly packaging. You’ll get your pup’s ashwagandha in an amber glass jar, which you can reuse or recycle once empty. It also keeps the powder fresh – especially when you store it in a cool, dry place.

There’s one more question you might be thinking about: can dogs have ashwagandha that you’ve bought for yourself? No, you should always give your pup functional foods that are specifically designed for pets to consume. That’s true even if it’s good quality, and helps you avoid the risk of inadvertently giving them food that’s not suitable for dogs.

Can dogs have ashwagandha? Final thoughts

So, all things considered, can dogs have ashwagandha? Yes, provided you follow the advice in this article about how to use it and which pups it’s suitable for. While there hasn’t yet been much research into the benefits of ashwagandha for dogs, the results so far are promising. The herb could help pets with stress and anxiety, support their immune system, decrease inflammation, and much more. So, check with a vet and see if your pup could benefit from a sprinkle of ashwagandha in their life!