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Herbs For Dogs

herbs for dogs

Boost Your Dog’s Diet: 8 Healthy Herbs For Dogs

A balanced diet also plays a vital role in the growth and well-being of a dog. That’s why you need to take extra care when feeding your dog. It all depends on the ingredients that are used in dog foods.

In addition to the basic components of dog food, such as protein, fat, and essential nutrients, you can use herbs and spices to make it more beneficial for your dog. Herbs are frequently used in the human diet to add taste, aroma, and nutritional and curative benefits.

The same is true with your dog’s food. Many herbs and spices can be used to boost the dog’s diet. But it’s not that simple. Every herb is not fit for every dog. Every dog breed has different food needs. So, you must know which herbs suit your dog and which do not.

Benefits Of Herbs in Dog Food

Herbs and spices have various benefits for a dog. Here are some of them:

  • Herbs and spices add taste and flavor to the dog’s food. Just like humans, dogs are also taste and flavor conscious.
  • Herbs are full of antioxidants. Herbs contain green chlorophyll, which is an excellent antioxidant.
  • Antioxidants help in flushing out toxins from the body.
  • It also facilitates alkalizing in the dog’s body.
  • Herbs have so many medicinal benefits, as well.
  • Herbs are full of natural proteins.
  • Herbs are also a rich source of minerals. Two teaspoons of dried basil can provide calcium equivalent to one cup of milk.
  • Herbs also contain vitamins, which are much required in a dog’s diet.
  • Herbs are a rich source of fiber.
  • Herbs help improve the digestive system of dogs.
  • Herbs are beneficial for the growth and health of a dog.

8 Healthy Herbs For Dogs

There are hundreds of herbs around but all are not safe enough to add to your dog’s diet. Additionally, every dog breed may react differently to a specific herb. Hence selection of herbs to include in their diet is much more important.

Moreover, you need to track the reaction and response of your dog while introducing a new herb to its diet. That’s why it is advisable to add new herbs to their diet gradually. By doing so, you can monitor the impact of that particular herb on your dog’s health and growth.

However, so many commonly used herbs are safe and healthy for dogs. Let’s explore some of them.

 

herbs for dogs

1. Basil

Basil is one of the most popular herbs all around the world. It is abundantly and readily available everywhere. It contains vitamins and minerals. It is also a rich source of electrolytes, phytonutrients, and essential oils. Additionally, this herb has numerous nutritional benefits. This herb is an excellent antioxidant.

It is an anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory herb. It has excellent medicinal benefits as well. It reduces arthritis pain in dogs. It prevents various illnesses in them. Regular use of basil in dog food reduces anxiety in dogs, so they remain relaxed and emotionally feel good.

2.     Parsley

Parsley is considered to be a rich and concentrated food for dogs. It has various important vitamins, like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K. It also contains iron and many important minerals. Apart from its nutritional value, parsley is also good for health.

It has many volatile oils such as myristin and histidine. Both are known for their role in preventing the formation of tumors in dogs, especially in their lungs. Parsley is also known for its role as a chemo-protective agent that helps neutralize many of the carcinogens commonly produced by cigarette smoke.

It also helps improve the digestive system. It is quite a good source of cleaning the teeth of a dog. It also provides freshness to his breath. But these benefits can be obtained only if a dog can consume parsley in fresh form. Dried parsley may not give the same results.

3.     Dandelion

Dandelion is not a herb. Botanically, dandelion is a member of the sunflower family. But due to its enormous benefits for dogs, experts include its leaves in the list of beneficial herbs for dog foods.

It has a good quantity of fiber, iron, phosphorus, potassium, manganese, magnesium, and zinc. It is a rich source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. Its leaves are full of Vitamin A, while the roots contain inulin, which facilitates the production of useful bacteria in the intestine of dogs.

Dandelion is quite good at strengthening the teeth and bones of dogs. It also improves heart functions.  Its roots can be used in dried and powdered form while the leaves are chopped in dog foods.

4.     Ginger

Ginger is a well-known herb that is frequently used in human diets. It is equally good for dogs. It is helpful to improve the digestive system of the dogs. It facilitates the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins from the food.

It is useful for relieving stomach disorders, nausea, and pains. It improves appetite, as well. It also helps improve the blood circulation. Traditionally, this herb has been used by vets to treat various fatal diseases in dogs, including cancer.

5.     Turmeric

Turmeric root is a powerful herb that can be used as a cure for various medical and health conditions in dogs. These roots are used in powdered form in dog foods. Regular use of this herb improves the digestive system in dogs. It is a good source of vitamins and minerals.

It is good at preventing various diseases like arthritis and strokes. It also treats mental disorders in dogs, especially memory issues. It has a positive impact on the metabolism of the dogs. Make it a regular dog diet component to control weight gain.

6.     Flax seeds

Flax seeds are a good source of fiber. Omega 3 fats are also a useful component of flax seeds. While fiber improves dogs’ physical and mental health, Omega 3 helps develop healthy skin.

Flax seeds also contain powerful antioxidants in addition to vital vitamins. So, make it a regular part of dog food to improve the immune system of your beloved dog. Instead of serving whole seeds, adding them in ground form to the dog’s diet is better.

7.     Cinnamon

Cinnamon is known for its excellent taste in human diets. But it is also useful for dogs because it contains many antioxidants. So, it is a useful part of the dog’s food, especially for flushing out the toxins such as aflatoxins.

Cinnamon is also an anti-inflammatory agent, thus helping prevent diabetes in dogs. It also carries antifungal properties, hence useful to keep the dog’s teeth clean. Cinnamon also helps enhance the energy level of your dog.

8.     Mint

Various types of mint are used in the dog foods, such as peppermint, wild mint, and spearmint. These are nontoxic agents and can be used safely in the dog’s diet.

Make a mixture of the entire peppermint plant and add it to your dog’s diet. It will help increase the appetite of your dog. Fresh mint is even more useful. Combining ginger and mint is an excellent option for boosting the dog’s diet. 

Not Good For Dog Foods

As said earlier, some herbs and spices are not good for dogs, hence should not be used. Here are some herbs and spices that should never be made part of the dog’s food.

  • Onion
  • Salt
  • Chives
  • Garlic
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Hops

Beyond Herbs: Other Essential Aspects to Ensure Your Dog’s Wellbeing

Beyond Herbs, there are several other essential aspects to consider for ensuring your dog’s well-being. While a balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial, providing a comfortable resting space is equally important. For Greyhounds, known for their lean bodies and elegant postures, investing in a Greyhound bed is highly beneficial.

These beds are designed to support their unique body structure adequately, preventing discomfort and joint issues. The soft and cozy material of the bed ensures a peaceful and restful sleep, contributing to your Greyhound’s overall health and happiness. Remember, a well-rested pup is a happy pup!

Conclusion

Dog’s diet is quite a sensitive matter. Everything depends on the diet. A dog’s growth and health entirely depend on the quality and quantity of the food. Apart from the basic elements of foods such as proteins, fats, and minerals, herbs and spices are vital to the dog’s diet.

However, you need to know what type of herbs your dog likes. Every herb has unique benefits but every dog may not like all the herbs. So, you need to track his response and reaction to various herbs before making it a part of your dog’s diet.

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Featured image by Frauke Riether from Pixabay
Herbs image by Th G from Pixabay

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