Herbs for Dogs: What to Feed, What to Avoid, and How to Keep Your Pup Healthy
If you're like most dog parents, you probably want to spoil your furry friend with treats, cuddles, and whatever else makes their tail wag. But when it comes to feeding your dog herbs, there’s a fine line between boosting their health and unintentionally giving them something that might cause harm. Fortunately, many herbs offer incredible benefits for dogs when used appropriately, while others should be avoided. So let’s dive into the wonderful world of herbs, spices, and everything nice (for dogs, that is)!
The Good: Herbs You Should Feed Your Dog
1. Parsley: Not Just a Garnish
While you might recognize parsley as that little green thing people push to the side of their plates, it actually packs a powerful punch of health benefits. Parsley is rich in vitamins C, K, and A, and contains folic acid, which is great for promoting healthy kidneys in dogs.
For dogs with bad breath (we've all been there), parsley can work as a natural breath freshener. Simply chop up a small amount of fresh parsley and sprinkle it into your dog’s food. It’s also great for digestion and can help soothe an upset tummy. Just don't overdo it—moderation is key, or your pup might end up turning its nose up at every dish you make.
2. Turmeric: The Golden Superfood
When you think of turmeric, you might picture a beautiful golden latte or a colorful curry. For dogs, turmeric offers incredible anti-inflammatory properties. If your dog suffers from arthritis or joint pain, turmeric can provide some relief, thanks to its active compound, curcumin.
This herb also has antioxidant and cancer-fighting properties, which can help keep your dog feeling spunky well into its golden years. Add a pinch of turmeric powder to your dog’s food (bonus points if you mix it with coconut oil or black pepper to boost absorption). Just be prepared for a yellow-stained kitchen if your pup happens to sneeze while eating!
3. Ginger: More Than Just a Cookie Flavor
If your dog has motion sickness or nausea (yes, dogs can get car sick, too), ginger is your new best friend. Known for its anti-nausea properties, ginger can settle an upset stomach and even improve digestion. Ginger is especially useful before long road trips to help prevent your furry buddy from, well, redecorating the back seat with their breakfast.
To serve ginger, simply grate a small amount of fresh ginger root and mix it into your dog’s food. A little goes a long way, so be mindful of the quantity to not overdo Fido's new found love of ginger!
4. Dandelion: Not Just a Weed
You’ve probably cursed dandelions as they invade your lawn, but did you know that this common “weed” is actually a superfood for dogs? Dandelion leaves are packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium and iron, making them a great addition to your dog’s diet.
Dandelions support liver function, aid digestion, and help maintain healthy kidneys. You can add a few fresh dandelion leaves to your dog’s food (be mindful that some may have been sprayed with chemicals). If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make your own dandelion tea to drizzle over their meals. Just don’t let your dog go chomping on random dandelions in the park—those might be on the "no-no" list!
5. Thyme: Small Herb, Big Benefits
Thyme is a tiny herb with enormous health benefits for dogs. It’s an antiseptic, antibacterial, and antifungal powerhouse that can help with respiratory infections, indigestion, and skin problems. Thyme also contains antioxidants that promote immune system health. Thyme can also be used topically as a itch relief and skin treatment. Thyme may help treat and relive symptoms of hotspots, ringworm, dandruff and yeast infections in pups! An all natural organic topical treatment by Thyme Out can be found here.
Sprinkle a pinch of dried thyme into your dog’s food to help maintain overall wellness. It’s like a little superhero cape for your dog’s immune system, minus the tights. But again, be sure not to go overboard. Thyme can be strong, and you don’t want to overwhelm your pup with its potency.
The Bad: Herbs to Avoid
1. Garlic: The Vampire Repellent (For Dogs, Too)
You might love garlic in your pasta or roasted with veggies, but garlic is a big "no" for dogs. Even though some holistic pet health advocates suggest small doses can have benefits, the risks outweigh them and be cautious. Garlic is part of the allium family (which also includes onions, leeks, and chives), and alliums contain compounds that can cause oxidative damage to your dog’s red blood cells, potentially leading to anemia.
Even if your dog gives you those big puppy eyes for a taste of your garlic bread, resist the temptation. Their health is more important than sharing a bite.
2. Onions: Garlic’s Evil Twin
Onions, like garlic, are a member of the allium family, and they’re just as toxic to dogs. Onion ingestion can cause anemia and lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia, which is very serious and life-threatening for your dog.
Raw, cooked, powdered, or in any form—onions should be kept far away from your dog’s dinner bowl. Remember that many foods and seasonings contain onion or onion powder, so be aware when offering table scraps.
3. Nutmeg: Not Just a Holiday Spice
Nutmeg is commonly used in holiday desserts, but it’s not something you want your dog getting into. Nutmeg contains a compound called myristicin, which can cause hallucinations, increased heart rate, and even seizures in dogs. Ingesting large amounts can lead to nutmeg toxicity, so keep this one out of your pup’s reach. Be aware things like pumpkin pie, gingerbread and many delicious ethnic foods contain nutmeg.
4. Chamomile: The Relaxation Herb (But Not for Dogs)
Chamomile is known for its calming properties in humans, but it can be a bit of a troublemaker when it comes to dogs. Chamomile can cause skin allergies, vomiting, diarrhea, and in some cases, even bleeding problems. While small amounts in herbal mixtures may be safe under guidance, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid feeding your dog chamomile directly.
For more information and to learn about all the herbs for dogs and cats, Juliette de Bairacli Levy's book "The Complete Herbal Handbook for the Dog and Cat" may be of interest for you to really dive deep into the herbal world for pets.
Why Choosing the Right Herbs Matters
Now that you know which herbs are safe and beneficial, as well as which ones to avoid, it’s important to understand why this matters. Herbs can provide powerful, natural health benefits that support your dog’s immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. Incorporating safe herbs into your dog’s diet is a simple, cost-effective way to give them the nutrients and support they need to thrive.
But as with any dietary changes, it’s essential to consult with your veterinarian before introducing new herbs or supplements into your dog’s routine. Not all dogs will react the same way to herbs, and it’s crucial to ensure that your pup’s specific needs are met.
How to Introduce Herbs into Your Dog’s Diet
Introducing herbs into your dog’s diet doesn’t have to be a challenge. Start with small amounts and monitor how your dog reacts. Whether you’re adding turmeric to their kibble or giving them a ginger treat before a road trip, the key is to keep it simple and gradually build up to the recommended amounts.
For an extra-special treat, you could even whip up your own homemade dog biscuits with healthy herbs like parsley and turmeric. Your dog will think they’re getting an indulgent snack, but you’ll know you’re boosting their health with every bite. There is a great book by Timi Foster called "The Easy Dog Treats Cookbook" with over 80 recipes you might find helpful.
You may consider making your own dog food at home and incorporating healthy herbs into the delicious recipes you custom create! The revolutionary countertop dog food maker from ChefPaw can help you create custom, nutritious food for your canine companions right in the comfort of your own home, using the freshest ingredients of your choice and meeting your dogs individual nutritional needs.
Wrapping It Up
Feeding your dog the right herbs can be a game-changer for their health. From parsley’s breath-freshening powers to turmeric’s anti-inflammatory magic, herbs offer a natural, holistic way to support your dog’s well-being. Just remember, for every parsley, there’s a garlic lurking nearby, so always double-check before tossing an herb into your dog’s dish.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional veterinarian advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified pet care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Affiliate Disclosure:
This blog contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links. This does not affect the price you pay and helps support the blog. We only recommend products and services that we believe will benefit our readers.
Thank you for your support!
Comments
Post a Comment