10 Herbs and Spices That Are Good for Dogs!
Did you know spices and herbs can be used in your dog`s diet? However, not all of them are good! So, what herbs and spices are good for dogs?
Herbs or spices have been used for a long time to treat or cure illnesses in humans and pets.
Research has proven that animals were treated with herbal extracts to treat specific medical conditions and illnesses for over 5.000 years.
In our times, herbal medicine is pretty much directed toward pharmacognosy, which studies herbs as a possible drug source.
If staying healthy is among your main interests, you probably want the same for your dog. And what you might not know is that many herbs and spices that benefit humans are just as good for dogs as well.
Cumin
Cuminum cyminum, more commonly known as cumin, is a member of the Apiaceae family and is native to the Middle East. It comes as whole dried seeds or ground powder when bought from the supermarket.
There are some possible health advantages from adding this plant to your canine friend`s diet, but only if used in the proper dosage and, of course, if cleared with your veterinarian first. – Click this link!
In small dosages, this plant is completely safe for dogs. However, cumin might upset your little friend`s stomach in high amounts.
If your dog has a history of thin blood, he shouldn`t get cumin or any other supplement added to his diet.
Oregano
This herb is well known for its great flavor when added to pizza. It`s believed to be a great antimicrobial and quite high in flavonoids and antioxidants.
This non-toxic plant has been proven to aid in gas, diarrhea, or digestive issues involving dogs.
Studies based on oregano oil have proven it to have antifungal benefits. However, dog owners should maintain dosages as small as possible because oregano oil is much more concentrated than the actual oregano plant.
This spice isn`t toxic but can still lead to severe digestive inconveniences in dogs, including vomiting or diarrhea.
In very rare situations, oregano is known to lead to severe side effects, like decreased blood pressure, ulcers, or low heart rate.
Cinnamon
This spice is obtained from the internal bark of a few different species of trees from the Cinnamomum family.
Cinnamon is very popular for its aromatic and flavoring benefits, being added to many dishes for human consumption.
According to ASPCA.org, this spice isn`t toxic for pets, dogs included. Dr. Ashley Hughes, doctor of veterinary medicine at Friendship Hospital for Animals in Washington, DC, says: “Cinnamon is not toxic for horses, cats or dogs. However, nutmeg might be if consumed in high doses.”
Large amounts of nutmeg can increase heart rate and hallucinations in dogs. However, cinnamon in small amounts offers benefits if added to your dog`s diet as well.
Because it contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may aid in the fight against diabetes. It can also aid in improving bad breath and decrease the aflatoxins that are often found in commercial foods.
Ginger
Ginger, also known as Zingiber officinale, is a popular plant largely used as a folk medicine and a spice.
Probably, it happened at least once in your life for your stomach to feel off. At such times, most of us try to reach for some ginger. That`s because most of ginger`s benefits have much to do with soothing.
Ginger also offers the same benefits for your dog if added to his diet. It`s good for nausea, bloating, and heartworm. It provides some relief against arthritis, and it`s widely recognized as a fighter against cancer.
This herb can be found on the market in many forms: raw root, powder, tincture, capsules, or tea.
Thyme
Thyme is considered just about any member of the Lamiaceae family, an aromatic plant species relative to Oregano. They are used for ornamental, medicinal, and culinary purposes.
Thymus vulgaris is the most popular regarding how much is cultivated and used for human consumption.
This particular herb isn`t toxic for dogs, so it`s safe to be added to their diet.
The oil of this plant is an essential oil that contains 20% to 54% thymol. This type of oil also has a large variety of compounds, like linalool, borneol, p-cymene, and myrcene.
Thymol has antimicrobial and antiseptic properties as well. This means that it`s actually a great idea to add to a dog`s diet.
Parsley
Petroselinum crispum, also known as garden parsley or simply parsley, is a flowering herb from the Apiaceae family and native to the central area of the Mediterranean Sea.
This herb contains many folic acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. The plant brings benefits by improving bad breath and the good functioning of organs.
It also flushes toxins from your dog`s body because of its high amount of fiber.
Because it has antimicrobial properties, it could aid in promoting proper urinary health, while its anti-inflammatory properties could promote proper kidney health.
While its curly leaves have great properties for dogs, the ASPCA states that “spring parsley” is toxic if consumed in high doses.
Dill
Anethum graveolens, more widely known as dill, is considered a yearly plant of the Apiaceae family. This herb is largely grown in Eurasia.
The seeds and leaves of this plant are generally used as a spice and herb for aromatizing food.
This herb provides many benefits, such as helping flatulence due to its antispasmodic properties, aiding in tonifying the pancreas and liver if mixed with peppermint or parsley, or helping treat chronic constipation.
One teaspoon of this herb contains potassium, iron, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, thiamine, niacin, magnesium, riboflavin, vitamin A, and many other amino acids.
So, taking all into consideration, it`s only obvious just how much a dog`s health will benefit if this plant should be added to his diet.
Basil
Saint-Joseph’s-wort or great basil as it`s also known, basil is a tender herb from the Lamiaceae family which is indigenous to the tropical areas of Southeast Asia and central Africa.
This plant is quite rich in antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It may aid in calming anxious dogs, reduce pain due to arthritis, improve the mood, and prevent lots of different types of diseases, cancer included.
Basil is a good herb choice for your canine friend if consumed in small doses. It can be served as an ingredient in your pal`s diet, as a treat straight from the garden, or sprinkled over the food you prepare for your pooch.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a flowering herb from the ginger family. Its roots are cooked, and it offers benefits not only for humans but also for dogs.
This plant will aid in accelerating the loss of weight and offer a boost to your canine`s friend’s metabolism.
Research shows it protects against anemia and cancer and offers relief against arthritis. It also benefits your dog`s brain, joints, and cardiovascular health.
The best way to offer all these benefits to your pooch is by adding a turmeric supplement to his diet.
Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis, mostly known as simply rosemary, is a herb native to the Mediterranean Sea.
Being a member of the Lamiaceae family, which includes lots of other plants, the name of this great herb derives from “ros marinus,” which is Latin for “dew of the sea.”
Just like cinnamon, this plant is also used in many dishes for human consumption. However, many commercial dog foods also use it as a preservative.
Gregory L. Tilford, herbalist and co-author of Herbs for Pets, says: “This herb (e.g., rosemary) can be used in most of its forms, either as tea, dried, tincture or fresh. It`s just as great for dogs as it`s for humans.”
Still, its essential oil is so concentrated that it should be avoided to be added in high doses to a dog`s diet. On the other hand, it can have a relaxing effect in some amounts.
Besides being a great antioxidant and antimicrobial, it promotes heart health and digestion.
As a dog owner, you probably know by now that keeping pests away is among the most difficult challenges. Research has proven that rosemary can repel bugs, fleas, or mosquitos.
Final Conclusion
This is a list of only 10, but there are a lot of other herbs and spices that are good for dogs out there.
Of course, some spices and herbs can harm the health of your canine friend. So, be careful about what you add to the little one`s diet.
