Dogs need vitamins in their diet, and herbs are a great source of vitamins and antioxidants that boost a dog’s immune system and digestive system.
Herbs and spices can also be used for medical treatment of some dog’s illnesses, said Gardenuity in “Herbs For Dogs/Good and Bad Herbs For Your Furry Friend. “
Herbs are used and consumed fresh, while spices are dried plants. Basil can be put in food in its fresh form, or dried as a spice.
Uses of herbs for medical treatment
Traditional Chiese Medicine is “a practice that uses the healing power of herbs and spices in order to heal an array of health conditions. Traditional Chinese Medicine, often referred to as TCM, is a safe way to treat your pup as long as you are careful about what herbs and spices you feed them, “ Gardenuity said.
The right herbs and spices are good for dogs, Gaerdenuity stressed.
Healthy herbs and spices for dogs
Gardenuity shared this list of five herbs and spices that are good for dogs:
1. Coriander is anti-parasitic, eases nausea, anti-diarrhea, and alleviates intestinal gas.
2. Oregano is antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, alleviates diarrhea and indigestion.
3. Peppermint relieves intestinal gas, soothes an upset stomach, treats diarrhea, alleviates irritable bowel syndrome.
4. Turmeric improves gut health, boosts brain function, anti-inflammatory, and relieves arthritis.
5. Cinnamon fights against heart disease, is anti-inflammatory, regulates blood sugar, and has anti-cancer properties.
Other herbs that are safe for dogs
1. Thyme makes the digestive tract more healthy and helps with irritable bowel movement. Gardenuity said “thyme also aids in ousting parasites such as hookworm.” Just add one teaspoon of fresh or dried thyme to a pound of dog food for a large dog, said Gardenuity.
2. Basil has antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties that repel a number of illnesses. Gardenuity said basil can also alleviate anxiety and arthritis in dogs. But do not give too much basil to dogs, specially to small dogs, Gardenuity added. The safe amount is two to three leaves depending on the size of the dog.
3. Rosemary is very good for dogs. Garnuity said it is “high in iron and calcium, and also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.” However, too much rosemary can cause upset stomach and itchy skin. Do not give more than five grams of rosemary to a dog.
4. Parsley is high in fiber and great for a dog’s digestive health. “Parsley is also a great breath freshener for your pup! For small dogs, add one teaspoon to their food and for large dogs, add one tablespoon to their food,” said Gardenuity.
5. Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha helps relieve stress, boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties, said Gardenuity. “You can give your pet 250 mg of this herb per every fifteen pounds of body weight,” Gardenuity said.
