Herbs in dog food - support from nature

Dog in the forest with a can from DOG'S LOVE

For many dog owners, a walk through nature is a ritual that invigorates the body and mind. But we often forget that the countless herbs that nature has to offer can have a beneficial effect – even for our four-legged friends. They provide vitamins, minerals, essential oils and flavonoids that can strengthen the immune system, stimulate the metabolism and improve well-being.

By choosing herbs that work together to compound their effectiveness, you can make smart choices that complement your dog's diet. This way, you can offer your dog targeted support.

Herbs – healthy helpers in the bowl

Herbs have been popular for centuries and are used for their health benefits. The wild ancestors of our domestic dogs also take advantage of this benefit and instinctively eat herbs, seeds and flowers. Even modern dogs display this kind of behaviour, which you are sure to be familiar with: eating grass. Herbs contain phytochemicals that can be anti-inflammatory, soothing, or even offer protection against parasites.

Herbs are full of healthy nutrients that can have a beneficial effect on the immune system, digestion, metabolism and general health. But carefully composed herbal blends can do much more, as the individual herbs work together and compound each other's effectiveness. By combining herbs with high-quality food, you can offer your dog a holistic diet.

What can herbs do in dog food?

Herbs are a wonderful addition to dog food and can enhance any meal. The vitamins they contain strengthen the immune system, while their minerals, essential oils and flavonoids support the metabolism and overall vitality. What's special about herbs is that they are absolutely natural and as such, are highly bioavailable. This means that they are optimally absorbed and utilised by your dog's body – a real benefit for health and well-being.

Herbal blends are an impressive example of the whole being more than the sum of its parts. Carefully selected herbs complement each other and enhance their effectiveness, so that they can provide targeted support for your dog's various needs. Many herbs come from medicinal plants and offer support for numerous dog ailments.

Whether for a healthy stomach and intestines, to promote heart and circulatory health, to support the metabolism and immune system, for shiny fur and strong claws, for a calming effect or as natural tick prevention – herbal blends offer many applications and can provide real dietary support.

A combination of yarrow, blackberry leaves, marigold flowers, chamomile flowers, peppermint leaves, sweet flag, fennel and anise can calm the gastrointestinal tract and ensure healthy digestion.

The "Super-Protect" blend can provide valuable protection against ticks. Coconut flakes, cistus, wormwood, dandelion root, rosehip shells, lavender and black cumin seeds work together to strengthen the immune system and provide it with natural support – without any chemicals.

7 popular herbs and their effect on dogs

Nettle: a true superplant. It is rich in iron, vitamin C and calcium, which promotes the production of blood cells and supports the metabolism and joint health. In addition, it has a slightly dehydrating effect and thus promotes the elimination of toxins.

Fennel: optimal support for the gastrointestinal tract. It promotes digestion, relieves flatulence and soothes irritated stomachs. Its essential oils have a gentle antispasmodic effect.

Valerian: known for its calming effect. It helps dogs to stay more relaxed in stressful situations (New Year's Eve, veterinary visits or longer car trips). Valerian has a gentle effect on the nervous system and promotes a relaxed mood.

Chamomile: a versatile medicinal herb with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. It supports the gastrointestinal tract and relieves cramps. It also has a calming effect on stressed dogs.

Peppermint: not only refreshing, but also helpful for digestive problems. It has an antispasmodic effect, promotes digestion and supports the respiratory tract. Peppermint can also help soothe mild stomach upset.

Marigold: a valuable medicinal herb for skin and coat. It has anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties – ideal for skin irritations or minor injuries. It also strengthens the immune system and helps the body defend itself against infections.

Yarrow: an all-rounder for digestion. It is anti-inflammatory, supports the gastrointestinal tract and stimulates appetite. It also promotes wound healing and can help with mild indigestion or colic.

Which herbs can I feed my dog and when?

Herbs have an amazing healing effect and can help your dog with many ailments. But be careful: not every herb is suitable – some wild herbs are unsuitable for dogs. Before you collect herbs yourself, you should perform thorough research or seek advice from experts.

Safe and simple: Premade herbal blends. It is best to use carefully composed herbal blends that you add to dog food. These blends are tailored to the needs of dogs and provide a safe way to reap the benefits of the herbs.

Targeted support as needed. Herbs can be implemented both as intensive courses of treatment over several weeks as well as permanent support. A calming blend like Super Calm can help strengthen your dog's nerves in the weeks before and after New Year's Eve. Or, if you want to help your dog feel more relaxed all year round, the herbal mixture can also be fed on a longer-term basis.

Gradually increase and feed moderate doses. Start with small amounts so that your dog can slowly get used to the herbs and increase the dose as needed. We recommend feeding no more than two different herbal blends at the same time – one in the morning and one in the evening. Too much of a good thing can reduce nutrient absorption and weaken the desired effect. Please follow the daily feeding recommendations.

Seek veterinary advice. Remember that herbs are meant as a supplement. In case of acute or chronic diseases, you should absolutely consult your vet.

Herbs in the right dosage promote your dog's health and can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet – natural and effective!