- Pet Nutrition Part 9: Herbs and Green Foods
9.1 Medicinal Health
Pets, like humans, can have myriad health concerns.
Many of these concerns are closely related to those we suffer from, as humans, from tummy aches to diarrhea. Pets can get minor infections, colds, itchy skin, or anxiety and behavior issues.
However, pets can react differently to herbs and green foods that we as humans consume. You may find that an herb your pet got into is actually the cause of their upset stomach, versus how it would work normally to calm your own stomach. You never want to put plants, herbs, or anything else within reach of your pet. You also need to consult with a vet regarding natural and herbal remedies that can help alleviate medical or behavioral problems your pet has.
Medically, your pet can suffer just as you do, particularly as it ages. There are a host of herbs and green food creations by manufacturers designed to help with specific needs.
Joint and bone treats or supplements may help keep your dog or cat healthy and more comfortable. These types of treats are designed to keep flexibility and mobility as high as possible for older dogs and cats that are starting to struggle. The herbs target inflammation in the joints, which can reduce mobility. Many supplements for bone health also include calcium. Dogs and cats can develop osteoporosis in their older years, just as humans do, which is why it is necessary to supply calcium to help prevent bone degradation.
Older pets can also suffer from hair loss as a result of anxiety, fleas, or skin problems. Your older pet may have developed a behavioral issue that is displayed through too much grooming. Not only can you provide a safe, natural herbal remedy to help calm your pet, but you can also provide a way to keep their coat and skin healthy. Herbal treats and remedies for coat health will bring back the shine and help with re-growing hair.
9.2 Fleas & Skin Problems
Dogs and cats are susceptible to external problems that occur from insect bites, fungus, mites, and/or allergic reactions to toxins in the environment.
Animals can be hypersensitive to fleas, which may cause them to develop dermatitis problems. The skin will become itchy, red, swollen, and inflamed from a single flea bite. Dermatitis in your cat or dog is common and reveals itself through chronic biting, rubbing of their skin, and scratching.
Eczema and psoriasis can also occur due to internal problems, usually related to liver function. Herbs can be used to treat these medical issues.
Never give your cat salicylates, which are found in aspirin. The ingredient can lead to an overdose in your cat, which is often fatal. Herbs like salicin found in white willow and birch also need to be avoided.
If you are going to use herbs and green foods for your pets, make certain these are not provided by you at home until you have confirmed they are approved recipes. There are treats sold with herbs and green foods designed to treat medical maladies your pets may suffer from.
If you do decide to feed your pet herbs for the health benefits from home, you will usually use fresh or dried herbs. You can sprinkle the herbs over your pet's food or create a herbal infusion by placing the herbs in your pet's water.
You can also provide herbs for your pet through capsules. These are generally sold as supplements in the pet store. Since capsules are more difficult to digest, you are better off going with treats that are not in capsule form.
• Alfalfa – used to treat arthritis pain. It can also provide cardiovascular help to animals. When combined with yucca in your animal's food, it helps reduce unpleasant odors such as feces and urine.
• Aloe – as with humans, pets can find topical relief from aloe. It helps reduce itching and inflammation around insects and flea bites. It can also be used for rashes and minor burns. Suppose your cat or dog accidentally touched something hot. In that case, you can help reduce the swelling and inflammation from the burn with aloe. It is best to apply the aloe extract when your pet is ready for a nap. It will prevent them from licking it off.
• Yucca – this is used mostly for digestive health. If you notice your pet has a distinctive and potent odor to their waste, you can provide yucca in their food. Odors are generally present when the food being given to your pet does not agree with their system. However, if you have tried various types of foods and found that there is still an odor, add yucca. It will help with both urine and feces odors.
• Lavender – lavender is great for older dogs as a massage oil. It can be used in the morning to help remove stiffness from old age, as well as to repel ticks and fleas. It is best for dogs.
• Sage – a cooled sage tisane is great for both cats and dogs that suffer from ringworm infections. Soaking your pet in the tisane twice a day can really help alleviate some of their issues.
• Valerian – for stress relief.
• Fennel – is very effective as a natural method to drive fleas away from your pet.
• Anise (Aniseed) – can be used to help relax your pet. Putting aniseed and fennel in your dog's bed along with blankets will encourage your dog to sleep in that area versus on your bed.
'Anise' is used to categorize a group of spices of a similar taste. 'Aniseed' is an herb from the parsley family that produces small seeds. This is OK for dogs in small amounts – since it is considered the doggie equivalent of cat nip. 'Star Anise' is different (a member of the magnolia family). Used in the essential oil, it is deemed harmful to dogs.
Most of these herbs are for topical use. You will apply the extract to the skin and fur to help drive away fleas, help with cracked skin, or help relieve pain. Valerian, for example, can help relax your pet, whether it is for a car ride to the vet or during dreaded thunderstorms. Valerian can also be ingested in water or food.
Serving Up Herbs
To avoid feeding your pet something they may not react well to, you may want to purchase treats.
There are several brands. Many of these brands are meant for specific health issues. There are specifically herb treats designed with herb plants and other green plants that have health benefits.
The brand is not as important as the type of ingredients found in the treats. As stated, it is good to be concerned about your pet and how it will react to the herb when it is ingested. Even topically, herbs are going to be ingested when your cat or dog grooms themselves.
There are also several organic wet foods and dry foods you can serve your pet. These are sold by leading manufacturers as all-natural and without animal by-products to ensure the health of your pet.
If you decide that you are going to feed your animal herbs and green foods, you should be aware that most animals do not require vegetables or fruits. A few added in for fiber or to help keep the food solid is acceptable, but most often, you want to feed your pet a high-protein diet.
Plants lose 30-60% of their Vitamin E content during drying. Source: newtonvetclinic.com
The brand is not important; it is the ingredients contained within it. You definitely want to shop by the flavor, format, or type and your budget. The flavor needs to be made with all-natural ingredients.
Even though these are herbal supplements, some manufacturers may decide to add in things your pet does not need.
When looking at flavor, consider if you want fish, beef, or another type of protein added in with the herbs and green foods.
The format or type is caplet, capsule, spray, or tablet. Capsule form is harder to digest. You want to have a format that is easy to chew and digest so that your pet receives the benefits of the supplements.
Pregnancy and Herbs
Any animal that you breed will need to have a proper diet.
In other modules on feeding and pregnancy, you learned that increasing the food you provide to a dog or cat will help with the energy your pet needs to grow their babies. You also read a little about adding supplements to help with the mother's diet. Some of the herbal supplements sold in pet stores are a lot like the pre-natal vitamins human mothers take to ensure their baby is growing well. If you are going to provide a vitamin for your pregnant pet, make certain you speak with a vet and choose a supplement that contains the herbs that will really help your pet.
Herbs that you should consider in a supplement include omega-3 fatty acids, folate, calcium, iron, dulce, vitamin C, and vitamin D.
Dulce is a type of sea algae that contains iron. However, you will find that more natural foods have sufficient iron since iron is also found in meat products. Iron is particularly important to prevent anemia and form the appropriate red blood cell counts required for a healthy pet during pregnancy.
Green Foods
Green foods, whether they are vegetables, fruits, proteins, supplements, or herbs, are always organic and all-natural.
They are not made in a factory where by-products, insecticides, and other harmful chemicals can affect the health benefits of the foods.
You can make your own pet food that is organic, green, and all-natural. Making your own food will require starting off with ingredients that are all-natural and organically grown. Buy just enough to make the appropriate amount of food for an entire week. Like your food spoils, the raw food you feed your pet will expire. You can also freeze it to keep it longer. This helps keep more water in the food as it thaws and ensures your pet is getting enough water with their meal.
When you make your own food, you will leave out things like wheat gluten, but you will want to add barley, brown rice, or fresh veggies.
For the meat, you need to choose an appropriate cut based on the type of pet you own. Some shops sell pet-grade organic meats that you purchase and take home to make your own food. You can also get similar cuts in the regular market and trim the fat. There are various recipes available online if you wish to go down this route.
Part 9 Summary
Giving herbs and green food to your pet is about more than just serving natural, organic foods; it is about helping your cat or dog to be healthier because of the nutrients you provide.
Some herbs won't help your pet. But for certain health ailments, herbs can help with the pain or discomfort your pet is feeling.
You have discovered how alfalfa, yucca, aloe, anise, and other herbs can be added to your pet's diet or used topically to alleviate pain or discomfort.
You also understand how herbs and green foods can help during an animal's pregnancy to ensure the health of the mother and her offspring.
Premium Pet Nutrition: Treat Your Furry Friends to the Best
Ready to give your furry friend the best in nutrition? At Hot Diggity Dog Resort, we offer a curated selection of premium pet foods and homemade treats for dogs, cats, horses, and even humans! Whether you need high-quality kibble, delicious homemade snacks, or specialty diets, we've got you covered. Explore our full range of products and treat your pet to the health and happiness they deserve. Visit our Healthy Pet Foods page for premium options for dogs, cats, and horses, along with supplements for humans. Don't forget to check out our top homemade dog treat recipes—because your pet deserves the best, inside and out!
For more on pet nutrition, visit our Hot Diggity Dog Blog and explore other modules in this series.