8 Herbs and Spices That Are Good for Pets

Did you know that you can season your pet's food or treats? It's true! Adding pet-friendly herbs and spices not only adds flavor, but also disease-fighting antioxidants to their meals.

In celebration of National Herbs & Spices Day on June 10th, learn how you can add vitality-boosting flavor to your pet's food, and what you should know before reaching into your spice cabinet.

Precautions About Herbs and Spices for Pets

While herbs and spices can be beneficial for pets, every cat and dog is different. Only introduce new ingredients to your pets in small amounts, and just one at a time in the event that your pet has an adverse reaction.

Cats, in particular, lack the liver enzymes to safely metabolize active compounds in many herbs and essential oils. Dogs, on the other hand, are less sensitive to herbs, spices, and plant extracts, but can still have adverse reactions, especially when it comes to undiluted essential oils.

Herbs and spices, especially in their dried and extracted forms, can be very potent even in small amounts. And while the effects of some herbs and spices for dogs and cats have been explored in research studies, there are no known safe recommended dosages that apply to all pets.Always talk to your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet.

8 Herbs and Spices That Are Good for Pets

1. Turmeric

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? Yes!

Benefits of Turmeric for Pets
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that's known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce pain and inflammation, support heart health, and may even prevent cancer, thanks to its key ingredient curcumin .

Curcumin is a fat-soluble compound, and when turmeric is simply mixed into food, it's not efficiently absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract. For best use, give turmeric in the form of golden paste, which is made with a fat source like coconut oil.

How to give your pets Turmeric
Turmeric contains naturally occurring bright yellow pigments that may stain your pet's fur. It also has a distinct peppery taste that some pets do not readily accept. As turmeric must be combined with a fat source, improper dosing can lead to pancreatitis in pets that are sensitive to fat. For best use, give golden paste or turmeric under the guidance of a holistic or integrative veterinarian, or try a made-for-pets joint support supplement , holistic herbal remedy for pets or treats that contain turmeric.

2. Catnip

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? Yes!

Benefits of Catnip for Pets
Catnip is a herb that's related to mint. You may already give your cat a dried catnip as a treat or use it to make their toys and scratching posts more enticing. Around 60% of cats experience a reaction to the scent of catnip, becoming affectionate or playful when they chew, sniff, or roll around in the herb. When eaten, though, catnip has a mild sedative effect on both dogs and cats.

Catnip, like other herbs in the mint family, can also relieve indigestion by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract and stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.

How to Give your Pets Catnip
Dried catnip , found in most pet supply stores, can be sprinkled over food to promote calmness in both dogs and cats. It can also be steeped as a "tea" or baked into treats.

3. Ginger

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? Yes!

Benefits of Ginger for Pets
Ginger is a spice with a slightly sweet, spicy flavour. It's well-known for its ability to soothe nausea and indigestion, but its active compounds also have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. So, not only can you give your pets ginger when they're likely to have mild gastric upset, you can also give it daily for disease prevention and to help manage pain and inflammation.

How to Give Your Pets Ginger
Dry or fresh grated ginger can be sprinkled over food or baked into homemade treats, though it's best used in small amounts, as it has a powerful spicy flavor and can cause gastric distress when given in excess. You can also find pet holistic remedies, supplements, and treats that contain the stomach-soothing, disease-fighting power of ginger.

4. Anise

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? Yes!

Benefits of Anise for Pets
Anise is a herb in the Parsley family that's traditionally used in baked goods. It's rich in iron and manganese, which support healthy blood cell production and energy metabolism. Like many other herbs, it can also help ease digestion.

Anise seed may also have similar properties to antidepressants. Anise is known as "catnip for dogs." Some dogs are attracted to the scent, which, like catnip, can cause dogs to feel hyperactive and playful. When ingested, though, it can have anxiety-relieving effects.

How to Give your Pets Anise
Anise can be used to bake homemade treats or sprinkled over your pet's food. As with other herbs, use in small amounts - a little can go a long way.

5. Oregano

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? No!

Benefits of Oregano for Dogs
Oregano is a fragrant herb from the mint family. Unlike other mints, though, it's toxic to cats because it contains phenols, or plant oils that cats are unable to metabolize, potentially leading to liver failure if ingested. For dogs, though, the phenols carvacrol and thymol have potent antifungal and antibacterial properties, so it may help fight infection. Oregano can also neutralize oral bacteria that cause bad breath.

How to Give Your Dog Oregano Dried or fresh oregano can be sprinkled over your dog's food or added to homemade treats. In moderate to large amounts, though, it can cause gastric upset, as indicated by its status as a mild toxin by the ASPCA. Also, keep in mind that while oregano can be given to help support a healthy immune system, it is not a substitute for antibiotics or other veterinary treatment for an existing infection. Oregano can also be found in therapeutic pet foods and as a natural preservative in dog treats.

6. Parsley

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? No!

Benefits of Parsley for Dogs
Parsley is a fresh-tasting herb that's commonly used as a garnish or salad topping. It's related to carrots and fennel. It contains the active compounds myricetin and quercetin, which give it its antiseptic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It's traditionally used to prevent urinary tract infections, freshen breath, and soothe digestion. Curly parsley is the only variety known to be safe for dogs, while all varieties are mildly toxic to cats.

How to Give Your Dogs Parsley
You can sprinkle chopped fresh or dried parsley over your dog's food or add to homemade treats for fresher breath. It can also be steeped into tea and cooled to make a refreshing beverage, or added to homemade frozen or baked treats. Parsley has a diuretic effect that flushes out the urinary tract, so it can help prevent - but not treat - recurring urinary tract infections. Pets that show signs of an active urinary tract infection need urgent veterinary care.

7. Cinnamon

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? No!

Benefits of Cinnamon for Dogs
Cinnamon is a slightly sweet spice that's derived from the bark of the cinnamomum tree. Cinnamon contains several active compounds that contribute a wide range of health benefits, from digestive support, antimicrobial properties that may help fight infections, and inflammatory and analgesic properties to help fight pain. It's also known to support heart health and blood sugar regulation.

How to Give your Dog Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be sprinkled over your dog's food or baked into treats. It's a flavorful addition to pumpkin or apple based treat recipes, and a popular ingredient in healthy dog ​​biscuits and treats .

8. Peppermint

Safe for Dogs? Yes!

Safe for cats? No!

Benefits of Peppermint for Dogs
Peppermint is packed with beneficial components like terpenes, flavonoids, and menthol that have a calming effect on the digestive system. Adding mint to your dog's food or treats can help fight inflammation and help relieve pain. As you might expect, this aromatic herb can freshen breath and help fight bacteria that cause dental disease.

How to give your dog peppermint

Fresh peppermint can be chopped and sprinkled over your dog's food or added to homemade treat recipes. You can also steep peppermint in boiled water and allow it to cool to make a refreshing, tummy-soothing tea.

VISION

Every pet deserves to live a long, happy, healthy life.